Gale Delahaf/Houston Public Media
The Houston Texans are discussing potentially important moves that could reconstruct the team’s day-to-day operations in the Houston area and their footprint. It is building a new practice facility and the accompanying entertainment district, away from the franchise’s longtime home at NRG Park.
Owner Cal McNair said Monday that the organization is in the process of evaluating options for the new front office headquarters and team training facility. While NRG Park continues, McNair said the team is seriously considering alternatives across the region.
“As we got caught up in the training facility, I’m still not really sure. We have a lot of great options. We’ll sort it out faster than late,” McNair told reporters during media availability at the Houston Texans Foundation golf tournament.
The Texans currently operate one of the rare NFL setups, housed practice operations within the NRG Stadium complex, owned by Harris County. But McNair said it is probably not a sustainable long term.
“There are very few teams that are actually in the facility in the stadium just like us, so going outside is more standard. When you do that, there are some teams that have done it recently in the places they are developing there.
The team is happy with the location of NRG Park, but they can also relocate offices and training facilities.
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“The great thing is, it’s okay where we are, and that’s where we start,” McNair said. “Would we move? Yeah, we’ll move and do something brand new somewhere.”
Texans President Mike Tomont detailed the possibilities that come with the construction of new facilities, especially those that could become part of the wider entertainment district.
“It’s been a pretty unique situation these days, and we see that the value Texans can bring to the community… there are great ways to make an impact on the community in a great way.
The Dallas Cowboys operate the league’s most notable developments tied to their headquarters/training facilities. The star opened in the suburbs north of Dallas in 2016 and includes a number of restaurants, bars and shops in addition to hotels, office spaces and residential units. The total size of the development is over 90 acres.
Tomon, hired in January, has experience in the sports business field. He spent 10 years as a COO at Legend. In addition to managing the venue, this will help teams run food and hospitality within the stadium.
He pointed to the growing popularity of entertainment districts at sports venues, saying benefits can be provided beyond new spaces for teams and their employees.
“They are great opportunities for corporate partners to get involved and great opportunities for other retailers, local retailers and national retailers,” Tomont said.
Tomont said the team is in discussion with multiple entities with the land needed for the new complex. Still, it has not been built at NRG Park.
“It’s an option,” Tomon said. “We’re from that position because it’s good where we are, but we’re exploring other opportunities.”
The Texans are also working on plans to renovate and update NRG Stadium. NRG Stadium has teams playing home games and leases in 2032. The franchise continues to talk with Rodeo Hauston and Harris County on its latest lease, according to McNair.
