The rice University Owl Club serves as both the annual fund for Rice athletics and “The Team Behind The Teams.” It is the only organization that generates annual unrestricted financial support for the Rice Athletics program. Funds raised annually are applied to meeting expenses for equipment, travel, tutoring, coaching and other sports-related costs at Rice University as determined by the Athletic Director.

The most compelling reason to join the Owl Club is to tangibly voice your support for the Rice athletics program at a time when it is crucial. The Rice University Board of Trustees announced its re-commitment to Division 1-A athletics in Spring 2004, so there is no better moment for our fans, friends and families to step up and join or renew their membership in the Owl Club. Owl Club membership is your vote of confidence and support, and it also enables you to access special privileges for athletic events.

What are the privileges of membership?

The Owl Club is an interactive way to financially support Rice athletic. Our members receive special benefits as a result of their gifts, including . . .

• Communications about the progress of our athletics program, upcoming events and Owl Club activities
• Hospitality during home football, basketball and baseball games
• Reserved and/or personalized parking for home football, basketball, baseball and volleyball games.
• Travel opportunities with the teams or with fellow members to away games
• “Owl Club only” event invitations and special “Owl Club only” rates for events
• Ticket priority for tournaments and post-season play
• Depending on the level of your gift, a significant tax deduction.

Each year, our benefits improve and are outlined on our pledge card.

When does membership start?

Owl Club memberships last from July 1 through June 30 each year and must be renewed annually by June 30 to receive the next year’s benefits.

In addition to giving unrestricted Owl Club gifts, many of our Owl Club members have created a named scholarship for a specific sport in honor of family members, current or former athletes, or coaches who have made a different in their lives. The Owl Club staff is happy to discuss these endowed gifts as well as planned gifts—enabling your gift to live on in perpetuity in support of Rice athletics.

Please call us at 713.348.6957, or send us an e-mail at owlclub@rice.edu.

To make your pledge, download the pledge form (pdf file) and mail it to The Owl Club, Rice University Athletics, 6100 Main Street MS 546, Houston, Texas 77005. You may also send it to the Owl Club by fax at 713.348.6925.