After being one of the NFL’s doormats over the early part of the 2020s, the Houston Texans have had a revival over the past two years. They’ve won back-to-back AFC South division titles under head coach DeMeco Ryans and have picked up a pair of playoff victories. While they haven’t been able to get over the hump and make a deep run, it feels like they’re on the right track, which has made NRG Stadium a raucous environment.
The home of the Texans remains a great place to catch a game but at over 20 years old, it could use some improvements. Team owner Cal McNair addressed these issues last week and it could lead to some exciting news for the future of the stadium.
Texans Owner Supports a Renovation of NRG Stadium
According to KPRC2’s Aaron Wilson, McNair wrote a letter to season ticket holders regarding the future of NRG Stadium. The 72,220-seat stadium has been untouched since it opened back in 2002 but McNair stated he supports a renovation as the end of the team’s lease approaches in 2032.
“Although we are seven years away from the expiration of our lease, I want you to know that we are working collaboratively and diligently with our partners…to identify the best path forward,” McNair wrote. “With those partners we have conducted a number of studies and continue to learn more about what we need to be successful under the leadership of our new president, Mike Tomon, who has an extensive history of developing and renovating stadiums.
“We support a renovation of NRG Stadium and are committed to exploring all potential solutions to ensure long-term success. We want to ensure we have a world-class facility that provides a competitive advantage for our team and a great experience for our fans, while standing tall as a community asset. Ultimately with our valued partners, our goal is to find a solution that works for all stakeholders involved where everyone feels like a winner.”
While NRG Stadium has hosted a pair of Super Bowls, the 2024 College Football Playoff National Championship, WrestleMania 25 and will host multiple matches during the 2026 FIFA World Cup, it has been largely untouched and in need of repairs and improvements to remain viable.
Most teams such as the Cleveland Browns and a failed plan by the Chicago Bears have tried to build new stadiums in the suburbs to maximize revenue. But the Texans already have a partnership with the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo, Harris County, and the Houston County Sports & Convention Corporation and don’t sound like they want to go that route. The stadium is also getting new video boards and Wilson noted that negotiations are “active and ongoing” with time left on the current lease.