Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo and Houston Texans officials announced today that they recently informed Harris County Judge Ed Emmett, Harris County Commissioners, and Harris County Sports & Convention Corporation board members that they will oppose the currently defined redevelopment of Reliant Astrodome.

Both the Rodeo and the Texans are committed to working with Harris County on future improvements to Reliant Park. It is, however, the unanimous opinion of both organizations that the proposed redevelopment poses serious operational hurdles, threatens each organization's financial well-being, and violates their lease agreement rights with Harris County.

The Rodeo and the Texans were active partners with Harris County in the construction of Reliant Stadium, and worked with the County in the construction of Reliant Center, Carruth Plaza and other elements at Reliant Park.

The Astrodome Redevelopment Corporation's proposal will have a negative impact on the Rodeo's future success, including its many youth and educational programs. Rodeo officials emphasize that it has a 75-year history with Harris County, and during that time, it has built and donated facilities to the County, and is the only tenant that has been at the Reliant Park complex since it opened in 1965. Since 1932, the Rodeo has committed more than $220 million to the youth of Texas, and in 2008, will commit $15.6 million.

With a $1 billion investment, the Texans brought professional football back to Houston in 2002. In 2004, the Texans brought the Super Bowl to Houston, giving Houston the opportunity to be showcased on an international stage, as never before. This single event had a $300 million economic impact.

The Rodeo and the Texans bring an estimated combined annual economic impact of $600 million to the greater Houston area.

Harris County has several specific and legal responsibilities to the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo and the Houston Texans regarding future development and redevelopment at Reliant Park. Rodeo and Texans officials emphasize that they will protect those rights as they work with Harris County officials to resolve the issues posed by the aging Reliant Astrodome, to upgrade or replace the aging Reliant Arena (former Astroarena), and to ensure that Reliant Park remains a viable venue for the tenants and a source of pride for the people of Houston and Harris County.