The Sporting Life

Houston is a sporting town. We've got, count 'em, one, two, three new stadiums, the latest of which, the Toyota Center, is slated to open next month. The Aeros brought home the Calder Cup this year, the Rice baseball team triumphed in the College World Series, the Texans provided another shocking win in their season opener, the Astros are holding steady at the top of their division, the Comets hold four WNBA championships, and the Rockets, well, they've got Yao. Add to that the Super Bowl coming to Reliant Stadium in February and Major League Baseball's All-Star Game coming to Minute Maid Park next summer, and it's clear that the Bayou City is well on its way to becoming the sports capital of the country. In honor of our city's sports successes, we've made Best of Houston 2003 a guide to the sporting life. We know Houstonians are game for anything, so we've put together the best in every category: City Life, Arts & Entertainment, Goods & Services, Restaurants, Dishes & Drinks and, of course, Sports & Recreation. From the Best Acupuncturist to the Best Astro, we'll tell you who scores. We've also asked Comet Tina Thompson, Texan Steve McKinney and other local athletes for their picks on places to go and things to do. Even the mascots got in on the act, checking out clubs, restaurants, parks and shops. Welcome to the Best of Houston 2003. Step up to the plate! ‹ Lauren Kern