NRG Stadium (Houston)

📌 Key Facts:

• Location: Houston, Texas — part of NRG Park complex.

• Opened: August 24, 2002, replacing the Astrodome.

• Capacity: Approximately 72,220 for football; expandable up to ~80,000 for special events.

• Home Team: NFL’s Houston Texans. Also hosts RodeoHouston and major collegiate games.

• Architect / Surface: Designed by HOK Sport (now Populous), featuring a retractable roof and Hellas Matrix Helix turf.

• Temporary Name: Will be referred to as “Houston Stadium” during the World Cup per FIFA regulations. (Also known as Houston Stadium).

📚 Historical Significance:

• First NFL stadium with a retractable roof and used for Super Bowls XXXVIII and LI, WrestleMania XXV, the 2024 College Football Playoff Final, and hosted the 2025 Concacaf Gold Cup Final.

🏗 Architecture and Features:

• Retractable roof composed of two panels that open in ~7 minutes; originally a pioneering multi-purpose design.

• Undergoing renovations ahead of the World Cup: turf replacement with natural grass, corner removal and seating reconfiguration for FIFA-compliant pitch dimensions, upgraded LED lighting and video boards, seat replacements, improved digital systems and amenities.