Harris County voters back renovations to NRG Stadium and the Astrodome, plus show strong interest in a Houston-based theme park and pro sports teams.
HOUSTON — A majority of Harris County voters say they support using public funds to renovate major sports and entertainment venues and are excited about potential new attractions, including a theme park, WNBA and NHL teams, and World Cup games coming to Houston.
That’s according to a new survey from the University of Houston’s Hobby School of Public Affairs, which asked 2,300 registered voters about their preferences on big-ticket entertainment investments and expansion opportunities.
NRG Stadium renovation gets broad backing
About three out of four voters believe Harris County should help fund the renovation of NRG Stadium, with most favoring public funding of up to 40%. Only 26% believe the county shouldn’t contribute any public dollars.
Support for the stadium likely stems from how voters feel about its tenants:
- 81% have a favorable opinion of the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo
- 73% have a favorable view of the Houston Texans
Astrodome revival gains momentum
Voters also support breathing new life into the Astrodome, with 62% backing a public-private partnership to redevelop the historic stadium into a mixed-use entertainment venue.
Theme park in Houston? Voters say yes
The idea of a destination theme park like Disney World or Universal Studios was met with high enthusiasm:
- 68% are excited about the idea
- That jumps to 75% among voters with children under 18
- 36% say they’d visit more than once a year, while another 25% would go at least annually
Black and Latino voters expressed the most excitement, with 79% and 72% support, respectively.
Motor speedway proposal splits opinion
Plans for a Houston-based major motor speedway got a mixed reaction:
- 48% are enthusiastic
- 52% are not
Men, Republicans, and parents of young children were more likely to support the idea.
Strong enthusiasm for new pro teams
- 64% of voters support bringing a WNBA team back to Houston, with particularly strong support from women (76%) and Black voters (82%)
- 61% support bringing an NHL team to the city
World Cup 2026: Huge anticipation
Houston is slated to host seven Men’s FIFA World Cup games in 2026, and the excitement is clear:
- 75% of Harris County voters are enthusiastic
- Latino voters (84%) are the most excited demographic
Why it matters
The findings suggest wide-ranging public support for Houston to remain a national hub for sports and entertainment, blending nostalgia (Astrodome revival), current institutions (NRG Stadium), and bold new ventures (theme park, pro teams, global soccer).
As local officials and private developers consider next steps, the data offers a rare mandate to invest in infrastructure that boosts Houston’s cultural and economic vitality.