View source for NRG Stadium

{{Short description|Stadium in Houston, Texas}}
{{Use mdy dates|date=January 2019}}
{{Infobox venue
| name = NRG Stadium
| logo_image = NRG Stadium Logo.svg
| logo_size = 150
| image = NRG Stadium SBLI.jpg
| caption = Interior of NRG Stadium in February 2017 prior to [[Super Bowl LI]]
| address = 1 NRG Parkway
| location = [[Houston, Texas]], U.S.
| coordinates = {{Coord|29|41|5|N|95|24|39|W|type:landmark_scale:2000|display=inline,title}}
| pushpin_map = Texas#USA
| pushpin_relief = yes
| pushpin_label = NRG Stadium
| pushpin_mapsize = 250
| pushpin_map_caption = Location in [[Texas]]##Location in the [[United States]]
| public_transit = {{rint|houston|metro}} {{rint|houston|red}} [[Stadium Park/Astrodome (METRORail station)|Stadium Park/Astrodome]]
| broke_ground = {{Start date|2000|3|9}}
| opened = {{Start date|2002|8|24}}
| closed = 
| demolished = 
| owner = 
| operator = [[Anschutz Entertainment Group|ASM Global]]
| surface = Hellas Matrix Helix<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.hellasconstruction.com/2017/sep/houston-texans-nfl-football-team-playing-on-hellas-matrix-turf-at-nrg-stadium/|title=Houston Texans NFL football team playing on Hellas Matrix Turf at NRG Stadium|website=www.hellasconstruction.com|access-date=2019-12-02}}</ref>
| roof = [[Retractable roof|Retractable]]
| construction_cost = US$352&nbsp;million<br>(${{formatprice|{{Inflation|US|352000000|2002}}}} in {{Inflation-year|US}} dollars{{inflation-fn|US}})
| architect = [[Populous (company)|HOK Sport]]<br />Houston Stadium Consultants (Architect-of-Record) a joint venture with [[Lockwood, Andrews & Newnam]] and Hermes Architects
| project_manager = 
| structural_engineer = [[Walter P. Moore]]
| services_engineer = M-E Engineers, Inc.<ref>{{cite web|title=Projects|url=http://www.me-engineers.com/projects/?office=global&category=professional_stadiums|publisher=M-E Engineers, Inc.|access-date=September 7, 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120523093410/http://www.me-engineers.com/projects/?office=global&category=professional_stadiums|archive-date=May 23, 2012|url-status=dead}}</ref>
| general_contractor = [[Manhattan Construction Company|Manhattan]]/[[Skanska|Beers]] (a joint venture)
| former_names = Reliant Stadium (2002–2014)
Houston Stadium (name to be used during the 2026 FIFA World Cup)
| tenants = {{plainlist|
* [[Houston Texans]] ([[National Football League|NFL]]) (2002–present)
* [[Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo]]<br>(2003–present)
* [[Texas Bowl]] ([[National Collegiate Athletic Association|NCAA]])<br> (2006–present)
* [[Texas Kickoff|Texas Kickoff Game]] ([[National Collegiate Athletic Association|NCAA]])<br>(2013–present)
* [[Houston Cougars football|Houston Cougars]] (NCAA) (2013) <!-- NOTE: Events such as WrestleMania XXV, championship games, and the Super Bowl are one-time events and not considered tenants -->
}}
| suites = 196
| seating_capacity = 72,220 (2018–present)<ref>{{cite web |title=Official 2018 National Football League Record & Fact Book|first1=Alex|last1=Zerkel|first2=Jake|last2=Gellerman|first3=Sam|last3=Drexler|first4=Nicolas|last4=Cocchiaro|first5=Matt|last5=Marin|url=https://nflcommunications.com/Documents/2018%20Record%20and%20Fact%20Book%20(8.6.18).pdf|publisher=[[National Football League]]|date=August 6, 2018|access-date=September 5, 2018|page=69}}</ref><br>Expandable to 80,000 for special events
'''Former capacity''':
{{collapsible list|
* 71,795 (2014–2017)<ref>{{cite web|title=2014 Houston Texans Season in Review|url=http://media.houstontexans.com/images/9057/2014_SIR_Houston.pdf|publisher=Houston Texans|date=December 28, 2014|access-date=September 5, 2018|page=8|archive-date=August 20, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180820163237/http://media.houstontexans.com/images/9057/2014_SIR_Houston.pdf|url-status=dead}}</ref>
* 71,054 (2003–2013)<ref>{{cite web|title=2003 Houston Texans Media Guide|url=http://media.houstontexans.com/images/9057/Media_Guides/2003MediaGuide.pdf|publisher=Houston Texans|year=2003|access-date=September 5, 2018|page=2|archive-date=April 27, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170427081539/http://media.houstontexans.com/images/9057/Media_Guides/2003MediaGuide.pdf|url-status=dead}}</ref>
* 69,500 (2002)<ref>{{cite web|title=2002 Houston Texans Media Guide|url=http://media.houstontexans.com/images/9057/Media_Guides/2002MediaGuide.pdf|publisher=Houston Texans|year=2002|access-date=September 5, 2018|page=2|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170318103421/http://media.houstontexans.com/images/9057/Media_Guides/2002MediaGuide.pdf|archive-date=March 18, 2017|url-status=dead}}</ref>
}}
| record_attendance = 80,108 – [[George Strait]] — [[Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo]], March 17, 2019<ref name="Attendance">{{cite web |title=Attendance |url=https://www.rodeohouston.com/About-Us/Who-We-Are/Attendance |website=www.rodeohouston.com|date=June 13, 2023 }}</ref>
| website = {{URL|https://www.nrgpark.com/nrg-park-facilities-2/nrg-stadium/|nrgpark.com/nrg-stadium/}}
}}

'''NRG Stadium''' (previously known as '''Reliant Stadium''') is a retractable roof [[multi-purpose stadium]] in [[Houston, Texas]], U.S. Construction was completed in 2002, at a cost of $352 million and has a [[seating capacity]] of 72,220.<ref name="reliantpark">{{cite web|title=Reliant Park, Reliant Park Info, Reliant Stadium|url=http://www.reliantpark.com/reliantstadium/|publisher=Reliant Stadium|access-date=March 30, 2008|archive-date=August 14, 2010|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100814110857/http://www.reliantpark.com/reliantstadium/|url-status=dead}}</ref><ref name="ballparks">{{cite web |title=Reliant Stadium|url=http://football.ballparks.com/NFL/HoustonTexans/index.htm|publisher=Ballparks.com|access-date=March 30, 2008}}</ref> It was the first NFL facility to have a [[retractable roof]].<ref name="nflteamhistory">{{cite web|title=Houston Texans – Reliant Stadium|url=http://www.nflteamhistory.com/nfl_teams/houston_texans/stadium.html|work=NFL Team History|access-date=March 30, 2008|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080621092204/http://nflteamhistory.com/nfl_teams/houston_texans/stadium.html|archive-date=June 21, 2008|url-status=dead}}</ref>

The stadium is the home of the [[National Football League]]'s [[Houston Texans]], the [[Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo]], the [[Texas Bowl]], many of the [[United States men's national soccer team]]'s matches, [[Mexico national football team]] friendlies where ''El Tri'' serves as the host, and other events. The stadium served as the host facility for [[Super Bowl]]s [[Super Bowl XXXVIII|XXXVIII]] (2004) and [[Super Bowl LI|LI]] (2017), the [[2024 College Football Playoff National Championship]], and [[WrestleMania 25]] (2009).<ref>{{cite news |title=City of Houston Will Host Super Bowl LI in 2017|url=https://abc13.com/archive/9110662/|work=[[KTRK-TV|KTRK]]|location=Houston|date=May 21, 2013|access-date=May 21, 2013}}</ref> The stadium will host multiple matches during the [[2026 FIFA World Cup]].<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.fifa.com/fifaplus/en/articles/fifa-unveils-stellar-line-up-of-fifa-world-cup-2026-tm-host-cities |title=FIFA unveils stellar line-up of FIFA World Cup 2026™ Host Cities |publisher=FIFA |access-date=17 January 2024}}</ref>

NRG Stadium is part of a collection of venues (including the [[Astrodome]]), which are collectively called [[NRG Park]]. The entire complex is [[naming rights|named]] for [[NRG Energy]] under a 32-year, $300 million naming rights deal in 2000.

==History==
The Houston NFL Holdings group came to HOK Sport (now [[Populous (company)|Populous]]) to begin the schematic design for the first-ever NFL retractable roof football stadium in 1997. The intention was to create a football stadium to replace the Astrodome that would operate like an open-air facility but have the intimacy and comfort of an indoor arena. With the design for football and the square footage requirements of the rodeo, the building was designed in the {{convert|1.9|e6sqft|m2|adj=on}} range.<ref name="ballparks"/> Groundbreaking for the stadium was on March 9, 2000, and the building was officially [[Topping out|topped off]] in October 2001.<ref name="glasssteelandstone">{{cite web |title=Architecture of Reliant Stadium – Houston, Texas, United States of America|work=Glass, Steel and Stone|access-date=March 30, 2008|url=http://www.glasssteelandstone.com/US/TX/HoustonReliantStadium.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20021009123111/http://www.glasssteelandstone.com/US/TX/HoustonReliantStadium.html|url-status=usurped|archive-date=October 9, 2002}}</ref> Construction was completed in 30 months.<ref name="wideopenspaces">{{cite web |title=Wide Open Spaces|first=Brian H.|last=Caudle|url=https://www.aisc.org/globalassets/modern-steel/archives/2003/07/2003v07_wide_open_spaces.pdf|work=[[American Institute of Steel Construction|Modern Steel Construction]]|date=July 2003|access-date=September 5, 2018}}</ref>

The stadium opened on August 24, 2002, with a preseason game between the [[Miami Dolphins]] and Houston Texans which the Dolphins won 24–3.<ref name="firstgame">{{cite web|title=Texans Team History|url=http://www.houstontexans.com/team/history.html/|publisher=Houston Texans|access-date=September 17, 2011|archive-date=September 2, 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110902042601/http://www.houstontexans.com/team/history.html|url-status=dead}}</ref> The stadium hosted its first regular season [[National Football League|NFL]] football game between the [[Dallas Cowboys]] and the Houston Texans on September 8, 2002, which the Texans won against their interstate rival 19–10.<ref name="quickfacts">{{cite web |title=Quick Facts – Reliant Park, Reliant Park Info, Quick Facts|access-date=March 30, 2008|url=http://www.reliantpark.com/en/cms/?101|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080227005819/http://www.reliantpark.com/en/cms/?101|archive-date=February 27, 2008}}</ref> The first rodeo was held in the stadium in February 2003.<ref name="glasssteelandstone"/>

During a Texans preseason game on August 30, 2012, against the [[Minnesota Vikings]], an intoxicated fan fell to his death from an escalator.<ref>{{cite news |title=Man Who Fell from Reliant Stadium Escalator Was Intoxicated|first=Carol|last=Christian|url=http://www.chron.com/news/houston-texas/article/Man-who-fell-from-Reliant-Stadium-escalator-was-3893229.php|newspaper=[[Houston Chronicle]]|date=September 25, 2012|access-date=September 26, 2012}}</ref>

On March 19, 2014, the stadium was renamed NRG Stadium, after [[NRG Energy]], the parent company of [[Reliant Energy]].<ref>{{cite news |title=Reliant Park Will Now Be NRG|first=Kiah|last=Collier|url=http://www.chron.com/news/politics/houston/article/Reliant-Park-will-now-be-NRG-5331970.php|newspaper=[[Houston Chronicle]]|date=March 19, 2014|access-date=February 3, 2017}}</ref>

During the 2015 season, a permanent artificial surface was installed at NRG Stadium. The Texans had used a natural surface since the stadium opened, using a system of trays of sod similar to one used at [[Giants Stadium]] in its experiment with using a grass surface. In recent years, the stadium installed artificial turf to be used during high school and college games while keeping the grass for Texans games. After the Texans' home opener, complaints about the field conditions finally led to the installation of the artificial surface for Texans games. The surface brand is UBU Speed, which is part of [[Act Global]].<ref>{{cite news |title=Texans Unveil New Playing Service at NRG Stadium|first=John|last=McClain|url=https://www.chron.com/sports/texans/article/Texans-unveil-new-playing-service-at-NRG-Stadium-9146479.php|newspaper=[[Houston Chronicle]]|date=August 16, 2016|access-date=September 5, 2018}}</ref>

In 2017, NRG Stadium selected Hellas Construction to install its Matrix Turf with Helix Technology at the stadium. The three year contract calls for a new turf field each year.<ref>{{cite press release |title=Hellas Installs Turf at NRG Stadium, Named Texans Preferred Turf Provider|url=https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/hellas-installs-turf-at-nrg-stadium-named-texans-preferred-turf-provider-300520574.html|publisher=Hellas Construction|date=September 15, 2017|access-date=September 15, 2017|quote=Hellas Construction was selected this year by Harris County Sports & Convention Corporation (HCSCC) to install a new Matrix® Turf field at NRG Stadium, home of the Houston Texans football team and the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo™}}</ref>

After hosting [[Super Bowl LI]], further upgrades were made to keep NRG Stadium competitive with other new NFL venues. The stadium's first major renovation in 15 years modernized the office and team facilities.<ref>{{Cite news|last=Smith|first=Brian T.|date=2017-02-12|title=Facing the reality of NRG Stadium upgrades|url=https://www.houstonchronicle.com/sports/columnists/smith/article/Facing-the-reality-of-NRG-Stadium-upgrades-10926138.php|access-date=2021-06-18|website=Houston Chronicle|language=en-US}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|last=Spedden|first=Zach|date=2018-06-28|title=Texans Working on NRG Stadium Renovations|url=https://footballstadiumdigest.com/2018/06/texans-working-on-nrg-stadium-renovations/|access-date=2021-06-18|website=Football Stadium Digest|language=en-US}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|last=Stradley|first=Stephanie|date=2017-02-14|title=Stradley: Stop Dome dreaming: Upgrade NRG now|url=https://www.chron.com/opinion/outlook/article/Stradley-Stop-Dome-dreaming-Upgrade-NRG-now-10932633.php|access-date=2021-06-18|website=Chron|language=en-US}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |first=Jen |last=Para |date=August 15, 2018|title=Here's what's new at NRG Stadium for 2018 football season|url=https://www.bizjournals.com/houston/news/2018/08/15/here-s-what-s-new-at-nrg-stadium-for-2018-football.html|access-date=2021-06-18|website=www.bizjournals.com}}</ref>

On April 19, 2023, Harris County Judge [[Lina Hidalgo]] renamed NRG Stadium to NRG Stadium (Taylor's Version) to celebrate [[Taylor Swift]]'s much anticipated [[The Eras Tour|Eras Tour]].<ref>{{Cite web |date=<!-- 3:04 PM CDT --> April 19, 2023 |title=NRG Stadium renamed in honor of Taylor Swift concerts |url=https://www.kagstv.com/article/news/local/nrg-stadium-name-taylor-swift/285-81d0443c-2809-424e-8bde-eb4218a7a9b6 |access-date=2023-04-19 |website=kagstv.com |language=en-US}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Chron |first=Ariana Garcia |date=2023-04-19 |title=NRG Stadium to be renamed in honor of Taylor Swift coming to Houston |url=https://www.chron.com/news/houston-texas/article/taylor-swift-houston-nrg-stadium-17906725.php |access-date=2023-04-19 |website=Chron |language=en-US}}</ref>

On December 25, 2024, [[Beyoncé 2024 NFL Halftime Show|the first ever halftime show]] for the [[NFL on Christmas Day|NFL's Christmas Gameday]] was headlined by [[Beyoncé]] at NRG Stadium.<ref name="net">{{cite web|url=https://www.newsweek.com/beyonce-christmas-halftime-show-time-2003493|title=Beyoncé's Christmas Halftime Show: When Will It Air Around the World?|date=2024-12-23|access-date=2024-12-23|website=Newsweek|first=Billie|last=Dunn}}</ref>

===Hurricane Ike damage===
On the night of September 12–13, 2008, the stadium sustained damage from [[Hurricane Ike]], forcing the [[Houston Texans]] home opener scheduled for September 14 to be postponed. Part of the roof cladding came off, and there was wind and water damage to other sections of the stadium. There were also large pieces of debris inside the stadium from the hurricane and the stadium authority declared that the stadium did not suffer significant structural damage except for the roof, and the Texans would be able to play all of their 8 home games at Reliant Stadium with the roof open.<ref name="ikeespn">{{cite web |title=Damage to Reliant Stadium forces rescheduling of Texans-Ravens|first1=Chris|last1=Mortensen|first2=James|last2=Walker|url=http://www.espn.com/nfl/news/story?id=3585348|work=[[ESPN]]|date=September 14, 2008|access-date=September 5, 2018}}</ref><ref name="ikerscolts">{{cite news |title=Texans to Host Colts at Reliant Under Open Roof|first=John|last=McClain|url=https://www.chron.com/sports/texans/article/Texans-to-host-Colts-at-Reliant-under-open-roof-1776963.php|newspaper=[[Houston Chronicle]]|date=October 4, 2008|access-date=September 5, 2018}}</ref>

The Texans' home opener against the [[Baltimore Ravens]] was initially postponed one day from Sunday, September 14, 2008, to Monday, September 15, but when the extent of the damage from Hurricane Ike became known, the NFL rescheduled the Texans-Ravens game to week 10 (November 9, 2008), which was to have been the bye week for the Ravens and the Texans' scheduled home game against the [[Cincinnati Bengals]].<ref name="ikeespn"/> That game was rescheduled to week 8 (October 26), which was to have been the bye week for both the Texans and Bengals. The Bengals' bye week was moved from October 26. The Texans and Ravens took their unexpected bye week in week 2, the weekend Hurricane Ike hit East Texas and the [[Gulf Coast]], despite the fact that both teams were preparing that whole week to play that game as scheduled.

The stadium reopened on October 5, 2008, when the Texans hosted the [[Indianapolis Colts]] and hosted three additional home games in October.<ref name="ikerscolts"/>

The stadium was repaired by Houston-based rope access inspection and construction firm Reel Group Americas on February 13, 2009.

==Design and technology==
[[File:NRGStadiumnew.jpg|thumb|Street view]]
The stadium was designed by the architectural firms of Hermes Reed Architects and [[Lockwood, Andrews and Newnam]] who were teamed to create the Houston Stadium Consultants (HSC). The architects of [[Populous (company)|Populous]] (then HOK Sport) and the HSC worked together with engineers from [[Walter P Moore]] and [[Uni-Systems]] to design the stadium utilizing the principles of [[kinetic architecture]].<ref name="ballparks"/><ref>{{cite web |title=Reliant Stadium Project Details|url=http://www.unidocks.com/Projects/FeaturedProjectDetails.aspx?ProjectID=8&PN=Reliant%20Stadium|publisher=Uni-Systems, Inc.|access-date=March 30, 2008}}</ref> The facility offers a sense of transparency, with its fabric roof and expansive areas of [[glazing (window)|glazing]]. At night, the building appears to glow from within. The extensive use of glass provides an open-air feel to the [[concourse]]s, which are open to the field of play. NRG Stadium has over 7,000 club seats, 186 [[Luxury box|luxury suite]]s, and multiple lounges and bars.<ref name="nflteamhistory"/> The stadium can be configured to utilize a {{convert|125000|sqft|m2|adj=on}} space for meetings, specialty functions, exhibits, and concerts.<ref name="reliantpark"/>

One of the most notable aspects of the design is the stadium's retractable, fabric roof. The roof mechanization consists of two large panels that split apart at the 50&nbsp;yard line, lying over and above each end zone when fully retracted. 10 parallel, tri-chord [[truss]]es ride on two parallel rails, each supported by a large, {{convert|675|ft|m}}-long super-truss. Roof operation is controlled in the stadium press box via computer, containing live images of the travel path of each roof panel; plus, furnishing live feedback from all roof components throughout the operation. The roof panels can be opened or closed in as little as 7&nbsp;minutes, moving at a speed of up to {{convert|35|ft|m}}-per-minute.<ref>{{cite web |title=Reliant Stadium|url=https://www.aisc.org/globalassets/modern-steel/archives/2004/04/2004v04_reliant.pdf|work=[[American Institute of Steel Construction|Modern Steel Construction]]|date=April 2004|access-date=March 30, 2008}}</ref>

One bleacher section behind the north [[end zone]], called the "Bull Pen", is the designated fan section for the hometeam. The fans in the Bull Pen interact directly with the action on the field, helping to create and implement fan traditions, songs, chants, and other elements of the game-day experience for spectators all over the stadium. Fans in the Bull Pen are encouraged to stand throughout the game, sing, cheer, and otherwise support the team in an enthusiastic manner.<ref>{{cite web |title=Bull Pen|url=http://www.houstontexans.com/community/BullPen.asp|publisher=Houston Texans|access-date=February 3, 2017}}</ref>

In 2011, Reliant updated their logo and therefore had to update their signage all over the stadium.<ref>{{cite web |title=Reliant Rebranding|url=http://www.houstontexans.com/tv-media/photo-gallery/Reliant-rebranding/e81a222b-c720-43c9-839f-77001a6cda32#start|publisher=Houston Texans|access-date=December 20, 2012}}</ref>

In December 2012, it was announced that, in order to help bring the [[Super Bowl]] back to Houston, the stadium's end zone displays would be replaced with the largest digital displays in any professional sports venue. The video screens were revealed August 16, 2013 and are the second largest of their kind, at a total of {{convert|14549|sqft}} of screens. This tops the previous record of [[AT&T Stadium]] in [[Arlington, Texas|Arlington]]. This has since been topped by the digital display boards located in [[TIAA Bank Field]], the home of the Jacksonville Jaguars, now home to the largest digital display boards in any stadium in the world.<ref>{{cite news |title=Reliant Stadium Will Get Bigger, Better LED Scoreboards|first=Brad|last=Woodard|url=http://www.khou.com/sports/HCSCC-approves-new-LED-scoreboards-for-Reliant-Stadium--184167861.html|work=[[KHOU]]|location=Houston|date=December 20, 2012|access-date=December 20, 2012}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |title=Reliant Stadium to Get Widest Display in Pro Sports|first=Bayan|last=Raji|url=http://www.bizjournals.com/houston/morning_call/2012/12/reliant-stadium-to-get-widest-display.html?ana=RSS&s=article_search|newspaper=Houston Business Journal|date=December 20, 2012|access-date=December 20, 2012}}</ref>

==Stadium usage==
{{more citations needed|section|date=February 2017}}

===Sports===
{{See also|Sports in Houston}}

====Football====
[[File:NRG stadium prepared for Super Bowl Li (32513086661).jpg|thumb|NRG Stadium in [[Super Bowl LI]] livery]]
The [[Houston Texans]] have played their home games at NRG Stadium (or Reliant Stadium) since their inception in 2002. The annual calendar consists of 8 [[Season (sports)|regular season]] and 1–2 pre-season games, plus any [[Playoffs|playoff games]] the Texans host. The first game played was on August 24, 2002, in front of 69,432 in attendance as the Texans hosted the [[Miami Dolphins]] in their first preseason game.<ref>{{cite news |title=Robertson: Texans Could Use Some Beef, but Reliant's a Whopper|first=Dale|last=Robertson|url=https://www.chron.com/sports/texans/article/Robertson-Texans-could-use-some-beef-but-2120951.php|newspaper=[[Houston Chronicle]]|date=August 26, 2002|access-date=September 5, 2018}}</ref> The first regular season game was played on September 8 of that year, where the expansion Texans defeated the [[Dallas Cowboys]] 19–10 in front of 69,604.<ref>{{cite news |title=New Texans Boot Cowboys 19-10|first=Jarrett|last=Bell|newspaper=[[USA Today]]|date=September 9, 2002|page=10C}}</ref> The first [[Monday Night Football]] game in Texans history was held on December 1, 2008, at Reliant Stadium. Playing in front of a then-franchise-record crowd of 70,809, the Texans defeated the [[Jacksonville Jaguars]] 30–17.<ref>{{cite news |title=Texans Dominate Jaguars in Monday Night Debut|first=John|last=McClain|url=https://www.chron.com/sports/texans/article/Texans-dominate-Jaguars-in-Monday-night-debut-1769790.php|newspaper=[[Houston Chronicle]]|date=December 1, 2008|access-date=September 5, 2018}}</ref> Since then that record crowd has been broken in the next 2 Texans home games of that season. Their December 7, 2008 home game against the Tennessee Titans saw a then-record crowd of 70,831<ref>{{cite web|title=Texans Defeat Titans 13-12|first=Nick|last=Schenck|url=http://www.houstontexans.com/news/Story.asp?story_id=5006|publisher=Houston Texans|date=December 28, 2008|access-date=September 5, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081218012636/http://www.houstontexans.com/news/Story.asp?story_id=5006|archive-date=December 18, 2008|url-status=dead}}</ref> and the December 28, 2008 home finale against the [[Chicago Bears]] drew then a current franchise-crowd record of 70,838.<ref>{{cite web|title=Texans Beat Bears 31-24|first=Nick|last=Schenck|url=http://www.houstontexans.com/news/Story.asp?story_id=5061|publisher=Houston Texans|date=December 28, 2008|access-date=September 5, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081229094434/http://www.houstontexans.com/news/Story.asp?story_id=5061|archive-date=December 29, 2008|url-status=dead}}</ref> That record was broken on November 23, 2009, when a record crowd of 71,153 was in attendance during the Texans' second ever Monday Night Football game against Houston's former NFL team, the [[Tennessee Titans]].<ref>{{cite news |title=Justice: Loss Is a Kick to Gut of Texans, Their Fans|first=Richard|last=Justice|url=https://www.chron.com/sports/texans/article/Justice-Loss-is-a-kick-to-gut-of-Texans-their-1742559.php|newspaper=[[Houston Chronicle]]|date=November 24, 2009|access-date=September 5, 2018}}</ref> The Texans' home finale of the 2009 season against the [[New England Patriots]] on January 3, 2010, drew 71,029.
[[File:NRG Stadium SBLI Outside.jpg|thumb|Banners outside before Super Bowl LI]]
NRG Stadium has hosted 2 Super Bowls: [[Super Bowl XXXVIII]] (which was marred by a [[Super Bowl XXXVIII halftime show controversy|controversial halftime show]]) and [[Super Bowl LI]] (which was the first Super Bowl to go into overtime); both games pitted the [[New England Patriots]] against a team from the [[NFC South]].

NRG Stadium hosted Super Bowl XXXVIII on February 1, 2004, where the New England Patriots defeated the [[Carolina Panthers]], 32–29 in front of 71,525 in attendance.<ref>{{cite news |title=City's Second Super Bowl Will Be Tough Act to Follow|first=Richard|last=Justice|url=https://www.chron.com/sports/article/City-s-second-Super-Bowl-will-be-tough-act-to-1659175.php|newspaper=[[Houston Chronicle]]|date=February 2, 2004|access-date=September 5, 2018|page=A: 1}}</ref>

NRG Stadium hosted the Texans' first playoff game in franchise history on January 7, 2012, with Houston defeating the [[Cincinnati Bengals]] 31–10 in an AFC wild card game, drawing 71,725, the largest crowd ever to see a Texans game at Reliant Stadium.<ref>{{cite web |title=Texans' Sweet Win Was Worth the Wait|first=Jerome|last=Solomon|url=https://www.chron.com/sports/solomon/article/Solomon-Sweet-win-was-worth-the-wait-2448679.php|newspaper=[[Houston Chronicle]]|date=January 8, 2012|access-date=September 5, 2018}}</ref>

NRG Stadium hosted [[Super Bowl LI]] in 2017, in which the New England Patriots defeated the [[Atlanta Falcons]] 34–28 in the biggest comeback in Super Bowl history;<ref>{{cite web |title=Tom Brady Leads Biggest Comeback in Super Bowl History, Sets Multiple Records|first=John|last=Breech|url=http://www.cbssports.com/nfl/news/tom-brady-leads-biggest-comeback-in-super-bowl-history-sets-multiple-records/|work=[[CBS Sports]]|date=February 6, 2017|access-date=February 8, 2017|language=en}}</ref> it was also the first ever [[Overtime (sports)|overtime]] game in Super Bowl history.
{{Wide image|Reliant stadium.jpg|950|Interior of Reliant Stadium during a Texans game}}

<!-- This is a building in the United States, the US word is "game"-->

====Rodeo====
The [[Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo]] (or RodeoHouston) is a [[Concurrent estate|co-tenant]] of NRG Stadium. "The building is as much for the [[rodeo]] as it is for the National Football League," according to Leroy Shafer who is assistant general manager of the rodeo's marketing department.<ref name="rodeo">{{cite news |title=Reliant Stadium: Ready to Rodeo From Design Concept to Showtime|first=Thora|last=Qaddumi|url=http://www.bizjournals.com/houston/stories/2003/01/27/focus13.html|newspaper=Houston Business Journal|date=January 26, 2003|access-date=March 31, 2008}}</ref> The rodeo is held three weeks in March, each year. During this time NRG Stadium also hosts an event on the Xtreme Bulls tour, the bull riding-only tour that is part of the [[Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association|PRCA]], who also hosts the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo.

The stadium includes a service area level to house rodeo [[livestock]]. The bulls, broncs, steers and roping calves are housed in the north end of the stadium under the lower bowl. Loading and unloading dock space to support the rodeo is located on the north end of the stadium. During rodeo performances, rolling doors will separate the dock into two receiving areas to isolate the food and concession deliveries from the rodeo equipment and livestock deliveries. A {{convert|42|ft|m|adj=on}} concert performance [[Stage (theatre)|stage]] is located at the south end of the stadium during rodeo events and is moved into the center of the facility by a [[hydraulic drive system]] for rodeo concert performances.<ref name="rodeo"/>

On February 25, 2012, the [[Professional Bull Riders|PBR]] brought its premier [[bull riding]] tour, the [[Built Ford Tough Series]], to Reliant Stadium for the first time ever. It was the first time that a PBR event was a part of RodeoHouston.<ref>{{cite web |title=Coming Home To Houston|url=https://pbr.com/article/367351/coming-home-houston|publisher=[[Professional Bull Riders]]|year=2012|access-date=September 5, 2019}}</ref><ref>{{cite press release |title=PBR Announces 2012 Built Ford Tough Series Schedule|url=https://www.pbr.com/article/340246/pbr-announces-2012-built-ford-tough-series-schedule|publisher=[[Professional Bull Riders]]|date=November 9, 2011|access-date=February 3, 2017}}</ref> In addition, it was their first event in Houston in 11 years, after having previously held an event at the [[Compaq Center (Houston)|Compaq Center]] annually between 1998 and 2001.
{{Wide image|Reliant Stadium Houston Rodeo.jpg|950|Interior of Reliant Stadium at the 2006 rodeo}}

====College football====
College football's [[Texas Bowl]] and [[Texas Kickoff]] are annually hosted at the stadium.  The first-ever edition of the Texas Bowl featured a game between [[Rutgers Scarlet Knights football|Rutgers University]] and [[Kansas State Wildcats football|Kansas State University]], with Rutgers winning 37–10.  The stadium hosted the Houston Bowl before the Texas Bowl's inception and also hosted both the 2002 and 2005 [[Big 12 Football Championship Game|Big 12 Championship Game]]s. The 2005 game featured Houston native [[Vince Young]] at quarterback for the [[2005 Texas Longhorns football team|University of Texas at Austin]] and led the Longhorns to a 70–3 rout of the [[2005 Colorado Buffaloes football team|University of Colorado]] in front of 71,107.<ref>{{cite news |title=Longhorns Win One for the Roses|first=Joseph|last=Duarte|url=https://www.chron.com/sports/college/article/Longhorns-win-one-for-the-roses-1569585.php|newspaper=[[Houston Chronicle]]|date=December 4, 2005|access-date=September 5, 2018}}</ref>  In addition, the [[East–West Shrine Game]] was held there in 2007.

A [[Bayou Classic]] game between [[Grambling State Tigers football|Grambling State]] and [[Southern Jaguars football|Southern]] was held here in November 2005 due to [[Effect of Hurricane Katrina on the Louisiana Superdome|Hurricane Katrina damage]] at the rivalry's usual venue of the [[Mercedes-Benz Superdome|Superdome]].<ref>{{cite news |title=Grambling Defeats Southern in Bayou Classic|first=Leigh|last=Hopper|url=https://www.chron.com/sports/college-football/article/Grambling-defeats-Southern-in-Bayou-Classic-1942755.php|newspaper=[[Houston Chronicle]]|date=November 26, 2005|access-date=September 5, 2018}}</ref>

Each of the city's two [[NCAA Division I Football Bowl Subdivision|Division I FBS]] schools, the [[Houston Cougars football|University of Houston]] and [[Rice Owls football|Rice University]], has played regular season home games at NRG Stadium in the past.  The Houston–Rice football rivalry game, the [[Bayou Bucket Classic]], was held there in 2004, and in 2011, the game was announced to be played at Reliant Stadium for the 2012 and 2013 seasons as well.<ref>{{cite web|title=Rice Ready to Compete When Bayou Bucket Moves to Reliant|first=Moise Kapenda|last=Bower|url=http://www.foxsportshouston.com/08/31/11/Rice-ready-to-compete-when-Bayou-Bucket-/landing_rice.html?blockID=557098|work=[[Fox Sports Houston]]|date=August 31, 2011|access-date=October 9, 2011}}{{Dead link|date=April 2020 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }}</ref>

The stadium also hosts the "[[Battle of the Piney Woods]]" since 2010.<ref>{{cite news |title=Battle of the Piney Woods comes to Reliant Stadium|first=Ronnie|last=Turner|url=https://www.chron.com/sports/college/article/Battle-of-the-Piney-Woods-comes-to-Reliant-Stadium-1696012.php|newspaper=[[Houston Chronicle]]|date=October 23, 2010|access-date=September 5, 2018}}</ref> It is one of the oldest football rivalries in Texas, featuring [[NCAA Division I Football Championship Subdivision|Division I FCS]] [[Sam Houston State Bearkats football|Sam Houston State University]] and [[Stephen F. Austin Lumberjacks football|Stephen F. Austin State University]]. The series was originally scheduled to run until 2013,<ref>{{cite news |title=Sam Houston, SFA Reach 4-Year Pact to Play at Reliant|first=Joseph|last=Duarte|url=https://www.chron.com/sports/college/article/Sam-Houston-SFA-reach-4-year-pact-to-play-at-1731223.php|newspaper=[[Houston Chronicle]]|date=October 20, 2009|access-date=September 5, 2018}}</ref> before being extended to 2017, and finally in April 2015, the stadium was made the permanent home of the series.<ref>{{cite press release |title=NRG Stadium to Become Permanent Home of Battle of the Piney Woods|url=http://www.lsse.net/news/nrg-stadium-to-become-permanent-home-of-battle-of-the-piney-woods/|publisher=Lone Star Sports & Entertainment|date=April 8, 2015|access-date=September 5, 2018}}</ref>

The two largest [[Historically black colleges and universities|historically black universities]] in [[Texas]], [[Texas Southern Tigers football|Texas Southern University]] and [[Prairie View A&M Panthers football|Prairie View A&M University]], each have played selected regular season home games at NRG Stadium as well.

The [[SWAC Championship Game]] was held at the stadium from 2013 until 2017.<ref>{{cite news |title=SWAC to Drop Football Title Game, Focus on Celebration Bowl|first=Adam|last=Coleman|url=https://www.chron.com/sports/college/article/SWAC-to-drop-football-title-game-focus-on-11217426.php|newspaper=[[Houston Chronicle]]|date=June 13, 2017|access-date=September 5, 2018}}</ref>

In 2017, NRG Stadium was announced as a future site for the [[College Football Playoff National Championship]] game; it hosted the event on [[2024 College Football Playoff National Championship|January 8, 2024]] (ending the 2023 college football season), which featured the [[2023 Michigan Wolverines football team|Michigan Wolverines]] (winners of the [[2024 Rose Bowl|Rose Bowl]]) and the [[2023 Washington Huskies football team|Washington Huskies]] (winners of the [[2024 Sugar Bowl|Sugar Bowl]]).<ref>{{cite news |title=College Football Playoff Announces Sites for 2021-24, Including Indianapolis in 2022|first=George|last=Schroeder|url=https://www.usatoday.com/story/sports/ncaaf/2017/11/01/college-football-playoff-host-sites-2021-24-indianapolis/822042001/|newspaper=[[USA Today]]|date=November 1, 2017|access-date=September 5, 2018}}</ref>

====High school football====
NRG Stadium is regularly utilized by varsity football teams as a neutral site during the [[University Interscholastic League]] football playoffs.

====Soccer====
[[File:NRG Stadium, LEAGUES CUP 2024 TIGRES INTER MIAMI.jnp.jpg|thumb|NRG Stadium, Leagues Cup 2024]]
NRG Stadium also hosts international [[Association football|soccer]] matches. The games are generally held in the spring and summer before the NFL season starts. The stadium hosted [[CONCACAF Gold Cup]] matches from 2005 to 2011. The Gold Cup matches in 2007 included first round matches, and a quarterfinal doubleheader match. The venue's attendance record was set during a preparation match between the Mexico national team and the [[United States men's national soccer team|U.S. men's soccer team]].

On February 6, 2008, United States v [[Mexico national football team|Mexico]] was held at Reliant Stadium to a capacity crowd of 70,103. The previous USA v Mexico match in Reliant Stadium drew a sellout crowd of 69,582 fans on May 8, 2003 and was the largest home crowd for the United States men's national team that decade,<ref>{{cite press release |title=CONCACAF Champions to Host Mexico on Feb. 6 as Border Rivals Face Off in Houston|url=http://ussoccer.com/articles/viewArticle.jsp_3702786.html|publisher=[[United States Soccer Federation]]|date=November 13, 2007|access-date=March 30, 2008|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080704202806/http://www.ussoccer.com/articles/viewArticle.jsp_3702786.html|archive-date=July 4, 2008}}</ref> until they played Mexico for a capacity crowd of 79,156 fans in [[Giants Stadium]] in [[East Rutherford, New Jersey]] for the [[2009 CONCACAF Gold Cup final]].

Reliant Stadium hosted the [[2010 MLS All-Star Game]] as 70,728 fans watched [[Manchester United F.C.|Manchester United]] defeat the MLS All-Stars 5–2.<ref>{{cite news |title=Solomon: Man U Puts MLS in Its Rightful Place|first=Jerome|last=Solomon|url=https://www.chron.com/sports/dynamo/article/Solomon-Man-U-puts-MLS-in-its-rightful-place-1699828.php|newspaper=[[Houston Chronicle]]|date=July 29, 2010|access-date=September 5, 2018}}</ref>

On January 25, 2012, [[Venezuela national football team|Venezuela]] played a friendly match with Mexico, with Mexico winning 3–1.<ref>{{cite news |title=Mexico Turns It On Late to Knock Off Venezuela|first=Jose|last=de Jesus Ortiz|url=https://www.chron.com/sports/article/Mexico-turns-it-on-late-to-knock-off-Venezuela-2713119.php|newspaper=[[Houston Chronicle]]|date=January 26, 2012|access-date=September 5, 2018}}</ref> On May 31, 2013, Mexico played another friendly, with [[Nigeria national football team|Nigeria]], which ended in a 2–2 draw.<ref>{{cite news |title=Mexico, Nigeria Show a Tie Can Be Thrilling|first=Jose|last=de Jesus Ortiz|url=https://www.chron.com/sports/dynamo/article/Mexico-Nigeria-show-a-tie-can-be-thrilling-4567682.php|newspaper=[[Houston Chronicle]]|date=May 31, 2013|access-date=September 5, 2018}}</ref>

In June 2016, NRG Stadium hosted two matches in the group stage and one semifinal in the [[Copa América Centenario]]. Costa Rica beat Colombia 3–2. Mexico and Venezuela drew 1–1. Argentina beat the United States 4–0; [[Lionel Messi]] scored a free kick, making him Argentina's all-time leading scorer.

{| class="wikitable sortable"  style="text-align:left; width:95%; text-align:center;"
|-
!style="text-align:center; {{NFLPrimaryStyle|Houston Texans|border=2}};"|Date
!style="text-align:center; {{NFLPrimaryStyle|Houston Texans|border=2}};"|Winning Team
!style="text-align:center; {{NFLPrimaryStyle|Houston Texans|border=2}};"|Result
!style="text-align:center; {{NFLPrimaryStyle|Houston Texans|border=2}};"|Losing Team
!style="text-align:center; {{NFLPrimaryStyle|Houston Texans|border=2}};"|Tournament
!style="text-align:center; {{NFLPrimaryStyle|Houston Texans|border=2}};"|Spectators
|-
|style="text-align:center;"|May 8, 2003 || {{fb|USA}} || 0–0 || {{fb|MEX}} || Friendly || 69,582
|-
| style="text-align: center;" |July 29, 2004
|[[Everton F.C.]]
|5-2
|[[C.F. Pachuca|Pachuca]]
|[[Copa de Tejas]]
|8,346<ref>{{Cite web |title=ToffeeWeb: Pachuca v Everton, Pre-Season Friendly 2004-05 |url=https://www.toffeeweb.com/season/04-05/reports/Pachuca(f).php |access-date=2025-10-27 |website=www.toffeeweb.com}}</ref>
|-
| style="text-align: center;" |August 1, 2004
|[[Club América|Club America]]
|3-1
|[[Everton F.C.]]
|[[Copa de Tejas]]
|16,434<ref>{{Cite web |title=ToffeeWeb: Club America v Everton, Pre-Season Friendly 2004-05 |url=https://www.toffeeweb.com/season/04-05/reports/America(f).asp |access-date=2025-10-27 |website=www.toffeeweb.com}}</ref>
|-
|style="text-align:center;" rowspan=2|July 11, 2005 || {{fb|GUA}} || 1–1 || {{fb|RSA}} || rowspan=2|[[2005 CONCACAF Gold Cup]] Group C || rowspan=2|45,311
|-
| '''{{fb|MEX}}''' || 1–0 || {{fb|JAM}} 
|-
|style="text-align:center;" rowspan=2|July 17, 2005 || '''{{fb|COL}}''' || 2–1 || {{fb|MEX}} || rowspan=2|[[2005 CONCACAF Gold Cup]] quarterfinals || rowspan=2|60,050
|-
| '''{{fb|PAN}}''' ||style="text-align:center;"|1–1<br /> <small>(5–3 [[Penalty shoot-out (association football)|pen.]])</small> || {{fb|RSA}}
|-
|style="text-align:center;"|November 16, 2005 || '''{{fb|BUL}}''' || 3–0 || {{fb|MEX}} || Friendly || 35,526
|-
|style="text-align:center;" rowspan=2|June 13, 2007 || '''{{fb|HON|1949}}''' || 5–0 || {{fb|CUB}} || rowspan=2|[[2007 CONCACAF Gold Cup]] Group C || rowspan=2|68,417
|-
| '''{{fb|MEX}}''' || 1–0 || {{fb|PAN}}
|-
|style="text-align:center;" rowspan=2|June 17, 2007 || '''{{fb|MEX}}''' || 1–0<br>{{aet}} || {{fb|CRC}} || rowspan=2|[[2007 CONCACAF Gold Cup]] quarterfinals || rowspan=2|70,092
|-
| '''{{fb|GPE|local}}''' || 2–1 || {{fb|HON|1949}}
|-
|style="text-align:center;"|February 6, 2008 || {{fb|USA}} || 2–2 || {{fb|MEX}} || Friendly || 70,103
|-
|style="text-align:center;"|June 15, 2008 || '''{{fb|MEX}}''' || 2–0 || {{fb|BLZ}} || [[2010 FIFA World Cup qualification – CONCACAF second round|2010 FIFA World Cup qualification]] || 50,137
|-
|style="text-align:center;" rowspan=2|July 9, 2009 || '''{{fb|GPE|local}}''' || 2–0 || {{fb|NCA}} || rowspan=2|[[2009 CONCACAF Gold Cup group stage|2009 CONCACAF Gold Cup Group C]] || rowspan=2|47,713
|-
| {{fb|MEX}} || 1–1 || {{fb|PAN}}
|-
|style="text-align:center;"|May 13, 2010 || '''{{fb|MEX}}''' || 1–0 || {{fb|ANG}} || Friendly || 70,099
|-
|style="text-align:center;"|July 28, 2010 || '''{{fbaicon|ENG}} [[Manchester United F.C.|Manchester United]]''' || 5–2 || {{fbaicon|USA}}{{fbaicon|CAN}} [[MLS All-Stars]] || [[2010 MLS All-Star Game]] || 70,728
|-
|style="text-align:center;" rowspan=2|June 22, 2011 || '''{{fb|USA}}''' || 1–0 || {{fb|PAN}} || rowspan=2|[[2011 CONCACAF Gold Cup knockout stage|2011 CONCACAF Gold Cup semifinals]] || rowspan=2|70,627
|-
| '''{{fb|MEX}}''' || 2–0<br>{{aet}} || {{fb|HON|1949}} 
|-
|style="text-align:center;"|January 25, 2012 || '''{{fb|MEX}}''' || 3–1 || {{fb|VEN}} || Friendly || 40,128
|-
|style="text-align:center;"|May 31, 2013 || {{fb|MEX}} || 2–2 || {{fb|NGA}} || Friendly || 62,107
|-
|August 6, 2014
|'''{{fbaicon|ITA}} [[AC Milan|Milan]]'''
|3–0
|{{fbaicon|MEX}} [[C.D. Guadalajara|Guadalajara]]
|Club Friendly
|14,871
|-
|style="text-align:center;"|July 1, 2015 || {{fb|MEX}} || 0–0 || {{fb|HON|1949}} || Friendly || 70,128
|-
|style="text-align:center;"|June 11, 2016 || '''{{fb|CRC}}''' || 3–2 || {{fb|COL}} || [[Copa América Centenario Group A]] || 45,808
|-
|style="text-align:center;"|June 13, 2016 || {{fb|MEX}} || 1–1 || {{fb|VEN}} || [[Copa América Centenario Group C]] || 67,319
|-
|style="text-align:center;"|June 21, 2016 || '''{{fb|ARG}}''' || 4–0 || {{fb|USA}} || [[Copa América Centenario knockout stage|Copa América Centenario semifinals]] || 70,858
|-
|style="text-align:center;"|June 28, 2017 || '''{{fb|MEX}}''' || 1–0 || {{fb|GHA}} || Friendly || 37,617
|-
|style="text-align:center;"|July 20, 2017 || '''{{fbaicon|ENG}} [[Manchester United F.C.|Manchester United]]''' ||style="text-align:center;"|2–0 || {{fbaicon|ENG}} [[Manchester City F.C.|Manchester City]] || style="text-align:center;"|[[2017 International Champions Cup]] || 67,401
|-
|style="text-align:center;"|September 7, 2018|| '''{{fb|URU}}''' || 4–1 || {{fb|MEX}} || Friendly || 60,617
|-
|style="text-align:center;" rowspan=2|June 29, 2019 || '''{{fb|HAI}}''' || 3–2 || {{fb|CAN}} || rowspan=2| [[2019 CONCACAF Gold Cup knockout stage|2019 CONCACAF Gold Cup quarterfinals]] || rowspan=2|70,788
|-
| '''{{fb|MEX}}''' ||style="text-align:center;"|1–1<br /> <small>(5–4 [[Penalty shoot-out (association football)|pen.]])</small> || {{fb|CRC}}
|-
|style="text-align:center;"|July 20, 2019 || '''{{fbaicon|GER}} [[FC Bayern Munich|Bayern Munich]]''' ||style="text-align:center;"|3–1 || {{fbaicon|ESP}} [[Real Madrid CF|Real Madrid]] || style="text-align:center;"|[[2019 International Champions Cup]] || 60,143
|-
|style="text-align:center;"|July 29, 2021 || '''{{fb|MEX}}''' || 2–1 || {{fb|CAN}} || [[2021 CONCACAF Gold Cup knockout stage|2021 CONCACAF Gold Cup semifinals]] || 70,304
|-
|style="text-align:center;"|July 20, 2022 || '''{{fbaicon|ENG}} [[Manchester City F.C.|Manchester City]]''' ||style="text-align:center;"| 2–1 || {{fbaicon|MEX}} [[Club América|América]] || style="text-align:center;"|Club Friendly || 61,223
|-
|style="text-align:center;" rowspan=2|June 25, 2023 || '''{{fb|HAI}}''' || 2–1 || {{fb|QAT}} || rowspan=2| [[2023 CONCACAF Gold Cup Group B]]|| rowspan=2| 66,255
|-
| '''{{fb|MEX}}''' ||style="text-align:center;"| 4–0 || {{fb|HON}}
|-
|July 26, 2023 ||{{fbaicon|ESP}} '''[[Real Madrid CF|Real Madrid]]''' || 2–0 || {{fbaicon|ENG}} [[Manchester United F.C.|Manchester United]] || Club Friendly || 67,801
|-
|June 22, 2024 || '''{{fb|MEX}}''' || 1–0 || {{fb|JAM}} || [[2024 Copa América Group B]] || 53,763
|-
|June 24, 2024 || '''{{fb|COL}}''' || 2–1 || {{fb|PAR}} || [[2024 Copa América Group D]] || 67,059
|-
|July 4, 2024 || '''{{fb|ARG}}''' || 1–1<br /> <small>(4–2 [[Penalty shoot-out (association football)|pen.]])</small> || {{fb|ECU}} || [[2024 Copa América knockout stage#Quarter-finals|2024 Copa América quarterfinals]] || 69,456
|-
|style="text-align:center;"|August 3, 2024 || '''{{fbaicon|MEX}} [[Tigres UANL|UANL]]''' ||style="text-align:center;"| 2–1 || {{fbaicon|USA}} [[Inter Miami CF]] || style="text-align:center;"|[[2024 Leagues Cup]] || 46,080
|-
|style="text-align:center;"|October 13, 2024 || '''{{fbaicon|MEX}} [[Club América|América]]''' ||style="text-align:center;"| 2–0 || {{fbaicon|MEX}} [[C.D. Guadalajara|Guadalajara]] || style="text-align:center;"|Club Friendly || 54,117
|-
|style="text-align:center;"|July 6, 2025 || '''{{fb|MEX}}''' ||style="text-align:center;"| 2–1 || {{fb|USA}} || style="text-align:center;"|[[2025 CONCACAF Gold Cup final]] || 70,925
|-
|}

====2026 FIFA World Cup====

NRG Stadium will host seven matches during the [[2026 FIFA World Cup]]. It is one of eleven US venues which have been selected. It is also one of two venues in Texas which have been selected to host matches, the other being [[AT&T Stadium]] in [[Arlington, Texas|Arlington]]. During the event, the stadium will be temporarily renamed to "Houston Stadium" in accordance with FIFA's policy on corporate sponsored names.<ref>{{cite web |title=The FIFA World Cup 2026™ stadiums |url=https://www.fifa.com/fifaplus/en/articles/world-cup-2026-stadiums-fifa-soccer-football-mexico-usa-canada |publisher=FIFA |accessdate=March 16, 2023}}</ref> The stadium will host five group stage matches, one Round of 32 match, and one Round of 16 match on [[Independence Day (United States)|Independence Day]].<ref>{{cite news |last=Bushnell |first=Henry |date=February 4, 2024 |title=2026 World Cup schedule reveal: FIFA picks New York for final, Mexico for opener, West Coast for USMNT |url=https://sports.yahoo.com/world-cup-schedule-2026-final-opener-locations-205256134.html |work=Yahoo Sports |accessdate=February 4, 2024}}</ref>

{| class="wikitable sortable"
!style="text-align:center; {{NFLPrimaryStyle|Houston Texans|border=2}};"|Date
!style="text-align:center; {{NFLPrimaryStyle|Houston Texans|border=2}};"|Time ([[Central Time Zone|UTC−5]])
!style="text-align:center; {{NFLPrimaryStyle|Houston Texans|border=2}};"|Team #1
!style="text-align:center; {{NFLPrimaryStyle|Houston Texans|border=2}};"|Res.
!style="text-align:center; {{NFLPrimaryStyle|Houston Texans|border=2}};"|Team #2
!style="text-align:center; {{NFLPrimaryStyle|Houston Texans|border=2}};"|Round
!style="text-align:center; {{NFLPrimaryStyle|Houston Texans|border=2}};"|Attendance
|-
|June 14, 2026
| 12:00
|{{fb|GER}}
|–
|{{fb|CUR}}
|[[2026 FIFA World Cup Group E|Group E]]
|
|-
|June 17, 2026
| 12:00
|{{fb|POR}}
|–
|<!--{{fb|}}-->{{flagicon image|Flag of None.svg}} [[2026 FIFA World Cup qualification (inter-confederation play-offs)#Pathway 1|IC Path 1]]
|[[2026 FIFA World Cup Group K|Group K]]
|
|-
|June 20, 2026
| 12:00
|{{fb|NED}}
|–
|<!--{{fb|}}-->{{flagicon image|Flag of None.svg}} [[2026 FIFA World Cup qualification – UEFA second round#Path B|UEFA Path B]]
|[[2026 FIFA World Cup Group F|Group F]]
|
|-
|June 23, 2026
| 12:00
|{{fb|POR}}
|–
|{{fb|UZB}}
|[[2026 FIFA World Cup Group K|Group K]]
|
|-
|June 26, 2026
| 18:00
|{{fb|CPV}}
|–
|{{fb|KSA}}
|[[2026 FIFA World Cup Group H|Group H]]
|
|-
|June 29, 2026
| 12:00
|Winner Group C
|–
|Runner-up Group F
|[[2026 FIFA World Cup knockout stage#Round of 32|Round of 32]]
|
|-
|July 4, 2026
| 12:00
|Winner Match 73
|–
|Winner Match 75
|[[2026 FIFA World Cup knockout stage#Round of 16|Round of 16]]
|
|}

====College basketball====
The stadium has hosted the [[NCAA Division I men's basketball tournament]] several times, including the [[2008 NCAA Division I men's basketball tournament|2008]], [[2010 NCAA Division I men's basketball tournament|2010]] and [[2015 NCAA Division I men's basketball tournament|2015]] South Regional semifinals and finals, and the Final Four in [[2011 NCAA Division I men's basketball tournament|2011]], [[2016 NCAA Division I men's basketball tournament|2016]], and [[2023 NCAA Division I men's basketball tournament|2023]].

===Motorsports===
For the past eighteen years, NRG Stadium has played host to [[Monster Jam]]. Also, it has hosted a round of the [[AMA Supercross Championship]] since 2003, replacing the Astrodome which had been host since 1974.<ref>{{cite web|title=2015 AMA Supercross Media Guide|url=http://www.amasupercross.com/MediaGuide/SXMediaGuide_15_lores.pdf|publisher=AMA Supercross Championship|year=2015|access-date=September 5, 2018|archive-date=October 13, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161013092314/http://www.amasupercross.com/MediaGuide/SXMediaGuide_15_lores.pdf|url-status=dead}}</ref>

===Concerts===
[[File:BeyonceRenaissance92423-2.jpg|thumb|300px|The stadium frequently hosts large-scale music concerts.]]
The stadium is a regular concert venue and has featured performers such as [[Linkin Park]], [[The Rolling Stones]], [[Metallica]], [[Beyoncé]], [[U2]], [[Selena]], [[Guns N' Roses]], [[Morgan Wallen]], [[One Direction]], [[Taylor Swift]], and [[Coldplay]] over the years. When Taylor Swift returned in 2023 for [[The Eras Tour]], she became the first act in stadium history to sell out three shows on a single tour.<ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.khou.com/article/news/entertainment-news/taylor-swift-tour-nrg-houston-concert/285-bc07ce04-0109-41d7-9d72-def541313254 | title='Ready for It?' Taylor Swift is bringing 2023 the Eras Tour to NRG Stadium in Houston | date=November 2022 }}</ref>

On June 14, 2025, Metallica set a new attendance record  at the stadium with over 75,000 fans confirmed in attendance in support of their [[M72 World Tour]].<ref> {{cite web | url= https://www.khou.com/article/entertainment/television/programs/great-day-houston/metallica-thrills-a-sold-out-crowd-at-nrg-stadium/285-df09d3c5-840e-4b76-8ead-01dcb1d8381e | title= Metallica thrills a sold-out crowd at NRG Stadium | date=June 2025 }} 
</ref>

===Hockey===
On September 23, 2011, the [[Dallas Stars]] and the [[Phoenix Coyotes]] were scheduled to play a preseason game. This proposed game was later canceled citing costs to put ice in the stadium.<ref>{{cite web|title=Houston Texans, Rice University partner for new pro sports management course|url=http://tsn.ca/nhl/story/?id=371159|work=[[The Sports Network]]|date=July 7, 2011|access-date=February 3, 2017|archive-date=July 29, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130729045809/http://www.tsn.ca/nhl/story/?id=371159|url-status=dead}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=January 5, 2023 |title=NRG Stadium Concert History |url=https://www.concertarchives.org/venues/nrg-stadium |access-date=January 5, 2023 |archive-date=January 5, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230105131817/https://www.concertarchives.org/venues/nrg-stadium |url-status=live }}</ref>

===Other events===
[[Rice University]] uses executive offices in the stadium to teach a professional sports management class.<ref>{{cite web |title=Houston Texans, Rice University partner for new pro sports management course|url=https://www.bizjournals.com/houston/news/2019/09/04/houston-texans-rice-university-partner-for-course.html|publisher=Houston Business Journal|year=2019|access-date=September 4, 2019}}</ref>

The stadium hosted [[WrestleMania 25]] on April 5, 2009.

The [[Howdy Modi]] event was held on September 22, 2019, by Texas India Forum.

During the summer of 2019, the stadium hosted two international conventions of Jehovah's Witnesses, gathering thousands of delegates from around the world.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Houston, United States (English)—2019 "Love Never Fails"! International Convention|url=https://www.jw.org/en/news/jw/region/united-states/Houston-United-States-English-2019-Love-Never-Fails-International-Convention/|access-date=2021-06-18|website=JW.ORG|language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|title=Houston, United States (Spanish)—2019 "Love Never Fails"! International Convention|url=https://www.jw.org/en/news/jw/region/united-states/Houston-United-States-Spanish-2019-Love-Never-Fails-International-Convention/|access-date=2021-06-18|website=JW.ORG}}</ref>

==See also==
*[[Astrodome]]
*[[History of Houston]]
*[[List of American football stadiums by capacity]]
*[[List of current National Football League stadiums]]
*[[Lists of stadiums]]

{{Portal bar|Architecture|Texas|Sports}}

==Notes==
{{Reflist|35em}}

==External links==
{{Commons category}}
* {{official website|https://www.nrgpark.com/nrg-stadium/}}
* [http://stadiumdb.com/stadiums/usa/reliant_stadium NRG Stadium] at StadiumDB.com
* [http://wheresmyseat.net/nrg-stadium/ NRG Stadium Seating Chart]

{{s-start-collapsible|header={{s-sta|et}}}}
{{Succession box
| title  = Home of the<br />[[Houston Texans]]
| years  = 2002&nbsp;– present
| before = first stadium
| after  = current
}}
{{Succession box
| title = Host of the [[Super Bowl]]
| years = [[Super Bowl XXXVIII|XXXVIII]] 2004<br />[[Super Bowl LI|LI]] 2017
| before = [[SDCCU Stadium|Qualcomm Stadium]]<br />[[Levi's Stadium]]
| after = [[TIAA Bank Field|ALLTEL Stadium]]<br />[[U.S. Bank Stadium]]
}}
{{Succession box
| title  = Home of the<br />[[Big 12 Championship Game]]
| years  = 2002<br />2005
| before = <br />[[Texas Stadium]]<br />[[Arrowhead Stadium]]
| after  = <br />Arrowhead Stadium<br />Arrowhead Stadium
}}
{{Succession box
| title  = Host of [[WrestleMania]]
| years  = 2009 ([[WrestleMania 25|25]])
| before = [[Camping World Stadium|Citrus Bowl]]
| after  = [[University of Phoenix Stadium]]
}}
{{Succession box
| title=[[NCAA Men's Division I Basketball Championship|NCAA Men's Division I]]<br />[[NCAA Men's Division I Basketball Championship|Basketball Tournament]]<br />Finals Venue
| years = [[2011 NCAA Division I men's basketball championship game|2011]]<br />[[2016 NCAA Division I men's basketball championship game|2016]] <BR />[[2023 NCAA Division I men's basketball championship game|2023]]
| before = <br /><br />[[Lucas Oil Stadium]]<br />[[Lucas Oil Stadium]] <BR /> [[Mercedes-Benz Superdome]]
| after = <br /><br />[[Mercedes-Benz Superdome]]<br />[[State Farm Stadium]] <BR /> [[State Farm Stadium]]
}}
{{s-end}}
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[[Category:Sports venues completed in 2002]]
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