HOUSTON – In a wide-ranging letter emailed to season-ticket holders, Texans chairman and CEO Cal McNair provided some clarity on the AFC South franchise’s plans for NRG Stadium.
The focus of the Texans regarding the multi-use, 72,220 capacity stadium built in 2002 at a cost of $352 million is to renovate the aging facility, which is in need of extensive and expensive repairs and general improvements, in partnership with Harris County, the Harris County Sports & Convention Corporation and the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo.
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McNair, voted unanimously as principal owner a year ago at the NFL owners meetings, emphasized that the Texans, seven years out from the expiration of their stadium lease in 2032 as the primary tenants of the first NFL stadium with a retractable roof, want to improve the stadium. Relocation to a new stadium, perhaps in the Houston suburbs, contrary to speculation, isn’t the Texans’ stated goal. They want to refurbish the stadium, which is already getting new video boards in advance of next season.
Negotiations are active and ongoing with lots of time left on the current lease. The Texans are attempting to be proactive about the stadium situation.
Contractually, the Texans are not responsible for the repair and upkeep of the stadium. That task lies with Harris County under the terms of the lease arrangement. The Texans have contributed financially, though, to multiple repairs and maintenance of the stadium since the launch of the franchise in 2002 by the late founder Bob McNair, Cal McNair’s father.
The Texans will lean heavily on the expertise of new team president Mike Tomon. Tomon has an extensive background with stadiums nationally and internationally with Legends Global Attractions. That includes working with SoFi Stadium in Los Angeles, Real Madrid’s Santiago Bernabe’u Stadium, the Dallas Cowboys’ AT&T Stadium, the Las Vegas Raiders, Notre Dame, FC Barcelona, FIFA, Rugby World Cup, Allegiant Stadium, Highmark Stadium, The Star in Frisco, the Cowboys’ training facility, and work with the 2024 Paris Olympics and the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics.
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“Although we are seven years away from the expiration of our lease, I want you to know that we are working collaboratively and diligently with our partners – the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo, Harris County and HCSCC – to identify the best path forward,” McNair wrote. “With those partners, we have conducted a number of studies and continue to learn more about what we need to be successful in the future under the leadership of our new team president, Mike Tomon, who has an extensive history of developing and renovating stadiums.
“We support a renovation of NRG Stadium and are committed to exploring all potential solutions to ensure long-term success. We want to ensure we have a world-class facility that provides a competitive advantage for our team and a great experience for our fans, while standing tall as a community asset. Ultimately with our valued partners, our goal is to find a solution that works for all stakeholders involved, where everyone feels like a winner.”
#Texans principal owner Cal McNair letter to season ticket holders on state of team 'focused on taking our team to new heights' after busy offseason, and how franchise is 'working collaboratively and diligently' on stadium issues 'We support a renovation of NRG Stadium' @KPRC2 pic.twitter.com/P4dJjdEjRB
— Aaron Wilson (@AaronWilson_NFL) March 28, 2025
Tomon, the replacement for former team president Greg Grissom, is a recognized stadium expert as the former co-president and chief operating officer of Legends, providing services in business planning, project management, sponsorships, premium ticket sales, merchandise, marketing and food and beverages.
“I’m honored to join the Texans during such a fun and exciting time,” Tomon said. “I want to thank Janice, Cal, Hannah, and the McNair family for giving me this incredible opportunity to join the NFL. I love working with people who are passionate about their work and love what they do, and it was clear in our conversations that the McNairs love this organization and the city of Houston.
“Their vision for this team and aspirations to be champions in every way allowed us to connect immediately. I also want to thank my wife, Lauren, and my two children for their support, we’re all thrilled about the opportunity to move to Houston. I know that Texans fans are among the most passionate in the NFL, and I can’t wait to get started.”
Tomon will oversee the direction and management of all Texans’ business operations including marketing, communications, broadcasting, ticket sales and services, event services, corporate sponsorship, community relations, accounting, legal, human resources and general administration, as well as overseeing all aspects of Lone Star Sports & Entertainment.
Tomon has also held senior roles with the Cleveland Cavaliers, Charlotte Bobcats and Phoenix Suns, focusing on premium ticketing, partnerships and sales strategy.
Tomon was the leader for global business development for the company, identifying new opportunities for growth and innovation as he oversaw Legends’ marketing, creative and communication divisions.
Under his tenure, Legands vertical quadrupled in size.
Tomon has two decades of experience in sports and entertainment.
He was previously senior vice president of global partnerships at AEG working in new business development and instituted global premium sales strategy. He accounted for over $500 million in deals at AEG prior to being hired by Legends in 2014.
In 2015, Tomon was named a Sports Business Journal Forty Under Forty award winner.
He has served on the Sports and Entertainment Council for the United Way and Children’s Hospital Los Angeles.
A graduate of Georgetown University where he played football, Tomon lived in Dallas with his wife and two children.
Meanwhile, the Texans are involved in a dramatic overhaul of their offensive line, a weak point for the team last season, that included trading Pro Bowl left tackle Laremy Tunsil and former first-round guard Kenyon Green, signing offensive linemen Cam Robinson, Laken Tomlinson and Trent Brown and trading for Ed Ingram.
The Texans have been active since the start of free agency, including trading for wide receiver Christian Kirk and safety C.J. Gardner-Johnson and signing All-Pro corner Derek Stingley Jr. (three years, $90 million in new money) and Pro Bowl defensive end Danielle Hunter (one year, $35.6 million) to blockbuster contract extensions.
“The 2025 Season is on the horizon, and I can’t wait for our team to take the field in pursuit of our ultimate goal under DeMeco Ryans and Nick Caserio,” McNair wrote. “We’re proud of our back-to-back AFC South Championships, but we are eager to take the next step. Nick and DeMeco make a great team, and they are aligned on how to build a winner. Through free agency, trades and the draft, they will continue to work together to add players who have a special work ethic and relentless mindset. They are focused on taking our team to new heights, and I’m confident the roster building process this spring and the continued development of our young core players will help us get there. We also recently introduced our new offensive coordinator, Nick Caley, and we’re excited to see all these pieces come together in 2025.
“As you know, this team means so much to me and my family, and it’s held a special place in our hearts since my dad brought the NFL back to Houston over 25 years ago. For us, this is far more than just a business, it is our true passion. We understand the unifying force of this club in our community and, of course, for the fans, so we are always listening and looking for ways to improve in every aspect. My parents made giving back to Houston a core value for our organization, and I promised to uphold that commitment when they selected me to take over the team. I hope I am making them proud and will continue to do everything I can for our city and our fans.”
Aaron Wilson is a Texans and NFL reporter for KPRC 2 and click2houston.com.
