NRG Stadium
Foto: User eschipul on Flickr · CC BY-SA 2.0 · zdroj
- Capacity
- 71,054
- Year opened
- 2002
- Club
- —
- Country
- United States
Overview
About the stadium
NRG Stadium is a multipurpose, retractable-roof venue in Houston, Texas, in the USA, opened in 2002 with a seating capacity of 71,054. It is home to the National Football League's Houston Texans and also hosts the famous Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo.
Location and surroundings
The stadium sits within the NRG Park complex, which also includes the historic Astrodome. The whole complex is named after the energy company NRG Energy under a 32-year naming-rights deal signed in 2000 and worth 300 million dollars. Thanks to its fabric roof and extensive glazing, the building has an open-air feel and appears to glow from within at night.
Main uses
Beyond home games for the Houston Texans, the stadium serves a wide range of events. It hosts the college Texas Bowl, many matches of the United States men's national soccer team, and friendlies for Mexico's El Tri. It staged Super Bowl XXXVIII (2004) and Super Bowl LI (2017), the 2024 College Football Playoff National Championship, and WrestleMania 25 (2009). In 2026 it is a host venue for the FIFA World Cup.
History
Journey through time
NRG Stadium in Houston was completed in 2002 with a capacity of 71,054 and was the first NFL facility built with a retractable roof. It was conceived as a modern replacement for the Astrodome and has been home to the Houston Texans since the team's inception.
Construction and opening
Construction cost 352 million dollars. The design aimed to operate like an open-air facility while offering the intimacy and comfort of an indoor arena. The stadium opened on 24 August 2002 with a preseason game between the Miami Dolphins and the Houston Texans. The first rodeo was held there in February 2003.
Major renovations
In 2014 the venue was renamed from Reliant Stadium to NRG Stadium after the energy company NRG Energy. During the 2015 season a permanent artificial surface replaced the original natural turf. Following Super Bowl LI, the stadium's first major renovation in fifteen years modernized the office and team facilities to keep it competitive with newer NFL venues.
Notable moments
The stadium has hosted two Super Bowls: Super Bowl XXXVIII in 2004 and Super Bowl LI in 2017, the first Super Bowl ever to go into overtime. In 2008, Hurricane Ike damaged the roof and forced the postponement of a Houston Texans home opener. Ahead of the 2026 tournament, the removal of commercial signage began in April of that year as part of the venue's neutralization.
Atmosphere
Matchday
NRG Stadium in Houston, opened in 2002 with a capacity of 71,054, offers an atmosphere between open sky and enclosed arena thanks to its retractable roof and walls of glass. Home fans of the Houston Texans have built distinctive matchday traditions here.
Fan culture
The heart of the home crowd is a bleacher section behind the north end zone called the Bull Pen. Fans there interact directly with the action on the field and help create the songs, chants, and traditions that spread throughout the stadium. Supporters in the Bull Pen are encouraged to stand, sing, and cheer enthusiastically for the entire game. The venue is also a popular concert stop for major touring acts.
Big matches
The most watched events have included both Super Bowls. Super Bowl XXXVIII in 2004 drew packed crowds, while Super Bowl LI in 2017 became the most dramatic finale yet, the first to reach overtime. The stadium has hosted matches for the United States and Mexico national soccer teams and games of the 2016 Copa América Centenario. In 2026 it will stage seven matches of the FIFA World Cup, including a fixture on Independence Day.
Practical info
Visiting the stadium
NRG Stadium in Houston, Texas, opened in 2002 with a capacity of 71,054, is home to the Houston Texans. It stands within the NRG Park complex alongside the historic Astrodome and is easy to reach for fans attending games and concerts.
How to get there
The stadium is part of the sprawling NRG Park complex south of downtown Houston. The complex is connected to the city's public transit and offers extensive parking that also serves the rodeo and large concerts. Given the size of the crowds, it is wise to allow extra time before an event begins.
Tickets and tours
Tickets for Houston Texans games, the rodeo, concerts, and other events are sold through the official channels of each organizer. Availability and prices vary by event type, from NFL league games and college football to matches of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, when the stadium will be temporarily renamed Houston Stadium.
Visitor tips
- When to arrive: come early, as crowds for marquee events like the Super Bowl or the rodeo can be substantial.
- What to bring: a valid ticket and ID; check the organizer's rules on bags and permitted items.
- What to expect: the retractable roof allows play under open sky or in an enclosed arena depending on the weather.
- Where to cheer: the loudest atmosphere is in the Bull Pen section behind the north end zone.
Map
Where to find the stadium
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Plan your visit
Houston, United States
Accommodation
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