Dynamo dynamic venue now Shell Energy Stadium

Article posted by Coliseum, January 20^th, 2023

Image: Houston Dynamo

The Major League Soccer (MLS) team Houston Dynamo FC has announced a new naming-rights agreement ahead of the 2023 MLS season (scheduled to begin on February 25^th and end on October 21^st, 2023) as their soccer-specific venue will now be known as the Shell Energy Stadium in Houston, Texas (US).

‘MLS’ stated that the 21,000-seat stadium, previously known as the PNC Stadium, is also home to the National Women’s Soccer League’s (NWSL’s) Houston Dash.

The Houston Dynamo FC is an American professional soccer club based in Houston (US). The Dynamo competes in Major League Soccer (MLS) as a member of the Western Conference.

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The 22,039-capacity Shell Energy Stadium is an American multipurpose stadium located in Houston, Texas (US) that is home to the Houston Dynamo FC, a Major League Soccer club, the Houston Dash of the National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL) and the Texas Southern Tigers football (college football team representing the Texas Southern University).

The National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL) is a professional women’s soccer league at the top of the United States league system. It is owned by the teams and, until 2020, was under a management contract with the United States Soccer Federation.

The Dynamo majority owner and Chairman Ted Segal said in a statement, “On behalf of the club, we are ecstatic to not only expand our relationship with Shell Energy, but combine efforts to truly impact the City of Houston through an array of community and sustainability projects. We look forward to welcoming our passionate fans to the Shell Energy Stadium this Spring following an extensive renovation to enhance the experience of all guests. Thank you to the Shell Energy team for their commitment to our organization and to Houston.”

The Shell Energy Retail Limited is the United Kingdom’s (UK’s) consumer gas, electricity and broadband operations business of Shell. The company does not generate electricity, instead purchases it from the international markets.

‘MLS’ further stated that as part of the agreement, the stadium will feature new marquee signage at the North end, along with Shell Energy signage and branding prominently displayed throughout the venue.

In addition, the Dynamo and Shell Energy are pursuing a variety of integrated energy and decarbonization solutions at the stadium, while also collaborating on important community initiatives. This includes a near-term goal to reduce the club’s greenhouse gas emissions by 50 percent by 2026 from a 2018 base year.

Beginning in early 2023, Shell Energy will institute a decarbonization program starting with energy efficiency improvements to venue-wide LED lighting, onsite renewable energy via a rooftop solar array, renewable electricity, energy monitoring and management with a sub-metering system, and installation of electric vehicle charging stations.

Shell Energy’s impact extends beyond the footprint of the downtown stadium through the club’s community programing like Futbolito in the City, which reached nearly 1,000 local children in 2022. The program offers local youth players free soccer coaching across two five-week periods throughout the City.

Futbolito in the City powered by Shell Energy provides free soccer programing and free play to youth in the greater Houston area. The Houston Dynamo FC and the Houston Dash provide free coaching for kids aged 6-14 for 90 minutes, once a week for 10 weeks (split into two five-week sessions).

Futbolito in the City is hosted at local parks, schools and Houston Dynamo FC/Dash mini pitch locations. This program uses the power of soccer to provide an opportunity for youth to pursue their interest in playing the sport and gain new skills at zero cost to their families.

Dynamo Chief Operating Officer (COO) and Dash President Jessica O’Neill stated in a combined statement, “This announcement is the result of the tireless work from both organizations to make this opportunity a reality. This transformative relationship will extend far beyond our footprint in downtown and we’re thrilled to continue to improve our community alongside Shell Energy.”

Since Segal arrived as majority owner and Chairman in June 2021, the venue has undergone multiphase renovations to offer supporters a safe standing section and the addition of two premium spaces in the South end.

Additionally, construction is underway at the Shell Energy Stadium as the venue expands its premium offering with an all-inclusive air-conditioned club on the East concourse. The current project also includes the installation of all-new mesh seats throughout the entire seating bowl. The multimillion-dollar project is scheduled for completion in early March.

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