About this place

Design and Architecture

The stadium was designed through a collaboration between Populous (formerly HOK Sport) and Houston Stadium Consultants, incorporating the principles of kinetic architecture. One of its most defining features is the retractable roof, made of fabric and designed to open or close in just seven minutes. The roof consists of two massive panels that split at the 50-yard line and glide on tracks above the field, offering flexibility for both open-air and indoor events.

Large expanses of glass and a translucent roof allow for natural light and create a sense of openness throughout the structure. The interior includes over 7,000 club seats and nearly 200 luxury suites, offering a premium experience for fans and corporate guests. The stadium can also be transformed to host meetings, concerts, and exhibitions with up to 125,000 square feet of available event space.

Home Teams and Tenants

NRG Stadium is the proud home of the NFL’s Houston Texans and also hosts the annual Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo, one of the largest rodeo events in the world. Additionally, it serves as the venue for the Texas Bowl and the Texas Kickoff Game, as well as select matches for the U.S. and Mexico national soccer teams.

Notable Events

The stadium has hosted a number of high-profile events, including Super Bowl XXXVIII in 2004 and Super Bowl LI in 2017, where the New England Patriots made a historic comeback against the Atlanta Falcons. It was also the venue for WrestleMania 25 in 2009 and the College Football Playoff National Championship in 2024. Looking ahead, NRG Stadium is set to be one of the host venues for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

Renovations and Upgrades

Over the years, NRG Stadium has undergone multiple renovations to remain at the cutting edge of stadium technology and fan experience. In 2015, the natural grass field was replaced with a permanent artificial turf, and since 2017, the stadium has used Matrix Turf with Helix Technology by Hellas Construction. Major digital displays were also added in 2013, making them among the largest in professional sports at the time.

After Super Bowl LI, the venue received its first significant renovation in 15 years, updating team facilities and modernizing office spaces to match the standards of newly built NFL stadiums.

Hurricane Ike and Recovery

In September 2008, NRG Stadium suffered damage from Hurricane Ike, including sections of its roof being torn off. This forced the rescheduling of multiple NFL games. However, the stadium’s structure remained intact and repairs were completed by early 2009, allowing the venue to quickly resume its regular programming.

Cultural Impact

NRG Stadium is more than just a sports arena; it is a cultural centerpiece in Houston. It has welcomed artists like George Strait, who set the stadium’s attendance record with over 80,000 fans, and is set to host Beyoncé for the NFL’s first-ever Christmas Day halftime show in 2024. In a lighter moment, the stadium was temporarily renamed “NRG Stadium (Taylor’s Version)” in 2023 to celebrate Taylor Swift’s Eras Tour.