What You Need To Know Before Going To A Houston Texans Game

A fresh start.

That’s what the Houston Texans are looking for for the third year in a row. With new head coach DeMeco Ryans coming over from the San Francisco 49ers’ stout defense, the youngest franchise in the NFL once again needs a reboot.

The former Houston linebacker takes over the reins at the place where he starred for six years and brings a youthful energy with him. Coming off a three-win season, the Texans reloaded early in the NFL Draft, grabbing Ohio State quarterback C.J. Stroud with the No. 2 pick and Alabama linebacker Will Anderson with the No. 3 selection.

With potential franchise cornerstones on both sides of the ball, the Texans look to build the next couple seasons. The team should be exciting on defense as Ryans’ charges last year in San Francisco were the top defensive unit in the league on the way to him winning assistant coach of the year.

For those fans ready to watch a young squad grow this year, here are a few things to help maximize your game-day experience:

Getting to NRG Stadium and settling in

Out-of-town fans flying in have two airport options in Houston. The George Bush Intercontinental Airport is the busiest, and most airlines fly there. From the airport, the drive is roughly 30 miles or about 40 minutes. The William P. Hobby Airport is closer (about 20 minutes), but fewer airlines come through. Southwest is your best bet if flying into Hobby.

Finding a place to stay on any budget is no problem at all. If you’d like to stay close to the stadium and can pay between $150-$200 a night, three good options are:

• The Wyndham Houston near NRG 
• The Wingate Houston near NRG
• The Comfort Inn and Suites

If you want to explore Houston before or after the game, the NASA Space Center should be at the top of your list. For something entirely different, Buffalo Bayou Park gives visitors a first-hand encounter of the bayou. Rent a kayak and go explore!

The best seats at Houston Texans games

It’s not always the case that field-level tickets are the best for an NFL game. Some of the best seats in the house are in the Loge section (the 500s) on the rail. The first row is actually Row G, not Row A. A face-value ticket in this area runs about $115, but StubHub usually has them for a little cheaper.

If you’ve got more money to spend, the mezzanine might house the best non-suite seats in the stadium. The chairs are bigger, the section is elevated enough to allow you to take in the whole game, and you have access to shorter food and beverage lines. 

Texans home schedule

The Texans have a promotion for you

The Texans are big on promotions, contests and overall fan engagement. Every home game is themed. Game 6 (versus the Jaguars) is a “battle red day.” Many promos allow fans the opportunities to get down on the field with the team. One new theme in 2023 will be Reppin’ H-Town day for the last home game versus the Titans. This will be a celebration of H-Town culture.

There are also promos for fans looking to represent their Texan pride. Right now, you can get up to a $50 rebate at myplates.com if you order a Texans license plate. More promos can be found on the Texans website.

NRG Stadium parking is paperless, so get the app

For 2023, all Houston Texans parking passes (except platinum passes) will be paperless. The mobile ticketing app is what you’ll use to present both game and parking tickets. Parking prices range from $31 to $108 for official lots. 

There are off-site lots for closer to $20 that will leave you with a 20-minute walk to the stadium. The Spothero app will allow you to secure parking in advance for Texans games. It’s a good option if you don’t want to stress, and prices are not too bad.

RV parking works a little differently at NRG. There are designated RV spaces in each lot. RV drivers will need to pre-purchase at least two regular parking passes. It could be more depending on how big their RV is. 

Parking tickets can be purchased on game day at both the Yellow and Maroon lots for $40. No cash will be accepted for parking purchases.

NRG Stadium tailgating is wide open

Many NFL stadiums limit tailgating by sectioning off the parking lots where people can tailgate. Not at NRG Stadium. You can tailgate in every lot. 

The NRG Stadium parking map is broken into lots based on color. The Blue lot is where you’ll find most of the big, sponsored tailgate setups. The other lots are smaller and have different vibes. Seasoned Texan tailgaters will tell you to bring a roller cooler and comfortable shoes. You’ll want to explore your options and the parking areas are expansive. 

One of the rules for tailgating is that nobody can charge admission to their tailgate. That, however, is not strictly enforced. There is a healthy barter system at NRG tailgates, and it’s always good to bring some extra beer, a bottle of something, or some food to share. People are very friendly and won’t demand anything, but sharing will get you a long way.

The Texans allow postgame tailgating up to one hour following the conclusion of a game.

Here are a few key guidelines:

• Parking is first come, first serve, and there are no saving spots. 
• If you’ve got a big tailgate set up, you can buy two parking spots
• If you’re grilling, security often does fire extinguisher checks. So bring one. 
• The parking lot opens four hours before kickoff (five, if you are parking in platinum)
• There are ADA-compliant spaces, but they can’t be set up for tailgating

Final thoughts on taking in a Texans game

• Get the mobile app and expect paperless payments everywhere
• Plan to wait about 30 minutes to get into the stadium; security checkpoints are slow
• The NRG complex is huge! Give yourself time to explore before and after the game
• The metro (bus or train) can help you avoid traffic and the parking hassle altogether
• Get loud when the Texans are on defense!

NRG Stadium ADA information

ADA accessible parking

Parking spaces for ADA guests are available and located throughout NRG Stadium lots on a first-come, first-served basis. Standard ADA parking is available in Orange Lot: sections 6, 8, 10, 13; Maroon Lot: sections 14 and 15; Red Lot: sections 3 and 4 and Blue Lot: section 19

ADA mobility assistance

Wheelchair access is available at NRG Stadium, and it has automatic or power-assisted entrances. Disabled accessible turnstiles are also available. Wheelchair escorts are provided through guest services. Contact the Texans’ office at 832-667-1400 for any special assistance needs.

ADA accessible seating

Seating designated for ADA guests is available on all levels for all events held at NRG Stadium. Designated seating for ADA guests will be available until such seats are sold out. One companion seat may be purchased for each accessible seat. Limited additional companion seating will be held until the day of the event or until seating is sold out, whichever is sooner.