The Rice University Neologisms Database

a relatively linear row of tents featuring various carnival-type games and food, an alley Thus, members of the Hoots club are trying to show their support for Rice’s football team while entertaining fans with children. Tailgate Owley is a place for families to take their children before a Rice football game; thus, the “alley” aspects of Owley refer to the fact that it’s a fairly linear area in which tailgating activities occur and the “owl” in Owley refers to the Rice Owls.