It's N-R-G

It's official: Reliant Stadium gets a new name, but don't call it Nerg

It's official. And it's N-R-G, not Nerg.

NRG Park and NRG Stadium signs will soon replace all displays with Reliant references — down to cups and napkins at the complex — before the Houston Texans take the field for the upcoming football season.

Members of the Harris County Sports & Convention Corp. voted unanimously Wednesday to rebrand both Reliant Stadium and the entire Reliant Park to NRG properties. The name change is effective immediately with new signage set to be implemented soon.

“We are pleased that the Harris County Sports & Convention Corporation (HCSCC) has voted to authorize the rebranding of Reliant Park and its related facilities, including Reliant Stadium, to NRG Park and NRG Stadium, respectively," NRG Energy officials said in a statement released after the vote. "We look forward to continuing our support of the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo, the Houston Texans and all of the park’s events and activities."

NRG Energy is the parent company of Reliant Energy, the complex’s former namesake source. Reliant purchased the naming rights for the stadium and park buildings in 2002 for $300 million, a then-record naming rights fee. NRG Energy acquired Reliant’s retail operations in 2009. The stadium is the only rodeo and NFL indoor/outdoor facility with retractable roof and natural grass stadium that can be configured to utilize a 125,000-square-foot space for general sessions, catered functions, exhibits, concerts and much more.

NRG Stadium is set to host the 2016 Final Four and the 2017 Super Bowl, mammoth events that will give the new NRG name plenty of play — if everyone learns to pronounce it phonetically.

Reliant Stadium, rebranded as NRG Stadium in this provided rendering.

NRG Park Renderings March 2014 NRG Stadium

Photo courtesy of NRG Park

Reliant Stadium, rebranded as NRG Stadium in this provided rendering.

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chill out

Houston Astros ballpark gets cool new name for the next 15 years

Courtesy of the Houston Astros

The Astros' stadium will have a new name in 2025.

The Houston Astros are about to have the coolest ballpark in Major League Baseball. The team announced on Monday, November 18 that its has reached a naming rights agreement HVAC manufacturer Daikin Comfort Technologies North America, Inc.

Beginning on January 1, 2025, the stadium will be known as Daikin Park (die-kin). Scheduled to run through the 2039 season, the new name replaces Minute Maid Park, which has been the stadium’s name since 2002. It opened in 1999 as Enron Field.

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Astros fans online are already calling the new stadium “The Ice Box,” replacing its informal “The Juice Box” moniker. That name feels likely to stick.

Japan-based Daikin Industries is a leading manufacturer of HVAC systems. It sells air conditioning units and other products under brand names such as Daikin, Goodman, Amana® and Quietflex. Critically, it operates Daikin Texas Technology Park in nearby Waller, which is the largest HVAC manufacturing facility in North America. The company employs approximately 10,000 people in Greater Houston, according to a release.

“We are excited to be partnering with Daikin for our ballpark’s naming rights,” Astros owner Jim said. “Daikin is an international company that proudly calls the Greater Houston area its North American home. The Houston Astros and Daikin share the same values, a commitment to excellence and a desire to give back to our local community. As we celebrate the 25th anniversary of this ballpark in 2025, I am proud to have Daikin alongside us to create even more special memories for our fans now and in the future.”

The Astros will use the revenue for new stadium amenities and other upgrades. It will also continue the team’s various community initiatives. Terms of the deal were not disclosed. the Houston Chronicle notes that naming rights deals may be worth anywhere from $3.5 million per year (T-Mobile park in Seattle) to $11 million per year for the Texas Rangers’ Globe Life Field.

The team’s first game in Daikin Park will take place on Monday, March 24, which it plays an exhibition against its Triple-A affiliate, the Sugar Land Space Cowboys. It will open the regular season on Thursday, March 27 against the New York Mets.

“Daikin fit all of the criteria we set out to find in a naming rights partner,” Astros senior vice president Matt Brand added. “Their name and reputation fit our iconic downtown Houston home, and their values mesh perfectly with those of the Astros. We are grateful to partner with the entire Daikin team and to help them succeed in their business goals. Daikin Park will be a special place for our fans for many years to come.”

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