SWUTC Research Project Description
A Synthesis Report of Purpose and Need: Assessment of Event Egress for Houston’s NRG Stadium
University: Texas Southern University
Principal Investigator:
Carol Lewis
Center for Transportation Training and Research
(713) 313-7924
Project Monitor:
Sam Lott
Kimley Horn & Associates
Funding Source: USDOT
Total Project Cost: $15,625
Project Number: 600451-00049
Date Started: 3/1/14
Estimated Completion Date: 2/28/15
Project Summary
Project Abstract:
Attendance at large arena events is increasing, as the seats are added, and ground level activities such as tailgating attract visitors not attending the game. Access is somewhat staggered as people choose their arrival times differently. However, the egress is far more concentrated with visitors largely attempting to leave simultaneously. The prevailing approach is to place police officers, who communicate via radio, at proximate exit locations. Further complicating the egress are those who arrive by public transportation and are transported by scheduled train cycles or queued buses. Once filled, users wait for the next cycle. Given advances in technology from the perspective of handheld devices and traffic management software, it is timely to reexamine protocol and strategies to determine whether an opportunity exists to facilitate or streamline egress, specifically looking at Reliant Stadium in Houston.
Research Objectives:
To synthesis the state of the industry on stadium/event egress, to ascertain the existing protocol for Reliant complex egress and make recommendations for next steps.
Task Descriptions:
Task 1: Review of Literature
A robust review of the array of literature on this topic will be assembled and synthesized in preparation for the Task 2 technical paper.
Task 2: State of the Practice Reconnaissance
A technical paper will be prepared based on the Task 1 synthesis to inform the background material and agenda setting for the Task 3 Discussion Seminar.
Task 3: Seminar Logistics and Conduct Discussion Seminar
Stakeholders directing involved in traffic and transportation planning for the Reliant Complex will be invited to a half-day seminar to discuss the synthesis finding and options for software to examine egress improvements. All logistics for the conduct of the seminar will occur as part of this task.
Task 4: Prepare Synthesis Report with Recommendations
Results of the Discussion Seminar will be assimilated into a final report with recommendations for next steps.
Implementation of Research Outcomes:
Given advances in technology from the perspective of handheld devices and traffic management software, this effort reexamined protocol and strategies to determine whether an opportunity exists to facilitate or streamline egress at large area events, specifically looking at NRG Stadium in Houston. This work produced a symposium which convened Stakeholders familiar with NRG stadium in Houston, Texas. The symposium, held in December 3, 2015 detailed concepts to potentially improve egress, particularly in consideration of Super Bowl XLIX to be held at NRG in 2017. Participants in at the symposium included representatives of the City of Houston, Harris County, Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT), Houston TranStar and the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo.
Impacts/Benefits of Implementation:
The ideas advanced at the symposium, while focusing on the Super Bowl can impact all events at NRG stadium. Concepts, such as color coding egress scenarios may be applied for visitors to the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo, as well as high school and college football games. The public’s experience at the venue can be enhanced by improving egress once events end.
Web Links:
Final Technical Report