HOUSTON FACTS

Founded in 1836, Houston is the fourth most populous city in the United States. With a population of 5.54 million, ranking sixth nationally.

In 1969, “Houston” was the first word spoken from the moon

Located 23 miles south of Houston, NASA/Johnson Space Center (named for Lyndon B. Johnson)is the training facility for all of America’s astronauts.

Texas Medical Center (TMC) with 49 member institutions is the largest medical complex in the world.

Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo- Houston is home to the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo. The largest rodeo in the world, it attracts more than 1.8 million visitors each year.

Theaters -With more than 14,000 theater seats in a concentrated Theater District, Houston offers a variety of options for theater-goers.

Sports - Houston has sports fever 12 months out of the year. The city boasts nearly every major professional sports team including:

Houston Texans- NFL – Reliant Stadium

Houston Astros - MLB - Minute Maid Park

Houston Rockets- NBA – Toyota Center

Houston Aeros- AHL (hockey) –Toyota Center

Houston Dynamo - MLS (Soccer) – Robertson Stadium

Museums - Explore a world of art, history and nature in the fourth largest Museum District in the United States, featuring 18 world-class museums.

Shopping - While many hear Houston and think oil, space and sports, those in the loop know shopping is Houston's real main attraction. Houston is a city that turns casual shoppers into shopaholics who never want to leave. And why should they? Houston is a shopper's paradise.

Houston Airport System - Consists of three airports: George Bush Intercontinental Airport; William P. Hobby Airport and Ellington Field

Port of Houston - Despite being 50 miles inland from the Gulf of Mexico, the Port of Houston is a world center of waterborne commerce

Weather - Houston’s temperate climate sustains tropical vegetation and allows the city’s residents and visitors an enviable outdoor lifestyle.