NRG Stadium opened in 2002 to become the first retractable roof facility in the NFL. Houston is home to a Houston Oilers, which was formed in 1960. First, the Oilers played at Astrodome, Houston, which was the first multipurpose dome stadium in the country. Later in the 1980s, the owner of Oilers, Adams became dissatisfied by Astrodome as it was one of the smallest NFL stadiums. Even after refurbishment and addition of 10,000 more seats, Adams decided to move his club to Nashville after the 1996 season where they were rebranded as Tennessee Titans.
The Houston NFL Holdings Group was formed in 1997 under Bob McNair, which intended to bring an NFL franchise back to the district. They commissioned HOK sport to develop an advanced stadium with a retractable roof, which was later named as NRG Stadium. When NFL announced the selection of a new team in the league to become the 32nd team, Houston and Los Angeles participated. Houston failed to get the position at first, but in 1999, NFL rescinded the LA expansion franchise and selected Houston. As soon as they got the position, the new team, Houston Texans, partnered with the Livestock Show and Rodeo to build the planned stadium. Houston Texans played their first match on Sep 8, 2002, against Dallas Cowboys at the NRG Stadium which was then called Reliant Stadium. Today NRG Stadium hosts the NFL matches as well as several other festivals and events throughout the year.
How to get to NRG Stadium
NRG is a part of a vast complex that also includes Astrodome, which is now turned into a convention hall. The stadium is located 7-8 miles southwest to Houston downtown. From the George Bush Intercontinental Airport, it will take at least an hour to reach the stadium. You can drive by a car and park in the ample spacing available outside the stadium. If you are season-ticket holder, you will get the first dibs to park closest to the arena. You can still park nearby the area and take a walk if you are there for a single game.
You can also take the Red Line option on Houston’s light-rail system. Stop at the Stadium Park/Astrodome station, and from there, you will have to take a long walk around the parking lot of Astrodome to reach NRG stadium.
Other things to do around NRG Stadium
There are plenty of things to do after the game if you plan on staying a little longer near NRG stadium. You can tailgate around the stadium with other Texans fans or have your own group set up a party outside. You can also visit some of the restaurants nearby. If you are using light rail, you will pass through several Houston attractions, such as the Museum of Natural Science, Museum of Fine Arts, and Houston Zoo. It is suggested that you buy a Metro pass if you have plans on taking a tour to these destinations.
