HOUSTON, TX – The Harris County – Houston Sports Authority and its Board of Directors celebrated Mayor Sylvester Turner’s contributions to Houston’s sporting landscape with a Victory Lap Celebration at Shell Energy Stadium on Thursday, October 26, 2023. 

The evening included celebratory remarks from HCHSA officials, a confetti “Gatorade shower”, and, in sports tradition, a #62 Turner jersey was dropped from the rafters, recognizing his tenure as the 62nd Mayor of Houston. 

As a special surprise, Mayor Turner was given a painting by Houston artist Opie Otterstad. Otterstad is licensed by MLB, sanctioned by the NBA, NFL, and NHL, and is the official artist of the Houston Sports Hall of Fame paintings. 

Mayor Turner was also gifted a commemorative championship ring by Fred Cuellar of Diamond Cutters International, who also designs the rings for the Houston Sports Hall of Famers.

During his time in office, the City of Houston has hosted more major sporting events than any other major city in the United States. Under Turner, the city hosted Super Bowl 51 in 2017, the U.S. Women’s Open in 2020, the NCAA Men’s Final Four in both 2016 and 2023, 4 World Series, and multiple national and international sports competitions.

Towards the end of his term, Houston was named a host city for the 2026 FIFA World Cup and secured the College Football Playoff Championship Game, which will be played on January 8, 2024, at NRG Stadium.