Traffic Alert: Southbound traffic at 6410 Fannin will be detoured overnight, from 1-3 a.m., July 18 due to a CenterPoint Energy vault repair. The UPB Garage will only be accessible from Main Street, and the UPB valet drive will be closed. 

World Cup at NRG Stadium to impact campus traffic

Soccer ball surrounded by miniature international flags arranged in a circle on a grass field, creating a global soccer theme with open space on the right side of the image.

Photo by Getty Images

Thousands of soccer fans from around the world are expected to descend on Houston for FIFA World Cup matches at NRG Stadium within days, increasing traffic near the Texas Medical Center and prompting campus leaders to urge UTHealth Houston students, faculty, and staff to plan ahead for delays in June and early July.

Match schedule

Seven matches are scheduled at NRG Stadium.

  • June 14 – Noon
  • June 17 – Noon
  • June 20 – Noon
  • June 23 – Noon
  • June 26 – 7 p.m.
  • June 29 – Noon
  • July 4 – Noon

Road closures for noon matches

The following roads surrounding NRG Stadium will close or be restricted from 6 a.m. to 5 p.m. for matches beginning at noon:

  • Lantern Point Drive between McNee Road and Murworth Drive
  • Murworth Drive between Lantern Point Drive and Kirby Drive
  • Northbound Kirby Drive between Westridge St. and McNee Road
  • Southbound Kirby Drive between La Concha Lane and Westridge St.
  • Eastbound McNee Road between the hotel lot entrance and Kirby Drive

Additional traffic changes include:

  • Northbound Kirby Drive between Loop 610 and Westridge St. will shift at halftime (approximately 1 p.m.) and remain in effect until 5 p.m.
  • Contraflow traffic on Murworth Drive will begin at halftime and continue for up to two hours after each match.

Road closures for June 26 evening match

The following closures are from 1 p.m. to midnight:

  • Lantern Point Drive between McNee Road and Murworth Drive
  • Murworth Drive between Lantern Point Drive and Kirby Drive
  • Northbound Kirby Drive between Westridge St. and McNee Road
  • Southbound Kirby Drive between La Concha Lane and Westridge St.
  • Eastbound McNee Road between the hotel lot entrance and Kirby Drive

Additional impacts include:

  • Northbound Kirby Drive between Loop 610 and Westridge St. will be adjusted at halftime (approximately 8 p.m.) through midnight.
  • Contraflow traffic on Murworth Drive will begin at halftime and continue for up to two hours after the match.

Planned and proposed fan marches

Officials are also monitoring several planned and potential fan marches that could affect nearby areas.

A confirmed march by supporters of the Netherlands team is scheduled for June 20, beginning at Rice University and proceeding to NRG Stadium.

Additional marches have been requested but are not yet approved by the city, including:

  • Democratic Republic of Congo supporters on June 17
  • Sweden supporters on June 20, with possible activity near Helix Park and impacts to the South Campus
  • Uzbekistan supporters on June 23

Additional guidance

Along with planning ahead, the university community is encouraged to allow extra travel time and remain alert for additional updates as match days approach. Further guidance will be shared as more information becomes available.