It’s all hands on deck for Houston auto, boat shows
For the first time, the Houston auto and boat shows will run concurrently, allowing visitors to check out the latest rides on land and water.
In addition to the 2022 and 2023 vehicles on display Jan. 26-30 at NRG Center, crowdpleasing Houston Auto Show attractions like Camp Jeep and the Ram Test Track will return. Ford, Stellantis and Subaru will be offering on-site test drives of select vehicles to qualified drivers. The single-day admission ticket, good for both shows, is $15.
The timing was right for the landmark undertaking, said Wyatt Wainwright, president of the Houston Auto Dealers Association (HADA).
“New cars are in high demand, thanks to the launch of new models, new technology and never-before-seen supply chain issues,” Wainwright said. “Combining with the Houston Boat Show creates an outstanding first-time event that can be enjoyed by all for one low price.”
The Houston Boat Show will feature more than 200 vendors and showcase the latest in boating and outdoor sports technologies. Sea-Doo will have its new jet-drive pontoon. Boats and recreational vehicles from some of the industry’s biggest names will be represented at NRG Center. The Texas Parks & Wildlife Department also will be on hand to provide information on boating basics and safety.
The COVID-19 pandemic has helped drive up interest in outdoor activities, said Kenneth Lovell, Houston Boat Show president.
“Boating is a social sport that is in high demand,” he said. “If you’ve recently joined the boating community or just want to learn more, the boat show is the place to be.”
Subaru of America, which has donated over $30 million to the ASPCA, will again host pet adoptions as part of the automaker’s Subaru Loves Pets initiative. Since Subaru began hosting adoption events at auto shows in 2018, more than 200 pets have been adopted.
Along with the exciting new cars and trucks arriving in 2022 — some of them electric vehicles — enthusiasts have always enjoyed the Houston Auto Show’s special-interest vehicles. This year about two dozen classics will be displayed as will a special exhibition of cars from the collection of longtime auto dealer Tony Gullo Sr. Attendees can also get a close look at an extensively customized 2007 Chevrolet Corvette that Houston native Michael Tran built himself. The C6 Corvette won the Hot Wheels Legends Tour competition in Spring last September.
Other auto show exhibitors include Texas Truck Works, CutCo knives, Breakthrough
The single-day admission ticket, good for both shows, is $15.
Motors, a die-cast and collectible-car vendor and Ronald McDonald House Charities of Greater Houston Galveston.
All in all, RoShelle Salinas, HADA executive vice president, sees smooth sailing for the combined shows.
“There are some things you start to realize just belong together, like peanut butter and jelly, chips and queso, or baseball and hot dogs,” said Salinas. “When planning this year’s Houston
Auto Show, we realized how well our event goes with the Houston Boat Show. We’re excited about making the most out of this opportunity and welcoming people back to NRG Center.”