------ HOUSTON’S SPORTS VENUES
Houston Texas is recognized as a national leader in relation to sports venues
and facilities. The new sports facilities have been a major reason why Houston
has experienced a revitalization of its entire downtown area. BEGALA CONSULTING
has played a major role in Houston’s sports venue and downtown resurgence.
Where it all started…
Taking on the sports venue issue at its inception, Chris Begala of BEGALA
CONSULTING served as Communications Director for the successful 1996 Stadium
Referendum in Houston and Harris County. The Referendum asked that voters
approve the usage of hotel and car rental taxes for the construction of a
baseball stadium and a football/rodeo stadium.
The referendum passed but the process was not over. The State Legislature
had to pass a bill creating a Sports Venue District. BEGALA CONSULTING assisted
the Houston Legislative team as House Bill 92 was passed in May of 1997.
The Referendum was grandfathered and the Harris County-Houston Sports Authority
came into being in September 1997.
Getting started…
BEGALA CONSULTING managed all political, media and public issues as well as
assisting in many other areas for the Sports Authority (owner of the stadium)
relating to the land acquisition, construction and financing of the baseball
stadium. BEGALA CONSULTING was the lead liaison for the owner in all matters
relating to the grand opening of the stadium.
BEGALA CONSULTING managed the same issues for the football/rodeo stadium in
reference to the original guaranteed maximum construction contract, groundbreaking
and the first few months of construction.
When factoring in architectural, construction and
all related soft costs, the total price tag for both the baseball and football/rodeo stadium is over
$750 million
Working closely with eventual team owner Bob McNair, the NFL, Harris County
and the Rodeo, BEGALA CONSULTING also managed all political, media and public
issues for the Sports Authority in the effort to acquire the 32nd NFL franchise
for Houston.