HOUSTON, Texas (KTRK) — Preparations are underway as NRG Stadium, home to the Houston Texans and the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo, undergoes required changes to host seven FIFA World Cup matches as part of the summer’s biggest sporting tournament.<\/p>\n
ABC13’s SkyEye flew over the stadium on Friday, where crews were seen removing all designated signage and sponsorships. This is due to strict FIFA guidelines requiring all host stadiums to remove any long-standing corporate sponsors for the scheduled events.<\/p>\n
It goes for sponsor branding inside the stadium as well.<\/p>\n
In addition to physical changes, the name goes as well. Instead of what we know as “NRG Stadium”, for the World Cup, it will simply be branded as “Houston Stadium.”<\/p>\n
SEE ALSO: Which countries are coming to H-Town for next year’s FIFA World Cup?<\/a><\/p>\n NRG is expected to host seven matches, including two knockout matches. The stadium, which opened in 2002, holds a capacity of 72,000 spectators and is located next to the 8th Wonder of the World, the Astrodome.<\/p>\n The 104-game tournament begins on Sunday, June 14. Five group-stage fixtures featuring Germany, Curaao, Portugal, the Netherlands, Uzbekistan, Cabo Verde, and Saudi Arabia will be held at NRG , as will one Round of 32 tie and a Round of 16 clash.<\/p>\n