NRG Stadium is a multi-purpose venue in Houston, Texas and home to the Houston Texans (NFL) and the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo. The stadium hosts NFL games, college football, concerts, supercross, and major international events year-round, and is one of the 11 U.S. host venues for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
Overview
NRG Stadium opened in 2002 as the first NFL venue to feature a retractable roof. Located at 1 NRG Parkway in Houston, the stadium anchors the NRG Park complex on the city’s south side and is adjacent to NRG Astrodome and NRG Arena. Designed by HOK Sport (now Populous), the venue replaced the Astrodome as the home of major Houston-area events. NRG Energy holds naming rights, which were transferred from Reliant Energy in 2014.
Fast facts
- Location: Houston, Texas (1 NRG Parkway)
- Teams: Houston Texans (NFL), Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo
- Capacity: 72,220
- Opened: August 24, 2002
- Construction: 2000–2002
- Cost: $352 million
- Surface: Hybrid Bermuda grass
- Premium Seating: 196 luxury suites and 8,200 club seats
Architectural Features
Designed by HOK Sport (now Populous), NRG Stadium was a pioneer in modern multi-purpose venue design:
- The first NFL stadium with a retractable roof, opening or closing in approximately seven minutes
- Two massive end-zone video boards upgraded during recent renovations
- A trifold roof system that splits along the 50-yard line
- An open-concept concourse with sightlines back to the field
NRG Park Complex
NRG Stadium is the centerpiece of NRG Park, a 350-acre sports and exhibition complex featuring:
- NRG Astrodome (the world’s first multi-purpose domed stadium, currently inactive)
- NRG Arena (exhibition and event venue)
- NRG Center (one of the largest convention venues in Texas)
- Adjacent to METRORail Red Line for direct downtown access
Major Events
NRG Stadium has hosted numerous high-profile events including:
- Super Bowl XXXVIII (2004)
- Super Bowl LI (2017) — featuring the Patriots’ historic comeback against the Falcons
- NCAA Men’s Final Four (2011, 2016, 2023, 2026)
- Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo (annually) — one of the largest events of its kind in the world
- College Football Playoff games and the Texas Bowl
- WrestleMania 25 (2009) and other major events
Upcoming major events:
- 2026 FIFA World Cup — scheduled to host seven matches