What Happened To The Astrodome

The Astrodome, also known as the Houston Astrodome, was a multi-purpose stadium located in Houston, Texas. It was a pioneering sports and entertainment venue that opened on April 9, 1965, and was the home of the Houston Astros baseball team and the Houston Oilers football team. The Astrodome was a groundbreaking facility that featured a unique, dome-shaped design with a retractable roof, which was a first of its kind in the world. The stadium had a seating capacity of over 62,000 and was known for its state-of-the-art amenities and technology.

History and Significance

The Astrodome was built at a cost of $35 million and was designed by the architectural firm of Wilson, Morris, Crain and Anderson. The stadium was constructed using a innovative system of interlocking concrete panels and a network of steel beams, which provided the structural support for the dome-shaped roof. The Astrodome was a major milestone in the development of modern sports stadiums, and it set a new standard for comfort, convenience, and entertainment. The stadium hosted a wide range of events, including baseball and football games, concerts, conventions, and even a visit from the King of Rock and Roll, Elvis Presley.

Decline and Abandonment

Despite its initial success, the Astrodome began to decline in the 1990s, as newer and more modern stadiums were built in Houston. The Astros moved to Enron Field (now known as Minute Maid Park) in 2000, and the Oilers relocated to Tennessee in 1999. The Astrodome was used for various events, including concerts, festivals, and even as a shelter for people displaced by Hurricane Katrina in 2005. However, the stadium’s condition continued to deteriorate, and it was eventually closed to the public in 2008. The Astrodome was declared a historic landmark by the Texas Historical Commission in 2014, but it remained abandoned and unused for many years.

Current Status and Future Plans

In 2017, the Harris County Sports & Convention Corporation (HCSCC) announced plans to redevelop the Astrodome into a multi-purpose venue, with a focus on events, conventions, and entertainment. The plan, known as the “Astrodome Revitalization Project,” aimed to restore the stadium’s historic integrity while also incorporating modern amenities and technology. The project included the installation of new seating, concession stands, and restrooms, as well as the creation of a new exhibit space showcasing the history of the Astrodome. In 2020, the HCSCC announced that the Astrodome would be converted into a parking garage, with the potential for future development into a hotel, office space, or entertainment venue.

Preservation Efforts

Despite the uncertainty surrounding the Astrodome’s future, preservation efforts have continued to ensure that the stadium’s historic significance is recognized and protected. The National Park Service listed the Astrodome on the National Register of Historic Places in 2014, and the Texas Historical Commission has designated the stadium as a State Antiquities Landmark. The Astrodome Conservancy, a non-profit organization, has also been working to promote the preservation and redevelopment of the stadium, with a focus on maintaining its historic integrity and cultural significance.

• The Astrodome was the first multi-purpose stadium in the world to feature a retractable roof.
• The stadium's dome-shaped design was inspired by the geodesic domes of Buckminster Fuller.
• The Astrodome was home to the Houston Astros baseball team from 1965 to 1999.
• The stadium hosted the MLB All-Star Game in 1968 and 1986.
• The Astrodome was used as a shelter for people displaced by Hurricane Katrina in 2005.