Birdair to Upgrade Houston’s NRG Stadium with Durable PTFE Panels on Retractable Roof
Birdair awarded contract ahead of stadium’s FIFA World Cup matches in 2026
Birdair, Inc., the world’s leading specialty contractor for custom tensile membrane structures for over 65 years, has been awarded a contract to replace the retractable PTFE roof panels at NRG Stadium in Houston with a more modern, durable PTFE material.
Birdair is returning to NRG Stadium more than 20 years after completing its pioneering work on what was then known as Reliant Stadium’s original retractable PTFE fiberglass roof in 2002. Construction on the two retractable roof areas, with a total surface area of nearly 300,000 sq. ft., began with preparatory work in February and will be completed prior to the stadium hosting matches during the FIFA World Cup in June 2026. PTFE panels on the east and west sides of the stadium will be completed prior to the World Cup as well, while PTFE clamping, cables and minor steel work will be completed later in 2026.
“This is a substantial project in terms of size and volume, and Birdair is uniquely positioned to deliver results,” said Tom Connell, Vice President, Birdair. “The Houston Texans and the Harris County Sports and Convention Corporation have been great partners dating back to the installation of our first PTFE roof back in 2002, and we’re excited to once again work with them as we install a brand-new PTFE roofing system that will protect NRG Stadium and its fans for years to come.”
A specialized phased approach has been implemented to maintain stadium operations, including high-profile events such as the annual Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo and the FIFA World Cup throughout the replacement process. The construction team will consist of approximately 24 workers, with a six-person crew currently working on the prep work.
A standout feature of the project includes the use of helicopter lifts to place the massive roof panels. Scheduled for June 2025, these carefully coordinated lifts will position the panels with millimeter-level accuracy. Birdair also has developed innovative manpower strategies, relying on streamlined equipment setups, including forklifts and custom rigging systems, for on-site efficiency.
PTFE is an advanced membrane that combines a fiberglass substrate with a high-performance PTFE coating, enhancing structural resilience and weather resistance. PTFE offers exceptional durability, capable of withstanding extreme temperatures, UV exposure and severe weather conditions, while maintaining its performance over decades. Additionally, its unique light transmission properties allow for the controlled influx of natural light, reducing the need for artificial lighting and creating a more energy-efficient environment.
Since its debut in 2002 as the NFL’s first retractable PTFE roof stadium, NRG Stadium has been a benchmark of modern sports architecture. Over the years, the stadium has hosted several landmark events, including two Super Bowls, and continues to be a hub for entertainment and athletics. As part of the stadium renovations, new video boards will be installed, turf will be replaced, and the field will be widened to host soccer matches in 2026.
A full-service design-build specialty contractor for tensile architecture, Birdair offers a comprehensive range of pre-construction services including design assistance, budgeting, construction methodologies and project schedule development. Birdair’s in-house capabilities include design development, engineering, fabrication, construction (installation) and service and warranty services.
For more information on Birdair’s innovative roofing systems, canopies and skylights, visit Birdair.com and follow Birdair on Facebook and LinkedIn.
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About Birdair
Birdair, Inc., is the leading specialty design build contractor of custom tensile structures around the world. In addition to pre-construction services such as design assistance, budgeting, construction methodologies and project scheduling, Birdair provides design-build solutions in all aspects of project design, fabrication, installation and maintenance. The company offers a selection of architectural fabric membranes, including PTFE fiberglass, TensoSky® ETFE film, PVC and Tensotherm™, an insulated tensioned membrane system. Birdair, based in Buffalo, NY, is a member of the Taiyo Kogyo Group, with operations serving North and South America and other international locations. For more information about Birdair, call 1-800-622-2246 or visit Birdair.com.
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