Earlier this week we reported that the XFL may be shopping alternative venues for the Houston Roughnecks for next season. We mentioend that we expected the team to stay in Houston, and that Rice Stadium was among the venues that have been contacted.
Word on the street is that the #XFL is exploring different venues for the Roughnecks in 2024.
We expect the team to remain in Houston, and Rice Stadium appears to be a strong contender.
— The REF (@TheRefSays) July 23, 2023
At the time of the report it was unclear on the leagues motivations, but XFL CEO & President Russ Brandon put out a statement on the matter today to shed some more light.
XFL CEO/President Russ Brandon issued the following statement today regarding the potential impact of renovations at TDECU Stadium on the 2024 Houston Roughnecks home game schedule: pic.twitter.com/EaXm4dW846
— XFL Communications Department (@XFL_PR) July 25, 2023
It looks as if the upcoming renovations to TDECU Stadium could impact the availability during their 2024 campaign.
The XFL is working with the University of Houston to determine the availability of TDECU Stadium for our games in 2024 as the building undergoes renovations. If we determine that the stadium is unavailable to accommodate our home dates, we will find a new home in the area for the coming season. The XFL loves Houston, and the Roughneck Nation loves the XFL. We aren’t going anywhere!”
At the moment, it looks like the league is still hopeful that they can play in TDECU in 2024, but are currently assessing the situation to ensure everything goes smooth.
The good news out of this, the XFL is not planning on relocating the Roughnecks. We’ve reported that the league has already reached out to Rice Stadium, so they’re already working on a backup plan if it comes down to that.
We’ll keep you posted as more information comes out on the XFL’s plans for the Houston Roughnecks in season 2.
What are your thoughts on the Houston Roughnecks playing out of Rice Stadium in 2024? Let us know down in the comments below or join the conversation on Discord.
