How Texans approach ‘complicated’ NRG Stadium issue, focus on ‘renovation,’ leaning on Mike Tomon’s expertise

PALM BEACH, Fla. – As the Texans continue to dig further into ongoing negotiations on their stadium lease that expires in seven years, their central focus remains on finding workable, financially viable solutions to upgrade NRG Stadium.

The priority for the Texans regarding the multi-use, 72,220 capacity stadium built in 2002 at a cost of $352 million is to renovate the facility, which is in need of extensive and expensive repairs and general improvements, in partnership with Harris County, the Harris County Sports & Convention Corporation and the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo.

The vision is set on finding an effective, long-term situation with the stadium, where the defending AFC South champions are a tenant for the long-standing Kirby Drive structure owned by the county.

“It’s a complicated issue, and one we’re excited to roll up our sleeves and continue to work on,” Texans principal owner, chair and CEO Cal McNair said at the NFL owners meetings. “We’ve been working on it for a couple years already, and we’re committed to continue to work on it with our rodeo partner, Harris County partner, the city may be involved in it. So, to get all the parties in, come up with a great solution where it’s a win-win for all of us is really our goal"

McNair, voted unanimously as principal owner a year ago at the NFL owners meetings, emphasized that the Texans, seven years out from the expiration of their stadium lease in 2032 as the primary tenants of the first NFL stadium with a retractable roof, want to improve the stadium.

Relocation to a new stadium, perhaps to the Houston suburbs, isn’t the Texans’ stated goal. They want to refurbish the stadium, which is already getting new video boards in advance of next season.

Negotiations are active and ongoing with lots of time left on the current lease. The Texans are attempting to be proactive about the stadium situation.

Contractually, the Texans are not responsible for the repair and upkeep of the stadium. That task lies with Harris County under the terms of the lease arrangement. The Texans have contributed millions of dollars, though, toward multiple repairs and maintenance of the stadium since the launch of the franchise in 2002 by the late founder Bob McNair, Cal McNair’s father.

Texans hire Mike Tomon as new team president: ‘Proven leader, extensive background in stadium development’

The Texans will lean heavily on the expertise of newly-hired team president Mike Tomon on this stadium issue and other projects, including a goal of construction of a new training facility with the team currently training and practicing exclusively at NRG Stadium.

Tomon has an extensive background with stadiums nationally and internationally with Legends Global Attractions. That includes working with SoFi Stadium in Los Angeles, Real Madrid’s Santiago Bernabe’u Stadium, the Dallas Cowboys’ AT&T Stadium, the Las Vegas Raiders, Notre Dame, FC Barcelona, FIFA, Rugby World Cup, Allegiant Stadium, Highmark Stadium, The Star in Frisco, the Cowboys’ training facility, and work with the 2024 Paris Olympics and the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics.

“Right now, the priority is a renovation,” Tomon said during an interview at The Breakers about NRG Stadium when asked about the status of negotiations. “I think it’s important to say that we’re open to all options in Greater Houston, Greater Houston being the key. But, right now, as Cal mentioned, our focus has been and continues to be on the renovation.”

Talks are active with Harris County, the rodeo between the Texans with Tomon brought on board to lead the stadium efforts and other business goals.

“I mean, they’re ongoing,” Tomon said. “I’d say there’s progress in the fact that I’ve had an opportunity to speak with a number of different stakeholders, still some very important stakeholders to speak with, but, most importantly, out of the gates spending time with the partners really. So, between the rodeo and county, we’ve had some great conversations.”

Tomon, the replacement for former team president Greg Grissom, is a recognized stadium expert as the former co-president and chief operating officer of Legends, providing services in business planning, project management, sponsorships, premium ticket sales, merchandise, marketing and food and beverages.

RELATED: Texans move on from team president Greg Grissom

The vision for the stadium effort is centered on improvement. Although NRG Stadium has gotten high marks for concessions and entertainment, there have been some complaints from fans about getting in and out of the stadium and other issues. There are lots of priorities, but the fan experience looms largest, Tomon emphasized.

“Right now, we’re having those conversations internally,” Tomon said. “Certainly, we are going through where can the capital be best spent? How can you bring to life the vision of having a world-class facility, a world-class experience that gives our fans the best and gives the team an advantage? When you’re doing something that large, that kind of has that wide of a mandate, you really have to drill down into all the different ways that capital can be spent wisely and get the most run out of it. That takes a lot of thoughtfulness, that takes lot of experts, as commission studies that we’ve gone about to kind of bring together.

“And, so we’ve been going through that process and trying to make sure we come out with the right end. We’re seven years out right now. While we know we’re at the right time to be having these conversations, we also know we have to move them forward as well. And so, right now, that’s kind of the push on making sure we have the rigor, making sure that we’ve been comprehensive, but making sure, at the same time, once we feel we get to that point, we can kind of move forward with a solution on those sides. So, more definition to come.”

Tomon will oversee the direction and management of all Texans’ business operations including marketing, communications, broadcasting, ticket sales and services, event services, corporate sponsorship, community relations, accounting, legal, human resources and general administration, as well as overseeing all aspects of Lone Star Sports & Entertainment.

Tomon has previously held senior roles with the Cleveland Cavaliers, Charlotte Bobcats and Phoenix Suns, focusing on premium ticketing, partnerships and sales strategy.

Tomon was the leader for global business development for the company, identifying new opportunities for growth and innovation as he oversaw Legends’ marketing, creative and communication divisions.

Under his tenure, Legands vertical quadrupled in size.

Tomon has two decades of experience in sports and entertainment.

He was a senior vice president of global partnerships at AEG working in new business development and instituted global premium sales strategy. He accounted for over $500 million in deals at AEG prior to being hired by Legends in 2014.

Now, he’s responsible for the business operations of an NFL team, including its stadium.

“I think it points out what the opportunities are and what the challenges are,” Tomon said. “As I look back, one of the fortunate things that I’ve had the opportunity to go through in my career is to see some really, really great triumphs on the stadium side. So, how do you advance not only the business, but the business for the benefit of the fans?

“How do you position it the right way? And I’ve also seen the missteps, That’s a key piece when you’re starting to build these things is making sure that you have a really good view of not only how to build this best for the fans, but the community. Like what are the right steps to make the most out of the investment? And so excited for those to come to bear.”

In 2015, Tomon was named a Sports Business Journal Forty Under Forty award winner.

He has served on the Sports and Entertainment Council for the United Way and Children’s Hospital Los Angeles.

A graduate of Georgetown University where he played football, Tomon lived in Dallas with his wife and two children before relocating to Houston to work for the Texans.

“It’s pretty special,” Tomon said. “I think coming in one of the best things that I found out of this was that we have such a great foundation and when you come in with the intangibles already in place, energy, the culture, you have a great vision by certainly ownership, coming into my role, that is a great shot in the arm, that’s a great way to start.

“The main focus right now is the culture and the people. And that’s part and parcel to the overall organization. And that is the focus, is how do we make sure we have, we have a world-class situation. I keep coming back to world-class, but we do. We have a world-class situation, world-class fans in a world-class city. And making sure that we are living up to that from a business standpoint."

Aaron Wilson is a Texans and NFL reporter for KPRC 2 and click2houston.com.