Any team that wants to pay for it with it's own money with neither direct or indirect public subsidy..
There are people on this planet that believe nrg is better than sofi, having been to both this is ridiculously laughable, however the documented experiences of the foreign fans in American stadiums has shown us to be a bit spoiled, there is absolutely nothing wrong with nrg stadium.
I felt this way before. Back when Bud Adams was insisting on never ending subsidized improvements to the Astrodome just because other teams were in the process of being bribed and he wanted his own bribes. This is part of the legacy in Houston. We have innovated from the beginning including building a city out of a swamp that has become a national treasure. Then others build upon our innovation and we become dissatisfied with our model rather than take pride in the innovation others stand on. I'd prefer to innovate improvements rather than discard them. I know some want a new stadium simply because they have not had or remembered a past experience with a new stadium. They do not understand pride in the innovation rather than just the age. I'd prefer an innovative use of the historically significant Astrodome to preservation of decaying ruins. I believe it can be done if we just treat it as the project of innovation worthy of the effort it will require rather than an excuse to move on. Then utilizing land freed up from using the Astrodome as a centerpiece of logistical innovation along with accessibility innovations at NRG to modernize the land use of the existing campus and perhaps the adjoining underutilized portions of the old six flags site, perhaps we can once again show the world that innovation has remained a Houston specific feature of our character. I tend to have a fuzzy definition of WE simply because I was born, raised and currently reside 100 miles away from the city proper, though i did live and work there for a substantial portion of the time between 1975 through 1991.
Texans are not going for a new stadium now. The Toro District satisfies many of the needs a new stadium would fulfill. It is is all about keeping up with the Jones now. The Rodeo always plays a part in this. What you will see is a MASSIVE renovation of Reliant. That will also include a solution for the Astrodome (The Preservation society has been a pain in the ass about that). They will keep the shell and make it a mixed use facility. Reliant will get a new roof and the interior makeover. The city/county like having the stadium where it is at because the land is already owned (including the old Astroworld land). There is no where to put a stadium downtown and the Kirby location is basically centrally located for the Houston-area's growth. It is also much cheaper to do a renovation.
‘RODEO ANNOUNCES TRANSFORMATIONAL, MULTIMILLION-DOLLAR INVESTMENT TO BUILD NEW AGRICULTURAL COMPLEX’ The Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo today announced plans for a landmark livestock and agricultural complex on its property along Highway 288. This represents one of the most significant private investments ever made for agriculture and education as well as the largest single facilities investment in the organization’s more than 90-year history. … The Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo will remain at Reliant Park, where it has proudly called home for more than 65 years. The new complex is designed to complement, not replace, existing operations and to ensure continuity of year-round mission-driven events. “For more than two decades Reliant Arena has been at the heart of our horse and livestock show operations,” said Wesley Sinor, chairman of the board of the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo. “But as the facility where we host many of these events has reached the end of its useful life, it’s been clear that we need to act. This investment is a commitment to our students, our exhibitors and the future of agriculture. It’s required us to look ahead to our centennial and beyond to ensure we are meeting that responsibility for generations to come.” During the annual Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo, this new complex will host all horse show competitions, some livestock shows, junior and open breeding shows, archery competitions, agricultural mechanics, commercial auctions and educational contests, including 4-H and intercollegiate programming. While many livestock events will move, some will continue to be held at Reliant Center. In the off-season, the facility will support year-round use for educational programming, committee meetings, fundraisers, auctions and galas. The project will also create a dedicated year-round space for agricultural, youth and Western heritage programming that supports exhibitors, volunteers and partnerships with agricultural education organizations. The flexible building design allows for seamless adaptability and a wide range of unique event experiences throughout the year. … Construction will span several years, with the goal of welcoming guests in time for the 2029 Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo. More information will be shared this fall, including plans for a groundbreaking ceremony slated for late 2026.
As much as I hate to say this...Jerry Jones and Arlington got it right and I fully understand why the McNair's might want to look at building a new complex and stadium away from NRG. I went to the England/Croatia game at "Dallas Stadium" last week and I get it now. It was my first time to go to that stadium. The whole area around the stadium is nice and gives fans something to do near the stadium pre and post game. You look at that and things like Texas Live! and then you look at the surrounding area of NRG and it's kind of depressing from a Houstonian's perspective. I imagine, at some point, it's going to have to start affecting the ability to attract more of these huge events. I'm surprised it hasn't already. Sad thing is, there's not much they can do where NRG is. The Astrodome is a horrible eroding eyesore that no one will make a decision on. The Astroworld land is unusable due to heavy contamination.
This means more traffic for me commuting from Pearland to downtown for work! Upon closer inspection of the first image, it looks like the northwest corner of 288 South and Airport Blvd. The green roof building across the street from the complex appears to be HCC South Campus and the gas station on the other side of the freeway is Shell/BurgerKing. Great idea but terrible for traffic! I'm still waiting for the 288 toll lanes to drop in price after the private company sold to TxDOT back in late 2024 but that doesn't appear to be happening any time soon.
