What’s Up with the Astrodome?
Upon its debut in 1965 as host to an exhibition game between the Houston Astros and the New York Yankees, Houston’s Astrodome—lauded by fans as the “Eighth Wonder in the World”—nabbed a spot in the record books as the world’s first multi-purpose domed stadium (not to mention the birthplace of AstroTurf). Alas, the once-regal Dome now rests in the shadow of the much-larger Reliant Stadium at Reliant Park; the Astros left the Dome for Minute Maid Park more than a decade ago.
But city leaders are debating the Astrodome’s future, and the options are numerous: Demolish it and install a green-space plaza? Keep the shell and convert it to a multi-use venue, perhaps with an attached hotel? Create a mega-venue with a planetarium and an institute devoted to engineering and mathematics? What do you think should happen with the Astrodome? We’d love to hear your thoughts and memories. (You can see the current options being considered, complete with artists’ renditions of how redevelopment might look, at http://www.reliantpark.com/feedback.)
January 31st, 2011 at 1:53 am
As a Houstonian, born and raised in Texas, I think it would be a complete mistake to destroy it. I remember when it was called the 8th Wonder of the World, and I know there are a few of us who still refer to it as that. No one argues to tear down Victoria Falls or the Taj Mahal when times are bad.
I’m hoping the city will come up with a good use for the Astrodome and it’s historical significance to the city. We’ve already lost Astroworld, I’d hate to see the Astrodome go next. What’s next? NASA??
Oh yea……
February 10th, 2011 at 11:22 am
I moved to Houston when I was in the third grade, just two years after the Harris County Domed Stadium opened and it makes me a little sad now to see it abandoned after the construction of the new facility. I remember taking the official Astrodome tour and fondly recall the guide telling everyone how much ground beef was used in the concessions, commenting that “Even for Texas…that’s a lot of bull!” I marched with my high school band at the halftime of an Oiler’s game in 1974 and attended many different events there over the years, including football, baseball and the Ringling Bros. circus. (On a side note, I also miss Astroworld…and would miss the dome if it were demolished.) My thoughts are that the facility could be renovated as a massive, under one roof entertainment facility, including a movie complex with an IMAX theater, indoor hiking and rock climbing, bowling, minigolf, go-carts, indoor batting cages…any number of things could fit in that huge space. If some of the seating were removed, you’d almost have room for a driving range. Another option would be to make it over into something like the Smithsonian Air / Space Museum, with real aircraft exhibits. A decent sized convention center could fit in there, as well. It would be a shame to tear down such an architectural wonder.
February 10th, 2011 at 6:18 pm
Personally, I like the idea of a planetarium! Lots of good ideas in the mix!