Host committee outlines stadium renovations, plans grass field after rodeo

The FIFA World Cup 26 Houston Host Committee announced plans this week to modify the bowl at NRG Stadium and install a natural grass pitch after the 2026 Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo.

The work will include removing some corner seats to expand the pitch area to meet FIFA field-size standards and installing a grass field that must meet tournament quality for the duration of the event, the host committee said.

Chris Kanetti, president of the FIFA World Cup 26 Houston Host Committee, said the bowl modifications will begin this summer and that the grass-field work is planned to start in May 2026 after the rodeo. "We have to put together a plan to be able to grow grass on the highest quality standard you could imagine, to exist in this facility for over 40 days," Kanetti said.

Kanetti said the stadium changes are driven by FIFA requirements for pitch dimensions and playing surface. He noted that most U.S. stadiums were built for the NFL and many require specific improvements to host World Cup matches. "All of these stadiums were built for the NFL," he said. "Each and every one of us in every city has to make some improvements to the stadium." He described the bowl modifications and grass installation as the two major projects necessary for Houston.

John Arnold, chairman of the FIFA World Cup 26 Houston Host Committee, said those projects are among many moving parts the city and partners must manage in the next year-plus. "The next 503 days are gonna be a busy time for everyone in managing all the moving parts of this tournament, including safety and security, transportation, training sites, soccer legacy for the city, the volunteer program, fan engagement, and finances," Arnold said.

The host committee said final plans for the grass field will be completed in the coming months and that bids are being awarded for portions of the work. Kanetti said leading experts have worked on the grass plan for several years and that the committee is concluding plans and awarding bids.

Kanetti also said the host committee coordinated the stadium schedule around the rodeo: regular rodeo activity will occur in its normal time slot in 2026 and the field work will begin once that event clears the facility.

Details such as the contractors awarded bids, exact costs to install the grass and modify the bowl, and expected disruption to scheduled events were not specified.

The host committee emphasized planning to preserve playing-quality standards and meet FIFA's technical requirements while coordinating with local event schedules and venue operators.