The city's relationship with Oliver Luck played a significant role in the selection of TDECU StadiumGETTY IMAGES
The XFL's announcement of its eight markets yesterday was "cause for celebration" at the Univ. of Houston, which will "reap hundreds of thousands of dollars a year as the XFL's landlord for games and, potentially, for use of UH's athletic facilities as a training center for XFL players," according to David Barron of the HOUSTON CHRONICLE. UH AD Chris Pezman said, "It allows us to monetize a significant capital asset and add additional value for our sponsors. We're lucky to have a great building to offer." Barron notes the city of Houston's relationship with XFL Commissioner Oliver Luck, and vice versa, "played a significant role in the XFL's decision to select Houston and in the league's decision to play games" at UH's TDECU Stadium. Luck, in addition to playing for the Oilers in the '80s, was the Harris County Houston Sports Authority Exec Dir and the "first president" of the Dynamo, who played at UH's Robertson Stadium before BBVA Compass Stadium opened in '12. Luck said, "We looked at a number of potential venues, starting with NRG Stadium and moving all the way down in terms of size, but we felt TDECU was ideal." Luck said that his familiarity with the area's sports authority "certainly helped" steer the XFL to Houston, as did the recent upgrades to UH's campus and athletic facilities. The XFL's agreement with UH will be for a "minimum of three years but can be extended to five years" (HOUSTON CHRONICLE, 12/6).
