Texans Potentially Eyeing Plans for New Stadium
Source: A general overall view of the NRG Stadium facade on December 23, 2024 in Houston, Texas. (Kirby Lee/Getty Images)
HOUSTON — NRG Stadium has been the home of the Houston Texans since the NFL‘s most recent expansion team began playing football in 2002, but reportedly the team isn’t feeling too sentimental about their home these days. The Texans are reportedly looking at options for a new stadium in the near future, according to the Houston Chronicle.
Replacing the Astrodome, which was vacated by the Nashville-bound Houston Oilers in 1997, as the host of NFL football and other major events, NRG Stadium is quickly becoming antiquated seemingly by an arms race to upgrade or replace aging football stadiums with state-of-the-art venues across the country.
The stadium has hosted events like Super Bowl XXXVIII, Super Bowl LI, PBR’s tour, the Houston Livestock Show & Rodeo, the Texas Bowl, SWAC Championship games, the 2024 College Football Playoff National Championship, Monster Jam and the 2011, 2016 and 2023 Men’s Final Four. It’s also set to host the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
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Despite being a constant selection for major events, the aging amenities of NRG Stadium make future opportunities increasingly less likely. The Texans have been among the groups pushing for major renovations to take place at their home stadium:
“Our priority has always been to support a renovation of NRG Stadium and that’s where our focus remains,” a spokesperson for the Texans said in a statement. “As we’ve said before, we are committed to exploring all potential solutions to ensure long-term success and we look forward to working with the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo, Harris County and HCSCC in identifying the best path forward.”
However, the cost of renovations to NRG Stadium will likely place another burden on tax payers, who are still paying off the cost of NRG Stadium. They’ll be footing the stadium’s construction cost bill until at least 2056. A study claims NRG Stadium’s long-term maintenance will cost Harris County $1.4 billion over the next 30 years, according to ABC 13.
Source: Cornerback D’Angelo Ross #37 of the Houston Texans returns a blocked kick for a touchdown during the second half of an AFC Wild Card game against the Los Angeles Chargers at NRG Stadium on January 11, 2025 in Houston, Texas. (Brooke Sutton/Getty Images)
When it comes to the cost of building a new stadium, it could be funded privately, by tax payers or jointly. One such example of a joint payment is the NFL’s Jacksonville Jaguars, who’s $1.4 billion “stadium of the future” is slated to open in 2028, is being funded by a 55%-45% split, with the city paying the majority.
With the recent success of the Texans, the team may be able to put more pressure on Harris County for financial assistance if they decided a new stadium is their preferred option. Houston lost the Oilers after the city balked on paying 75% of the cost for a new stadium, which led to owner Bud Adams shopping the team in other markets before their eventual move. Despite the financial burden a new stadium may throw on tax payers, the idea of another NFL leaving Houston isn’t something the city may want to risk.
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One major signal to what the Texans are considering is their recent hire of team president Mike Tomon. The team made mention of his “extensive background in stadium development” when they announced his hire. Tomon oversaw the construction of Sofi Stadium in Los Angeles, Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas and the Buffalo Bill’s future “New” Highmark Stadium. Both Sofi Stadium and Allegiant Stadium have hosted Super Bowls in the five years.
Whether NRG Stadium gets an upgrade in the coming years, or the Texans officially push for a new stadium in the near future, the situation is something to monitor.
Texans Potentially Eyeing Plans for New Stadium was originally published on 93qcountry.com