ESPN NFL

HISTORY:

The NFL's first stadium with a retractable roof -- built of translucent, Teflon-coated fiberglass fabric -- made its debut in August 2002. When it opens over a span of 10 minutes, the roof splits at the 50-yard line and docks in the end zones. The field is made of natural grass, which is grown on eight-square foot trays, which are then transported and connected in the stadium.

It's not the first first for stadium designs in Houston, where the first dome stadium, the Astrodome, opened in 1965. Reliant Stadium's 194 suites are situated up-close-and-personal to the field, and visitors enjoy plenty of room to meander on its 40-feet-wide main concourse.

Though only open for one decade, Reliant Stadium has hosted two NCAA men's Sweet Sixteens and one Final Four (2011). In 2004, the stadium was host to Super Bowl XXXVIII between the New England Patriots and Carolina Panthers.

-- Information from the Houston Texans media guide and ReliantPark.com was used in this overview

SEATING NOTES:

Kids:

Ages 2 years and older need ticket. Children younger that 2 years are free if sitting on an adult's lap.

General:

No outside items, including food or beverages, may be brought in.

Address:

Two Reliant Park
Houston, TX 77054

Directions:

From north Houston (Woodlands): I -45 South, take the Highway 288 exit to Lake Jackson. Merge onto South Loop 610 westbound. Exit Fannin Street, turn right and enter parking lots. Or exit Kirby, stay on feeder road and merge into parking lot.

From northeast Houston (Kingwood): Highway 59 South, take the Highway 288 exit to Lake Jackson. Merge onto South Loop 610 westbound. Exit Fannin Street, turn right and enter parking lots. Or exit Kirby, stay on feeder road and merge into parking lot.

From northwest Houston (Tomball): Highway 249 to I-45 South, take the Highway 288 exit to Lake Jackson. Merge onto South Loop 610 westbound. Exit Fannin Street, turn right and enter parking lots. Or exit Kirby, stay on feeder road and merge into parking lot.

From west Houston (Katy): I-10 East to 610 loop southbound. Exit Main Street, turn left to Westridge. Turn right and proceed straight into parking lot. Or exit Kirby Dr., turn left and enter parking lot.

From southwest Houston (Sugarland): Highway 59 North merge onto South Loop 610 southbound. Exit Main Street, turn left to Westridge. Turn right and proceed straight into parking lot. Or exit Kirby Drive, turn left and enter parking lot.

From southeast Houston (Pasadena): Highway 225 westbound, merge onto 610 Loop westbound. Exit Fannin Street, turn right and enter parking lots. Or exit Kirby, stay on feeder road and merge into parking lot.

From south Houston (Clear Lake): I-45 North, merge onto 610 Loop westbound. Exit Fannin Street, turn right and enter parking lots. Or exit Kirby, stay on feeder road and merge into parking lot.

Parking:

Click here for a map of parking lots provided by the Texans. Tailgating is a huge part of Texans games.

Transportation:

Fans can get to Texans game via the MetroRail. Click here for additional information.