It's a significant year for the long-quiet Astrodome.
The "Eighth Wonder of the World" has been given permanent historical recognition – and will soon get a new lease to life.
The Astrodome, which opened in Houston 53 years ago, got its own Texas State Historical Marker on Tuesday.
For many, the Dome holds great sports memories, like Astro Mike Scott's no-hitter to win the American League West in 1986.
Now the Astrodome will get a new calling --- as an events center and parking area.
Harris County Judge Ed Emmett, speaking at the ceremony, says the Dome's new role will make it relevant in the future, not just the past.
Construction work on the $105 million re-imagining of the Dome starts this fall.
The Astros left the Dome at the turn of the century ... and the Oilers, shortly before that. But Astros archivist Mike Acosta, speaking at Tuesday’s plaque ceremony, reminded people that the Astrodome was revolutionary in its design and features when it opened.
The baseball team’s front office paid for the historical marker.
The Astrodome is also a state Antiquities Landmark and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.