Photo: Art Wager
The iconic Houston Astrodome, which first opened in 1965, has been a topic of hot debate in local politics for years. It’s sat completely unused for the last 20 years, despite community efforts to have it restored and reopened.
Unfortunately for those who are still fiercely loyal to what was once considered the Eighth Wonder of the World, a new study from the Harris County Office of County Administration might turn out to be the final nail in the Astrodome’s coffin.
According to the study, restoring just the plumbing and HVAC systems inside the 60-year-old stadium would cost around $752 million. By contrast, it would cost just $55 million to have the structure demolished and cleared out of NRG Park.
Former Houston City Council member Greg Travis says with those numbers, the choice between demolishing or restoring the building is clear. “There’s not an argument,” he said. “It’s economically ignorant to argue to restore it. Be done with it, move on—and next time, don’t let it get in such a condition if you’re trying to save it.”
He added that even if the stadium was restored, there’s no reason it would be chosen for any event over the much larger, modern venues in Houston. “You’d probably end up putting $1.5 billion into it, and what do you get for it?” Travis said. “All it is is a money pit now. You don’t put money into something that’s never gonna come back around. What are you gonna use it for?”
Travis also addressed the argument that the Astrodome shouldn’t be torn down just because of its historical value, saying: “I get it—it was the first domed stadium built back then. You know what? Granted. But it’s no longer viable. We have plenty of domed stadiums; one’s sitting right next to it that makes it look like nothing.”
He also pointed out that something—either a restoration or demolition of the dome—needs to happen, because it is costing Harris County taxpayers roughly $10 million annually just to maintain the structure.