A study conducted by the University of Houston in early to mid-July revealed that a majority of Harris County residents are in favor of using public funds to renovate NRG Stadium and revive the iconic Astrodome—two prominent venues in Houston that have been the focal point of recent discussion for revitalization and upgrades.

What we know

In December, the Harris County Sports & Convention Corporation released the details of a facilities condition assessment for all of NRG Park, including the arena and the stadium, which found $2 billion worth of repairs were needed for the complex, in addition to $500 million already in deferred maintenance. Repairs needed include:
  • A new roof, estimated at $116 million
  • A new scoreboard, estimated at $105 million
  • Replacement of seating, elevators and escalators
Since the report, stakeholders with the complex have begun discussing different options for the parks future, which include repairing the 22-year-old compound or building a new one. Several architectural firms have already developed design studies and completed renderings for the new venue, with features that include upgraded premium seating, enhanced technology, and more space and amenities.

However, in an interview with Community Impact in February, HCSCC CEO Martye Kendrick said funding sources for the project are currently being evaluated, including what role public funding may play in the final decision.
The Houston Texans are considering a $1.4 billion renovation of NRG Stadium, with three design proposals released. (Rendering courtesy Populous)
The Houston Texans are considering a $1.4 billion renovation of NRG Stadium, with three design proposals released. (Rendering courtesy Populous)
In addition to discussions surrounding NRG Park, plans were also revealed late last year for $1 billion to revitalize the Astrodome, which has since been adjusted to $840 million. The new plans, released by The Astrodome Conservancy, showed features such as:
  • 450,000 square feet of space
  • A new event floor inside the buiding
  • A boulevard connecting people from the Astrodome to NRG Park
  • Additional parking, storage, service and animal handling facilities
Astrodome Conservancy Chair Phoebe Tudor said in early February that she expects the Astrodome's status as a Texas historical landmark could leverage private investment funding and minimize public investment.

However, in a new updated plan for the project, the Conservancy noted in a news release July 2 that the redevelopment would be funded through public and private investment, with public investment potentially costing around $270 million.


By the numbers

Despite the hefty price tag of the two sports and entertainment venues, the report released July 31 by the University of Houston showed a majority of registered voters were in support of using public money for renovations.

Renée Cross, senior executive director of the Hobby School of Public Affairs at UH, said strong support for NRG Stadium's two major tenants—the Houston Livestock Show & Rodeo and the Houston Texans—likely played a part in support of using public funds to pay for renovations.

“We found that 81% of voters have a favorable opinion of the rodeo, and 73% say the same about the Texans,” she said in the news release. “A substantial number of voters also agree that some public funding for renovations is appropriate.”


For NRG Stadium renovations, the study found that:
  • 26% of voters don't support using any taxpayer money for renovations.
  • 26% of voteres support using public funding for between 21% and 40% of the cost.
  • One-fourth of voters support public funding for up to 20% of the cost.
Meanwhile, 62% of respondents support a public-private partnership to convert the Astrodome into an entertainment venue.
The Astrodome Conservancy revealed plans in November called 'Vision Astrodome' that would feature four buildings inside the arena and a boulevard connecting people to NRG Park. (Rendering courtesy Gensler)
The Astrodome Conservancy revealed plans in November called "Vision Astrodome" that would feature four buildings inside the arena and a boulevard connecting people to NRG Park. (Rendering courtesy Gensler)
One more thing

In addition to stadium renovations, the study also asked voters about their thoughts on additional sports and entertainment venues in Harris County and Houston, with interest in a construction of a destination theme park resort as well as obtaining both a WNBA team and an NHL team.
  • 68% of voters are enthusiastic about the possibility of a destination theme park resort coming to town, with 61% saying they would visit a theme park at least once a year.
  • 75% of voters are enthusiastic about Houston hosting seven FIFA World Cup soccer games in 2026.
  • 64% of voters are enthusiastic about getting a WNBA game, while 61% support Houston getting an NHL team
The survey was conducted between July 9-18 in both English and Spanish.