Two Houston stadiums picked as Gold Cup sites

In the past seven years, Houston has played host to four World Series, the 2017 Super Bowl, the 2018 Men’s U.S. Open Cup Final and the 2023 Men’s Final Four. However, that’s not all.

The Bayou City is also one of North America’s great soccer cities, which is why it was picked as one of the host cities for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

So it was not surprising to see Houston as one of 14 metro areas picked to host CONCACAF Gold Cup matches. Moreover, the Bayou City is the only city with two stadiums picked to host Gold Cup matches this summer. SoFi Stadium in the Los Angeles suburb of Inglewood was awarded the Final.

The North America and Caribbean region’s biannual tournament will hold games at the NFL Texans’ NRG Stadium. Shell Energy Stadium, home of the Dynamo FC and Dash, will also host.

“We are honored to once again host the Concacaf Gold Cup at NRG Stadium,” said Lone Star Sports and Entertainment general manager David Fletcher. “Houston is home to the best soccer fans in the country, and we look forward to providing them another edition of this world-class event.”

Familiar Gold Cup site

NRG Stadium and Chicago’s Soldier Field will each host Gold Cup Games for a record seventh year. AT&T Stadium, the home of the Dallas Cowboys in Arlington, Texas, will host for the sixth time. Shell Energy Stadium, and State Farm Stadium in Glendale, Arizona, will also host for the sixth time.

The other stadiums selected were Bank of America Stadium in Charlotte, N.C., Cincinnati’s TQL Stadium, Fort Lauderdale’s DRV PNK Stadium, Red Bull Arena in Harrison, NJ, Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas, Snapdragon Stadium in San Diego, Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara, Calif., CITYPARK Stadium in St. Louis and BMO Field in Toronto.  

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“The 15 host cities and venues we have selected all have strong track records of hosting elite football, and world class events,” CONCACAF president and FIFA vice president Victor Montagliani said. “I want to thank each and every one of them for their commitment to Concacaf, to our Gold Cup and to our sport. 

“This is a tremendous time for football in the region with Nations Leagues, men’s and women’s Gold Cups, and other exciting national team and club competitions taking place over the next three years as we head towards the FIFA World Cup 2026.” 

New name with upgrades

The 2023 Concacaf Gold Cup will be held from June 16 to July 16. If history holds, the smaller Shell Energy Stadium will hold group stage matches. NRG will likely be the site for quarterfinal or semifinal matches.

“With our large, diverse and incredibly passionate soccer community and a pair of world-class soccer stadiums, it’s no surprise that Houston has not one, but two venues selected to host matches in this summer’s Gold Cup tournament,” says Janis Burke, the Harris County-Houston Sports Authority CEO.

NRG Stadium held the 2021 Gold Cup semifinal match, drawing 70,304 fans to see Mexico defeat Canada 2-1. The semifinal was the most attended Gold Cup venue that year. 

Shell Energy Stadium was formerly known as PNC Stadium and BBVA Compass Stadium before that. The 11-year-old stadium was renovated over the winter.  

“We are excited to showcase a newly renovated venue for the Gold Cup this summer and offer fans an enhanced experience as they support their national team at Shell Energy Stadium,” Dynamo COO  Jessica O’Neill said. “We take pride in ensuring that the hospitality of Houston is enjoyed by all who will join us for these world-class competitions.”