Traveling to NRG-advice needed

Here we go! Week 2 against the Colts lands on my birthday so, of course, I am celebrating by attending my first-ever Texans game. We are driving in the day before from Austin and staying in the Medical center area by the zoo. I need some advice about getting to and from the stadium.

Our original plan was to use the public transportation system Texas Medical Center Transit Center. Easy. But I have decided it’s my birthday and I want ALL the things. So we will have tickets for an 8pm concert- back in Austin. It's a 2.5 hour drive.

Is there any reason we should worry about getting back to the transit station and back to the hotel by 5pm? Should we just pay 32 to park in Maroon?

Bonus Question- If I wanted to see what tailgating is all about, any recommendations?