Before Houston hosts Super Bowl LI in 2017, NRG Stadium needs upgrades, including Wi-Fi installation and improvements to suites and club seats, according to Peter O'Reilly, the NFL's senior vice president of events.

O'Reilly said Thursday the improvements should be paid for by Harris County. Wi-Fi was guaranteed in Houston's Super Bowl bid that was voted on by NFL owners in 2013.

The cost could be more than $50 million, including $5 million for Wi-Fi, according to those familiar with the situation.

NRG Stadium, which opened in 2002, was the site of Super Bowl XXXVIII in 2004. The stadium has undergone enhancements, including new scoreboards on each end, but more are necessary before the 51st Super Bowl will be played in February 2017.

"The 2004 Super Bowl was a huge success and a (source) of great pride for this city," O'Reilly said. "There's a blueprint for making the investment and ensuring you've got the Wi-Fi coverage across this building. It's been done by many, if not all, of the similar-aged stadiums.

"Comparable stadiums of this age have been helped by updating, (including) suite facilities (and) club facilities. That's lacking. In 2004 and those early years, it might have been right at the top of the league, but there's a drop-off now.

"There are investments that need to be made to have that special Super Bowl experience - those commitments that were made within the bid when Houston was awarded the Super Bowl."

O'Reilly was part of a five-person group from the NFL that toured the downtown area and the facilities at NRG Park on Wednesday and Thursday.

"That burden rests with the county, the folks that own the stadium and (were) part of that bid as well," he said in regard to who should foot the bill for the improvements. "I'm surprised a bit, but there's an opportunity to remedy that, an opportunity for people to work together, find a solution and get this done."

Who foots the bill?

Edgar Colon, a Houston attorney who serves as chairman of the Harris County Sports and Convention Corp., didn't agree the county is responsible for every improvement.

"Obviously, we're very excited about hosting the Super Bowl at NRG Stadium," Colon said. "We are on track.

"Some of those (expenses) may be the responsibility of the county, and some may not be. We're analyzing all that and going through the contracts and the documents and having conversations with our major tenants to resolve all of these contractual obligations. I'm sure all are going to be resolved in time."

O'Reilly agreed.

"I have every confidence this will get done," he said. "In this town, this state, things get done. I'm optimistic that people are in place to get this done."

The Astrodome won't be an issue for Super Bowl LI.

The Texans and the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo want the Astrodome demolished and replaced with a park and parking spaces.

Harris County judge Ed Emmett is adamant that the Dome won't be torn down on his watch and that he prefers the stadium be renovated and rebuilt in some fashion.

"I'm not sure (the league) has a strong opinion on it," O'Reilly said. "I defer to the county authorities.

"For us, it's not something that's currently part of our plans for Super Bowl-related events. We let the county and different entities work that out."

Right on track

After his visit, O'Reilly said he's excited about where Houston stands 24 months from hosting a third Super Bowl.

"It's really impressive," he said. "(We went) to the different venues looking at hotels, Discovery Green, potential practice sites, and inside and outside NRG Stadium.

"This is an opportunity to really shine a spotlight on how far Houston has come since 2004. I couldn't be happier, especially with the host committee and corporate leaders and the energy and excitement they have for the Super Bowl."