Shell Energy Stadium Seats in Sun & Shade

Shell Energy Stadium (formerly BBVA Stadium and PNC Stadium) is a professional soccer venue in Houston, Texas. It is primarily used by two soccer clubs: Houston Dynamo FC of Major League Soccer and Houston Dash of the National Women’s Soccer League, as well as the Texas Southern Tigers football team. Unlike the Major League ballpark nearby, Shell Energy Stadium does not have a full roof or air conditioning, exposing soccer fans to Houston’s intense heat and humidity. That’s why it is important to know the location of seats in the shade at Shell Energy Stadium!

Where are the seats in the shade and sun at Shell Energy Stadium?

As a general rule, the seats in the shade at Shell Energy Stadium are located:

• Along the west touchline of the field
• In one of the upper-level sections directly under the partial roof

And the seats in the sun at Shell Energy Stadium are located:

• Along the east touchline of the field, especially the lower levels
• Behind the north goal line near the scoreboard

Given Houston’s notorious heat and humidity most soccer games at Shell Energy Stadium kick off in the evening. Occasional day games and events do happen though. Even if you’re planning to attend an evening game, the long summer days mean you need to be aware of the position of the sun no matter the start time.

Shell Energy Stadium Orientation to the Sun

Shell Energy Stadium is oriented in a northeast to southwest direction. By 1:00pm the sun is high in the sky near the south goal line. Over the course of the afternoon the sun dips down behind the partial roof and structure on the west side of the stadium and eventually sets closer to the north goal line.

The graphic below shows the approximate location of the sun throughout the day on July 1st.

Click or tap here to see an interactive seating chart at Shell Energy Stadium.

Seats in the Sun and Shade at Afternoon Shell Energy Stadium Games

In the rare case that you catch an afternoon game it’s crucial to know where to find relief from the sun. For early afternoon games the key is to use one of the three stadium overhangs. There are overhangs along both touchlines and over the sports deck behind the south goal line. Because the sun is high in the sky early in the day, these overhangs are really the only relief. Your best bet is a seat in the 200-level on either side of the stadium. Seats in the 100-level and behind the north goal line will be heavily exposed to the sun.

For a late afternoon game you’ll want to avoid the east side of the stadium, even in the upper level. Be careful with the corner (sections 102, 201, 139 and 240 and nearby). The sun’s rays will sneak right between two overhangs and soak these sections in sun.

Seats in the Sun and Shade at Evening Shell Energy Stadium Games

There are many more choices for seats in the shade for an evening game, but you need to know where they are! The best spot for shade in the evening is on the west side of the stadium. Look for a seat in the lower-level sections 103-109 or the upper-level sections 203-209. Be careful choosing a seat on the east side of the stadium in sections such as 222-230, especially for a game that starts at 6:00pm or earlier. The sun will be shining directly into your eyes for at least the first quarter of the game until it sets behind the stadium structure.

Ready to get your Houston soccer tickets?

Use the individual game links on the side (or middle of the page on mobile) or click or tap here to see an upcoming list of games at Shell Energy Stadium. Learn about why we recommend buying tickets on Seatgeek.

Enjoy the game!

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