Jessica O’Neill, President, Houston Dynamo
In an interview with Invest:, Jessica O’Neill, president of the Houston Dynamo, highlighted how Houston’s global connectivity and Shell Energy Stadium’s international reach attract major partnerships and elevate the city’s sports tourism profile. “Our venue is an attractive destination for global brands,” she said.
How does Shell Energy Stadium’s ability to host international events elevate the city’s profile as a destination for sports tourism and contribute to broader economic growth?
Shell Energy Stadium’s ability to host world-class events like the Concacaf Gold Cup demonstrates the appetite this community has for international soccer, and we see it throughout the season for the Houston Dash and Dynamo as well. Combined with Houston’s infrastructure, international airports, and reputation as a cultural and economic hub, our venue is an attractive destination for global brands that want to reach a growing audience with deep ties to the sport. Our efforts have led to key milestones this year as Shell Energy Stadium hosts five matches during this edition of the tournament, more than any other venue.
With several executive positions held by women and a focus on staff diversity, how does the club ensure that its leadership reflects the multicultural fabric of Houston?
As an organization, we are intentional in ensuring our organization is representative of the community we serve. This approach strengthens our decision-making and helps us connect more meaningfully with our fanbase, which ultimately fosters a deeper connection to the club.
How do individual accolades, such as Jack McGlynn earning the AT&T Goal of the Matchday honor, contribute to the team’s brand and marketability?
Jack has been a phenomenal addition to our club, and we are proud to see him represent the United States in international competition. His journey shines a spotlight on the opportunity all youth soccer players hope to realize in playing for their home country at the highest level. He represents Houston and the Dynamo globally and is one of many talented world-class athletes who call Houston home.
The Youth Soccer Partners Program offers young athletes free tickets and exclusive perks. How has this impacted participation and support for the Dynamo and Dash?
This program is key to elevating our community engagement and grassroots outreach. By providing exclusive experiences and complimentary access to our teams for all youth soccer players, we’re helping create lifelong soccer fans from an early age. We’ve seen significant growth in families attending and engaging with our club, and the feedback we’ve received from local soccer teams emphasizes how meaningful it is for their players to feel seen and celebrated by their professional team.
What types of non-soccer events are proving most effective in broadening your audience and deepening community ties?
Shell Energy Stadium is a community asset and one that is best utilized when serving the needs of our community. The venue frequently hosts corporate and social events of all types, and we find that these unique experiences are often the reason that a guest returns for a soccer match in the future.
What further investments or upgrades are being considered for Shell Energy Stadium or Houston Sports Park as you look to accommodate more events and visitor traffic?
We have a number of potential development projects under exploration as we engage with Houston Harris County Sports Authority, the city of Houston, and Harris County about collaborative solutions to ensure Houston remains a destination of choice for all.
You’ve called Houston “Soccer City USA.” What does that vision look like in practice over the next two to three years, and how are you measuring success?
For us, this is a commitment. We plan to expand how we invest in player development, enhance the fan experience, expand our community programming, and elevate our presence. We’re tracking everything from attendance and youth participation to brand recognition and stadium utilization. Ultimately, our success will be measured by how deeply the sport is woven into the culture of this city, not just in the next year, but for years to come.
