Reliant Stadium is part of a complex known as Reliant Park, which also contains the Astrodome. Opened in August of 2002, the stadium seats 71,500 for football, though it can hold more depending on the event.
Retractable Roof
The retractable roof is open or shut based on certain guidelines that were set after consultation with various meteorologists and weather experts. As such, the roof is open for Texans games when game time temperature is projected between 50 and 80 degrees. Rain chances will also influence the decision, and if there is a good chance of rain, the roof will be closed, despite the temperature guideline.
How Much Did Reliant Stadium Cost?
The stadium cost $352 million to construct.
Why Is It Called "Reliant Stadium"?
The name comes from Houston-based Reliant Energy, which purchased the naming rights in 2000 for 32-years and at a total cost of $300 million.
What Events Are Held In Reliant Stadium?
Along with hosting the Texans' NFL games, Reliant Stadium is also the home of the NCAA's Texas Bowl, the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo and various other college football games. The stadium also hosts various international soccer events, including the 2010 MLS All Star game, which saw the MLS all stars facing off against Manchester United. The stadium has also hosted concerts by U2, The Rolling Stones, and Metallica and WWE has conducted one of its Wrestlemania events inside the stadium. It has also hosted Monster Truck events, the Ringling Brothers Circus, and various Disney On Ice events.
Hurricane Ike's Effects
The stadium's retractable roof was damaged as a result of Hurricane Ike. This forced the Houston Texans to spend a month on the road and the NFL had to find a way to juggle the schedule of the Texans, the Baltimore Ravens, and several other NFL teams to make up for the sudden cancellation of the game.
What Important Events Has Reliant Stadium Hosted?
Reliant Stadium has hosted the 2008 and 2010 NCAA Men's Basketball Regionals, and in 2011 and 2016, it will be the home of the Final Four, one of the most popular sporting events in the U.S.
Reliant Stadium is perhaps best known for hosting Super Bowl XXXVIII, where the New England Patriots defeated the Carolina Panthers 32-29 in a thrilling match-up that turned into a fourth quarter offensive slugfest. But the most memorable event on that day was the accidental exposure of one of Janet Jackson's breasts during a halftime concert.
What Is The Address?
The address for Reliant Park is:
One Reliant Park
Houston, Texas, 77054
It is located off of the 610 Loop South, and it is bordered by Kirby and Fannin Streets.
