The Houston Texans have just over two months to prepare for Week 2’s home opener against the Chicago Bears on Sunday Night Football.
Perhaps that is a good thing since NRG Stadium is in need of repairs.
Hurricane Beyal made landfall early Monday morning, torching its way throughout the city with winds reaching up to 80 mph. The damage left over two million residents without power and roads covered in debris and flood damage.
The wreckage wasn’t limited to homes, highways and recreational parks, as photos surfaced Tuesday showing multiple holes in the stadium’s retractable roof.
Hurricane Beryl ripped open the roof of NRG Stadium, home of the Houston Texans.
You can see down onto the field. @KPRC2 pic.twitter.com/jLxWbwhIE6
— Gage Goulding – KPRC 2 (@GageGoulding) July 9, 2024
“Like many of our neighbors in the Gulf Coast region, NRG Park sustained damage from Hurricane Beryl, including to the roof of NRG Stadium,” NRG Park CEO and executive director Ryan M. Walsh said in a statement released Tuesday. “(Harris County Sports & Convention Corporation) officials are collaborating with state, county and city officials to assist with recovery efforts throughout the region.
“While we assist with these efforts, we are also assessing the extent of damages to NRG Park facilities. We look forward to seeing our neighbors at NRG Park as soon as we return to normal operations.”
Monday isn’t the first time the roof of NRG Stadium has been impacted by severe weather since opening in 2002. In 2008, Hurricane Ike tore off five roof panels, forcing Houston to reschedule its matchup against the Cincinnati Bengals to October.
There was widespread damage across the Houston area from Hurricane Beryl. This is NRG Stadium, where the retractable roof was damaged. From Air 11, you could see straight down onto the football field.
Latest: https://t.co/CiS72kAXrG pic.twitter.com/3rqZC8sLkR
— KHOU 11 News Houston (@KHOU) July 9, 2024
The results also caused $5 million worth of property damage.
One panel will take time to fix, but it shouldn’t interfere with the home opener on September 15. Houston also has two preseason road games to kickstart the year, so there’ll be time to patch up the major holes before the team returns to take on the New York Giants on August 17.
While the Texans will practice next door in the iconic indoor bubble, other events are planned from now until August 17 and could be postponed for a later date. The stadium is scheduled to host Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus from July 19-21. After that, Zach Bryan’s concert is scheduled for July 27.
The Texans return for the start of training camp on July 18.