The Texans are the NFL’s youngest franchise, founded in 1999 to replace the Oilers, who had left Houston for Tennessee. They have played every home game since 2002 at the same retractable-roof stadium, which opened as Reliant Stadium, spent 2014 to 2026 as NRG Stadium and took back the Reliant name in 2026.
Below is the stadium’s place in the Texans’ history and what has happened there. It links to our full guide.
The Texans’ Stadium, 2002 to Today
- Houston
- 2002–presentCurrent home
Opened in 2002 for the expansion Texans as the first NFL stadium with a retractable roof. Known as NRG Stadium from 2014 to 2026, it has hosted Super Bowls XXXVIII and LI and 2026 World Cup matches.
Visiting guide →
Texans Stadium FAQ
Have the Texans always played at Reliant Stadium?
Yes. The stadium opened in August 2002, in time for the Texans’ first season, and they won their first regular-season game, against the Dallas Cowboys, on September 8, 2002. It is the only regular home the franchise has had.
Why is it called Reliant Stadium again?
The stadium opened as Reliant Stadium and was renamed NRG Stadium in March 2014, after Reliant’s parent company. During the 2026 World Cup it went by Houston Stadium, and in April 2026 NRG announced it would bring back the Reliant Stadium and Reliant Park names after the tournament, with new signs in place for the 2026 preseason.
Does Reliant Stadium have a roof?
Yes. It was the first NFL stadium built with a retractable roof: two fabric panels split at the 50-yard line and slide over the end zones. The stadium was designed to replace the Astrodome, which is part of the same Reliant Park complex.
What big events has the stadium hosted?
Two Super Bowls, XXXVIII in 2004 and LI in 2017 (the first to go to overtime), along with WrestleMania 25, the 2024 College Football Playoff National Championship and seven matches at the 2026 FIFA World Cup. It is also home to the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo.
Where do the Texans play now?
At Reliant Stadium in Houston, which seats 72,220 for football.