Texans unveil state-of-the-art videoboards, sound system, new food items at NRG Stadium

HOUSTON – Inside of NRG Stadium, a look around the field displays changes to the fan experience at the Texans’ home football games.

The new video boards, one apiece behind each end zone, are extremely large, fancier and more high-tech than before. They were very expensive, too. The sound system is bumping, with new louder speakers and clearer audio.

The resolution of the video boards is quadrupled in resolution with clearer, smoother video with additional detail for larger-format content and fan engagement.

The upgrades, along with new food items, were unveiled Tuesday afternoon.

“Hopefully, as you can see, larger and higher definition,” Texans team president Mike Tomon said. “One of the things we’re excited for the fans that will notice right out of the gates is the definition is almost quadruple what it was previously. You could see the details. What that allows us to do also with the size of it is have different levels of content.

“So because of a larger format, we can play different types of content up there. One of the things the fans won’t see is the actual production room behind it. So, we actually built it from ground up. So, it is state of the art that allows us to make a more engaging environment for the fans when they come this year."

It’s also much louder than before. The hope from the defending AFC South champions is a more intense, high-energy sound and feeling to heighten the experience for memorable moments. A new sub-woofer was added to kick up the bass.

“Sight, visuals, the sound system we’re really excited for as well for when our fans enter the stadium this year,” Tomon said. “Not only will you be able to hear it, the volume of it, the crispness of it and the fact that it is evenly distributed throughout the stadium.

“So, wherever you’re in the stadium you’ll hear a new sound system. And now when you hear it I think at those big-game moments with the new base and the woofers. You should be able to feel it, too.”

The Texans took a lot of notes by visiting and studying other venues. Ultimately, they’re happy with the changes they’ve implemented in partnership with the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo and Harris County.

They are in active talks with their partners as their current lease expires in 2032. The discussions are focused currently on renovations to NRG Stadium. They haven’t completely abandoned the option of potentially building a new stadium. The Texans are also exploring options for a new headquarters and practice facility, potentially within an entertainment district near NRG Park or in the greater Houston area.

“There’s so many great reference points around,” Tomon said. “I think as our fans travel, as you travel, as you get to see different venues, the experience from end to end, including the visual, is a key component. And so we knew that there was a great opportunity to make an upgrade there.

“County did a great job stepping up and investing in that side to make a better experience. But I think you can go to pretty much any newer venue, certainly over the last five years or so, and you can see what is out there and what our fans are experiencing. And as you know, one of our commitments is always to make sure that we’re delivering a world-class experience. So we’re very in tune to what our fans are experiencing when they’re not here at the stadium."

The Texans regularly consult with their Fan Council to get feedback and communicate changes.

“So, we stay close with them on how they’re experiencing to make sure that we are in tune with how our fans are feeling, what they’re experiencing and where we can put our energy,” Tomon said. “So, we get lots of feedback, and we’re trying to make sure that what we’re reacting and anticipating on that side.”

The Texans have several new food items, in collaboration with Aramark Sports & Entertainment and several local restaurants and chefs, including partnering with Truth Barbecue along with new partners in Craft Pita and Stuff’d Wings.

Among the items: Craft Pita’s Mediterranean fare on the club level, Stuff’d Wings, specializing in Louisiana cuisine in Section 510, Chris Shepherd’s wagyu chopped cheesesteak, deviled egg and caviar, steakhouse slider melts, tequila lime shrimp, crawfish queso and hot honey chicken funnel cake fries.

“Our great partners at Aramark have come up with over 120 new items, food and beverage for this year,” Tomon said. “The great thing is, you’ll find new items again on the food and beverages side at every level of the venue. So all fans will be able to access and experience it. But we’re really excited.

“We have some great partnerships out there: Truth Barbecue, great partnership with Chris Shepherd. I think even beyond that, when we look at the overall experience, we know how important the food side of it is. And we’re excited to say that our fans’ first items, this is always a big thing, 16-ounce domestic beer, price is the same as last year. Which I say that because I know those are important things to make sure that we’re speaking to the entire experience.”

Aaron Wilson is a Texans and NFL reporter for KPRC 2 and click2houston.com