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The Texans are taking a "business trip" to Mexico City in late November.Â
Their Monday Night Football matchup with the Raiders at Azteca Stadium is a big game, according to Bill O'Brien. But the head coach said it means even more, as well.
"You're playing a game on what I call 'sacred ground' at Azteca Stadium," the head coach said on Thursday. "I think it's a great opportunity for the Houston Texans to show our product."
Built in 1966, Azteca Stadium was home to FIFA World Cup contests in both 1970 and 1986. It's also the home venue for the professional soccer team Club América. It currently seats 95,500, but a record 132,247 Julio Cesar Chavez fight Greg Haugen there in February of 1993.
O'Brien emphasized the reason for the trip, and what his squad needs to do.
"It is a very, very important football game against a tough opponent in the Oakland Raiders, who are obviously making a lot of improvements to their team, just like every team is doing right now," O'Brien said. "It's a big game."
The Raiders went 7-9 in 2015, and feature a young core of talent that looks to be on the upswing. O'Brien and the Texans are impressed with the squad that will be the home team that evening in Mexico City.Â
"It's a great opportunity for our players to go down there and play a really tough opponent on an international stage," O'Brien said.
The Texans face the Jaguars in Jacksonville the week before, and host the Chargers the week after the showdown with the Raiders.Â
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The Texans will travel 15,308 miles in the 2016 regular season, and play in these venues.
The Texans' 1st road game is a Thursday-nighter on Sept. 22 at New England.
The Texans' 1st road game is a Thursday-nighter on Sept. 22 at New England.
The Texans' 1st road game is a Thursday-nighter on Sept. 22 at New England.
The Texans' 1st road game is a Thursday-nighter on Sept. 22 at New England.
On Oct. 9 the Texans are at U.S. Bank Stadium against the Vikings.
On Oct. 9 the Texans are at U.S. Bank Stadium against the Vikings.
On Oct. 9 the Texans are at U.S. Bank Stadium against the Vikings.
The Texans are at Sports Authority Stadium in Denver on Oct. 24.
The Texans are at Sports Authority Stadium in Denver on Oct. 24.
The Texans are at Sports Authority Stadium in Denver on Oct. 24.
The Texans are at Sports Authority Stadium in Denver on Oct. 24.
At Jacksonville's EverBank Stadium on November 13.
At Jacksonville's EverBank Stadium on November 13.
At Jacksonville's EverBank Stadium on November 13.
At Azteca Stadium in Mexico City on MNF, Nov. 21 vs. Raiders.
At Azteca Stadium in Mexico City on MNF, Nov. 21 vs. Raiders.
At Azteca Stadium in Mexico City on MNF, Nov. 21 vs. Raiders.
At Lambeau Field in Green Bay on December 4.
At Lambeau Field in Green Bay on December 4.
At Lambeau Field in Green Bay on December 4.
At Lambeau Field in Green Bay on December 4.
At Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis on Dec. 11
At Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis on Dec. 11
At Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis on Dec. 11
At Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis on Dec. 11
At Nissan Stadium in Nashville vs. the Titans on Jan. 1.
At Nissan Stadium in Nashville vs. the Titans on Jan. 1.
At Nissan Stadium in Nashville vs. the Titans on Jan. 1.
At Nissan Stadium in Nashville vs. the Titans on Jan. 1.
