Want to know more about what is happening to the Astrodome? Join us for a presentation by Beth Wiedower Jackson, Executive Director of the Astrodome Conservancy.
- Thursday, June 5
- 5:30pm-7:30pm
- AIA Credit: 1.5 LU
- Light bites and drinks provided
Register Here >
The Astrodome – the “8th Wonder of the World” – is the world’s first domed stadium and Houston’s iconic landmark. Opened in 1965, it was revolutionary for its time in audacity, design, and engineering, and was a symbol of Houston and America’s bravado. Home to the MLB Astros and the NFL Oilers, as well as the Houston Livestock Show & Rodeo, the Astrodome was at the heart of Houston life for more than four decades. After losing its last permanent tenant in 2002 when the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo moved to the NRG Stadium and its closing in 2009, the Dome almost faced the wrecking ball in 2013. The efforts of Beth Wiedower Jackson, former National Trust staff and current Executive Director of the Astrodome Conservancy and several citizens changed the fate of the Dome. Since 2014 many ideas have been proposed for the reuse of the Dome. There are several constraints that make reuse of the Dome challenging, such as the Astrodome’s location in the middle of NRG Park, the large size of the structure itself, the need to complement the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo (HLSR) Texans activities in NRG Park, and the desire to be financially sustainable while also benefiting the public. Beth will walk us through the journey to save the Dome and the challenges faced in implementing the most recent vision.