NFL team could move stadium after just 23 years

The Houston Texans are reportedly considering moving from the team’s NRG Stadium home, just 23 years after the construction finished.

A report from the Houston Chronicle cites sources “familiar with the Texans' thinking” who revealed that ownership is exploring options for a new stadium. The 72,000-capacity multi-purpose stadium was completed in 2002 at a total cost of $352 million, roughly $615 million when adjusted for inflation.

It was the first NFL stadium to feature a retractable roof and is set to host games at next year’s World Cup, having already hosted two Super Bowls and the 2024 College Football Playoff National Championship.

But despite its relatively young age, the stadium has become a major financial liability for the team. Last December the Harris County Sports & Convention Corporation released an assessment finding $2 billion of necessary repairs. That included $116 million for the roof, which had been damaged during Hurricane Beryl last July.

Ownership has insisted that a renovation of the existing stadium is the most likely course of action but this latest news suggests that at least some thought is been paid to a future away from NRG Stadium.

Texans spokesperson Omar Majzoub explained: “Our priority has always been to support a renovation of NRG Stadium and that’s where our focus remains.”

“As we’ve said before, we are committed to exploring all potential solutions to ensure long-term success and we look forward to working with the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo, Harris County and HCSCC (Harris County Sports & Convention Corporation) in identifying the best path forward.”

The Harris County Sports & Convention Corporation had already been asked to provide to concrete plans for the stadium’s future after deferred maintenance payments hit $500 million. The Texans have played at NRG since their debut NFL season in 2002, when they became the 32nd team in the league.

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