Other name programs have probably told Rice the same thing. For example, if San Jose expands to 50,000 plus, they could get Cal and Stanfurd to play there occasionally, and maybe other Pac-10 schools as well. The big attendance for those games will really boost average attendance. You can attract big-name teams to your place if you have a big arena. You'll get a big turnout for those games, and it will boost your average attendance.
Rice is a good example here.
Texas is willing to play the Owls at the Summit in Houston, but they won't play at 5,000-seat Autry Court on campus. Other name programs have probably told Rice the same thing.