Humble ISD is continuing to push back on a new policy that would bar high schools from holding graduation ceremonies at Reliant Stadium.
What’s happening
Humble ISD is seeking help from the Harris County Commissioners Court to continue holding high school graduation ceremonies at Reliant Stadium, formerly known as NRG Stadium. The Harris County-Houston Sports Authority, which oversees Reliant Park, has opted not to hold graduations at its stadium and will instead offer the Reliant Arena, a smaller venue, HCHSA Director Martye Kendrick said.
The decision could double or triple the amount of revenue the stadium earns during the typical 20-day graduation period in May, Kendrick said, if the venue hosts one successful concert instead.
“We understand the importance of graduations and what a milestone that is,” Kendrick said. “[We] do not take their concerns lightly, nor do we minimize them.”
The policy comes after the stadium did not host graduations in May to accommodate scheduling for the FIFA World Cup.
The other side
In a statement, Humble ISD Communications Director Jamie Mount said the district has held more than 70 high school graduation ceremonies at the stadium since 2005.
“Reliant Stadium is one of few venues large enough to accommodate an unlimited number of guests per graduate for larger high schools,” Mount said. “Securing an appropriate venue is a challenge because graduations occur across the Greater Houston area during a similar time frame and there is extensive demand for facilities at common times.”
Mount said the arena has been offered for the district’s May 2027 graduations, but its capacity would limit attendees. Graduation ceremonies for the district’s largest high school, Summer Creek High School, usually attract 12,700 people, Mount said. Without using the stadium, graduates would likely be limited to about six guests, she said.
The arena has a capacity of 6,500-7,500 people, Kendrick said, and overflow has been offered to accommodate attendance of up to 12,000 visitors.
“The overarching concept that I want everyone to grasp is that we are faced with managing this 350-acre asset with facilities on it that are aging and need maintenance and repair, in addition to capital improvement projects,” Kendrick said.
What they’re saying
During the Sept. 8 court meeting, Summer Creek High School Principal Matthew Mahony said the school is one of the largest in the state, serving almost 4,200 students this year. Graduation is a “milestone that everybody cherishes,” Mahony said.
“Families should not have to make the impossible decision of which family member to leave back at home,” Mahony said.
Humble ISD board of trustees member Chris Parker said Sept. 17 that the district is willing to be “very flexible with the date” for graduation ceremonies.
Reliant Park is a county-owned facility that includes the stadium and arena. The HCHSA oversees the park and its events schedule, which is filled with high-profile artists’ concerts and Houston Texans games. Precinct 3 Commissioner Tom Ramsey said some high schools struggle to find indoor venues as large as the stadium that can accommodate their needs.
Precinct 2 Commissioner Adrian Garcia said he would like districts to have the right of first refusal in picking graduation dates and use the arena as a backup plan.
“We’re talking about families and kids who already went through a pandemic without graduations,” Garcia said. “I hate to be a part of something that we can do that will be comparable to the pandemic.”
Siding with the HCHSA’s policy, Precinct 1 Commissioner Rodney Ellis said he acknowledges the facility is a “no-money complex” and that offering slots to large high schools could create inequity for the smaller ones.
Kendrick said the HCHSA would consider its options and bring them back to the court. No specific date was set.
