HOUSTON — After being closed for over 15 years, the future of the Houston Astrodome hangs in the balance as a nonprofit group strives to envision a revival for this once-celebrated structure.
The Astrodome opened its doors in 1965 as a groundbreaking venue, but it hasn’t hosted a sports franchise since the Astros departed in 1999. Its doors were closed to events entirely a decade later, marking the end of an era.
Throughout its years of inactivity, various ambitious ideas have emerged for the Astrodome’s transformation, including plans for an indoor water park and even recreating naval battles by flooding its interior. Unfortunately, none of these proposals gained sufficient community backing or funding to come to fruition.
The latest initiative to revive the Astrodome was presented recently by the Astrodome Conservancy, a nonprofit dedicated to preserving the iconic stadium. Their proposition involves remodeling the interior to create a vibrant hub of dining, shopping, office spaces, and cultural attractions. Yet, like previous attempts, this proposal carries a hefty price tag of $1 billion and faces challenges regarding endorsement from local authorities essential for the project’s approval.
Beth Wiedower Jackson, the executive director of the conservancy, asserts that their plan is informed by concrete data that supports its economic viability, primarily through anticipated private investment. “This is a big, big, bold vision. Those prior proposals, even acknowledged by Harris County officials, were preliminary steps toward a future Astrodome. This is a full-throttle approach that really gives the community something to rally around,” Jackson explained.
The ambitious initiative, titled Vision: Astrodome, suggests the creation of four modern buildings within the stadium to provide areas for dining, shopping, and office use. Similar commercial spaces are also planned around the Astrodome and linked to adjacent facilities. Situated within NRG Park— a 350-acre complex that includes NRG Stadium, home to the NFL’s Houston Texans, as well as exhibition halls— the Astrodome finds itself at the center of a bustling entertainment locale.
Phoebe Tudor, chair of the conservancy, emphasized the importance of collective action to give the Astrodome a new lease on life. “It’s now time for Houston to unite and undertake the challenging task of reimagining the Astrodome,” she remarked.
Known as the “Eighth Wonder of the World,” the Astrodome fundamentally changed the spectator experience at sports events and hosted notable cultural occasions, such as Elvis Presley concerts and the famous 1973 tennis match between Billie Jean King and Bobby Riggs.
While some advocate for its demolition, a designation by the Texas Historical Commission in 2017 as a state antiquities landmark has provided significant protection against complete destruction. The venue remains a cherished memory for many, both within Houston and beyond.
Author Rafi Kohan, whose book “The Arena” delves into the cultural significance of sports stadiums in America, noted that the Astrodome’s establishment coincided with an era of remarkable technological advancement, positioning Houston as a key player in innovation. Kohan expressed, “There is a profound sense of civic pride regarding the Astrodome, which symbolizes a monumental achievement in stadium design during the Space Age.”
Historian Douglas Brinkley from Rice University echoed these sentiments, asserting that the Astrodome holds immense historical significance. “Neglecting it has been our shortcoming, but a revival is on the horizon. We will make this happen,” Brinkley stated.
Nevertheless, the question remains whether there exists enough enthusiasm in Houston for the restoration and preservation of the Astrodome. The ongoing costs for maintaining the facility range from $100,000 to $200,000 annually. Currently, the Astrodome is owned by Harris County and managed by the Harris County Sports & Convention Corporation.
The office of Harris County Judge Lina Hidalgo, the leading elected official, chose not to comment on the recent proposal from the conservancy. Meanwhile, James Dixon, the chairman of the sports and convention corporation, acknowledged the conservancy’s efforts but expressed concerns that past concepts have failed to yield practical funding and maintenance strategies. “The future of NRG Park is being developed in collaboration with various stakeholders, and the solution for the Astrodome needs to align with that overall vision,” Dixon stated.
One stakeholder, the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo, which hosts its annual events at NRG Park, has raised concerns about the conservancy’s vision. Chris Boleman, the organization’s president and CEO, shared that the plan does not align with their strategic direction or operational needs.