Dear Rice Community,
On July 1, Rice Athletics will make a monumental transition to a new conference, moving from Conference USA to the American Athletic Conference (AAC). The move provides exciting opportunities and vast potential for growth for Owl sports and our amazing student athletes.
In the AAC, Rice will be partnered with Association of American Universities members Tulane University and the University of South Florida and an old Southwest Conference rival, Southern Methodist University, as well as other schools with close academic and athletic ties to our university.
The move will also provide a high level of valuable visibility and exposure. More games will be televised due to the AAC’s contract with ESPN and the more big-name teams Rice will be competing against.
Being part of the AAC will build on our strengths and enable us to take the next steps in achieving our high aspirations for Rice Athletics, a cornerstone of the student and alumni experiences at Rice.
To celebrate this new era, Athletics’ Ascend Together Campaign will launch this weekend and invite you to be part of this exciting journey. The campaign’s message is that, together, we can accomplish extraordinary things. Your support will not only help Rice Athletics forge a path to immediate competitiveness in the AAC but also equip and empower our student athletes to excel academically and make a positive impact in our community.
How can you make a difference?
Buy season tickets at RiceOwls.com/Tickets: Be there for our student athletes in person, cheering on our teams at every game, in every sport. Your presence and energy can make a tremendous impact and create an electrifying atmosphere.
Donate to the Owl Club at RiceOwls.com/Give: Your contributions directly benefit our student athletes in support of achieving excellence in and out of competition. Every donation, no matter the size, counts and makes a difference.
Support Rice Athletics’ corporate partners at RiceOwls.com/Learfield: Show your appreciation to our corporate partners who invest in our athletic programs. When possible, choose their products or services, and let them know you value their support.
Gear up with Rice Owls merchandise at ShopRiceOwls.com: By proudly wearing our team colors and logos, you demonstrate your loyalty and help spread the spirit of the Rice Owls. Plus, purchasing official merchandise directly supports our programs.
Get ready, it’s time to Ascend Together and show the world that Rice Fight Never Dies — let’s fly, Owls!
Sincerely,
President Reginald DesRoches