Houston Texans Home Venue Returns to Original Name: Reliant Stadium is Back

A familiar name is returning to the Houston skyline. Starting in August, the home of the Houston Texans and the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo will officially revert to its original name: Reliant Stadium. The change, which was approved on Wednesday by the Harris County Sports & Convention Corporation, will officially debut in September for the Texans’ 25th season.

The Drive Behind the Name Change

The decision to bring back the Reliant brand wasn’t a random choice. NRG Energy, the company that transitioned the venue to NRG Stadium in 2014, based the move on direct feedback from the community. A recent survey revealed that 90 percent of Houston-based customers supported the return to the original name.

“It’s the brand that they connect with, that they do business with, that they trust to deliver their power and that we have relationships with, so we’re excited to bring it back,” Brad Bentley, president of NRG Consumer, told the Houston Chronicle. Bentley emphasized that fans have made it clear that for many, the venue has always been Reliant Stadium.

A History of Naming Rights and Transitions

The stadium’s naming history reflects the corporate evolution of the energy sector in Houston. In 2002, Reliant Energy purchased the naming rights for the stadium and surrounding buildings for $300 million over a 30-year span. This partnership coincided with the Texans’ very first game.

The landscape shifted in 2009 when NRG Energy purchased Reliant’s retail electricity business. This corporate acquisition eventually led to the decision in 2014 to rename the venue NRG Stadium. Interestingly, the Texans spent exactly 12 years playing in Reliant Stadium and another 12 years in NRG Stadium before the decision to revert the name for their milestone 25th season.

Beyond the Gridiron: Reliant Park and the Rodeo

The renaming isn’t limited strictly to the football stadium. NRG Energy announced that the surrounding facilities at NRG Park will also be renamed Reliant Park in August. This ensures a cohesive brand identity for the entire complex, which serves as the home for the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo.

For the Houston Texans, the move is about more than just branding; it’s about heritage. Texans President Mike Tomon highlighted the team’s long-standing partnership with Reliant, noting that the brand has been part of the Texans family since the beginning. Tomon mentioned the team’s pride in initiatives like the Scholarships for Champions Program, which has supported student-athletes across the greater Houston area for two decades.

Key Takeaways: The Return to Reliant Stadium

• Effective Date: The name change occurs in August, debuting for the 2026 NFL season in September.
• Scope: Both the stadium and the surrounding park will be renamed Reliant Stadium and Reliant Park.
• Catalyst: A survey showing 90% customer support for the original name.
• Legacy: The Texans will celebrate their 25th season in the venue where they played their first game in 2002.
• Lease Status: The Texans remain under a lease agreement through 2032.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is the stadium being renamed again?

The change is a response to strong customer preference. A survey showed that the vast majority of Houston-area customers have a stronger connection and trust in the Reliant brand.

When does the name change officially grab effect?

The renaming will happen in August, ensuring the venue is Reliant Stadium in time for the start of the Houston Texans’ season in September.

Who approved the name change?

The change was approved by the Harris County Sports & Convention Corporation.

As the Texans prepare for their 25th anniversary, the return to Reliant Stadium serves as a bridge between the franchise’s origins and its future. With the lease extending through 2032, the team and its partners are leaning into a brand that resonates deeply with the Houston community.