About NRG Stadium
NRG Stadium (formerly Reliant Stadium) is part of Houston's NRG Park complex. The complex also houses the NRG Arena and the NRG Astrodome. It is the first NFL stadium with a retractable roof. The stadium is home to the NFL's Houston Texans and hosts the Texas Bowl, the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo, the US national men's team soccer matches, and several other events. Super Bowls XXXVIII (2004) and LI (2017), as well as WrestleMania 25 (2009), were held here. The stadium also hosts several matches during the FIFA World Cup in 2026. Book NRG Stadium Parking from Way.com
NRG Stadium History
NRG Stadium is a multi-purpose venue in Houston, Texas that seats 72,220 people and cost $352 million to build in 2002. The Miami Dolphins defeated the Houston Texans 24–3 in the NRG Stadium's first preseason matchup on August 24, 2002. The Dallas Cowboys and Houston Texans played in the stadium's inaugural regular-season NFL football game on September 8, 2002. The stadium was renamed NRG Stadium on March 19, 2014, in honor of NRG Energy, the parent company of Reliant Energy.
NRG Stadium Capacity
NRG Stadium currently has a seating capacity of 72,220 people. It started with 69,500 people in 2002 and grew to 71,795 in 2014. In 2017, they expanded the capacity to 72,220. The stadium includes a retractable roof that opens or closes in around 20 minutes. ETFE, a lightweight and long-lasting plastic, makes up the roof.
NRG Stadium Seating Map
The best seats in the stadium are typically in the 100 Level, especially near the 50-yard line. These seats offer the best views of the field and the action. However, the 200 and 300-level seats are also good options and are typically less expensive.
NRG Stadium's 300 level is the middle level, above the 100 level. Loge Level seating, or 500 level, is directly above 300. The Gridiron Level at NRG Stadium, or the 600 level, is above the 500 level and has great views of the large video screen. 700-level seating has a Director's club and a Chairman's club. These are the highest-level seating at the NRG Stadium and come with the most premium facilities.
Each level is divided into multiple sections and seating types. The suites, midfield, upper-level, and club-level seats offer the most amenities, including private restrooms, food and beverage service, and climate-controlled seating. However, they are also the most expensive seats in the stadium.
Best Seats for Housten Texans at NRG Stadium
The 100-level sections 105-108 and 125-128, between the 30-yard lines, offer the best views of the field and the action. Tickets in these sections typically start at around $100.
Sections 131-136 (Bull Pen) in the north end zone, just behind the Texans' bench, are popular for fans who want to be loud and enthusiastic. Tickets in these sections typically start at around $30.
The club level on the 200 level offers a variety of amenities, including private restrooms, food and beverage service, and climate-controlled seating. Tickets at the club level typically start at around $200.
The 200- and 300 suites offer the most luxurious accommodations, including private seating, catering, and restrooms. Tickets in the suites typically start at around $5,000.
NRG Stadium Gates
- NRG Stadium Xfinity Gate Entrance: On the northwest corner of the stadium, close to Kirby Drive, the street that runs north and south just west of the stadium.
- NRG Stadium BHP Gate Entrance: On the northeast corner of the stadium, close to NRG Parkway, the street that runs along the stadium's north side.
- NRG Stadium Amegy Bank Gate Entrance: On the stadium's southeast corner, the same side as the Astrodome.
- NRG Stadium Ford Gate Entrance: On the stadium's southwest corner, close to Kirby Drive.
- NRG Stadium Verizon Entrances (Club): There are four Verizon Entrances. The Verizon Club is a private club for VIP guests and includes private gameday entries, which include access to elevators.
NRG Stadium gates are open 90 minutes before kickoff for Houston Texans games. The opening times and entry rules vary for all other events and concerts.
NRG Stadium Guide
NRG Stadium is a great place to catch a game or concert. It has a variety of amenities and features that make it an enjoyable experience for fans of all ages.
For major events, NRG Stadium has four huge concourse levels. The stadium roof's design allows versatile rigging configurations for large-scale audio and visual productions. Ninety-six suites complement NRG Stadium.
Bud Light Plaza is a popular gathering place on the south side of NRG Stadium. The plaza features a variety of food and beverage vendors, as well as a stage for live music and entertainment.
The Texans and their opponents have separate dressing rooms at NRG Stadium. The press box is at the top of the stadium and provides media members with a bird's-eye view of the field.
Parking lots for the Houston Texans will open four hours before kickoff and at the discretion of management for all other activities. Additional parking places for large vehicles or tailgating must be purchased from the parking cashier or in advance.
NRG Stadium Tips for Visitors
Regardless of age, everyone who attends NFL games at NRG Stadium must have a ticket. Most activities will require a ticket for children aged two and up.
Admission to NRG Park facilities requires a valid event ticket unless otherwise specified. You can purchase tickets through the official stadium app.
Unless otherwise indicated, NRG Park facilities have a no-re-entry policy.
To ensure safety, all visitors to NRG Park must wear a shirt and shoes. Guests wearing obscene, insulting, or indecent clothes will not be allowed to enter.
Handheld banners and placards are normally permitted at NRG Park facilities if related to the event. Banners and placards may not be mounted or hung anywhere in the facilities, nor may they be exhibited in a way that obstructs attendees' views of the event or facility signage.
NRG Park retains the right to restrict access to anybody in possession of prohibited materials for patron safety. Items such as weapons, air horns, video and audio recorders, professional camera equipment, photography lenses longer than 3" in length, whistles, noisemakers, bottles, fireworks, illegal substances, laser pointers/pens, outside food or beverage, remote controlled cars, hoverboards, UAVs, Drones, binocular cameras, etc. are prohibited.
FAQs
Which NFL team plays at NRG Stadium?
NRG Stadium is where the Houston Texans play their home games. The Texans are a professional American football team based in Houston.
What is level 500 at NRG Stadium?
At NRG Stadium, the 500 or Loge Level refers to upper deck sections numbered 500s. The main benefit of Loge Level seats is that they're close to the field.
Is NRG Stadium air-conditioned?
Yes, it is one of the largest air-conditioned venues in Texas, with 12,000 tons of cooling capacity.
How many fans can NRG Stadium hold?
1,900,000 square foot NRG Stadium has an official seating capacity of 71,795 people.
Does NRG Stadium charge for parking?
NRG Park is cashless. At the gate, parking is $25 plus tax per place. Parking fees could change without notice. No in-and-out access is allowed.
What are the bag policies at NRG Stadium?
NRG Stadium has a clear bag policy for all events. This means only clear bags no larger than 12x6x12 inches are allowed into the stadium. Exceptions are made for diaper bags and medical bags.
Can I bring my vape to NRG Stadium?
During Texans games, NRG Park amenities do not permit electronic cigarettes. The facilities at NRG Park are smoke-free. The building's public areas do not permit smoking. Outside each facility, there are designated smoking spots.