Once known as the “Eighth Wonder of the World,” the Astrodome symbolizes Houston’s bold ambition and rich history.
However, since its closure in 2009 due to fire code violations, the future of this iconic structure has remained in limbo. Over the years, various proposals have surfaced, aiming to revitalize the dome while preserving its historical significance.
A recent survey by the University of Houston’s Hobby School of Public Affairs revealed strong support for using public funds to renovate the Astrodome through a public-private partnership. According to the poll, 62% of Harris County voters back repurposing the Astrodome. In contrast, another poll conducted by the Houston Business Journal found that 95% of respondents favor reactivating the structure over demolishing it.
Renée Cross, senior executive director of the Hobby School and one of the study’s principal investigators, suggested that the backing for a renovation may be tied to support for NRG Stadium’s two major tenants — the Houston Livestock Show & Rodeo and the Houston Texans.
“We found that 81% of voters have a favorable opinion of the rodeo, and 73% say the same about the Texans,” Cross said. “A substantial number of voters also agree that some public funding for renovations is appropriate.”
While 26% of voters oppose using taxpayer money for the renovations, a significant portion of respondents support public funding for up to 40% of the renovation costs. Among those surveyed, 62% favor converting the Astrodome into an entertainment venue, showing widespread public interest in saving the structure.
New attractions for Houston’s future
Mark P. Jones, political science fellow at the Baker Institute for Public Policy at Rice University, said the survey results highlight the desire for a broader range of sports and entertainment options in Houston.
“We found widespread enthusiasm among Harris County residents for the construction of a destination theme park resort, as well as for Houston obtaining both a WNBA team and an NHL team.”
Mark Jones, political science fellow at the Baker Institute for Public Policy at Rice University
“We found widespread enthusiasm among Harris County residents for the construction of a destination theme park resort, as well as for Houston obtaining both a WNBA team and an NHL team,” Jones said, noting that Houston is currently the only major U.S. metro area without both teams.
The survey also revealed that 68% of voters support a destination theme park in Houston, while 75% are enthusiastic about hosting seven World Cup soccer games in 2026. The least favorable proposal, a motor speedway in the area, garnered only 48% support.
Despite the overwhelming public support, the Astrodome’s future faces significant political and financial hurdles. Harris County Judge Lina Hidalgo scrapped a previous renovation plan in 2019; new political backing remains uncertain. Key tenants, the Houston Texans and the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo, have voiced opposition, advocating for county funds to be used to upgrade their facilities. Their long-term leases give them substantial influence over the Astrodome’s fate.
A Glimpse into the past
The Astrodome opened in 1965 and was the world’s first multi-purpose, domed sports stadium. It became home to the Houston Astros and Houston Oilers and hosted notable events, including Elvis Presley concerts and major sports competitions. The introduction of AstroTurf and the Astrolite scoreboard set new standards for stadium design.
However, by the late 1990s, the stadium began to show its age. The Astros moved to Enron Field (now Minute Maid Park) in 2000, and the Oilers relocated to Tennessee in 1996, becoming the Tennessee Titans. The Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo moved to NRG Stadium in 2003, and the Astrodome has been largely vacant since then.
Vision for the Astrodome
In November 2024, the Astrodome Conservancy presented a $1 billion redevelopment plan titled “Vision: Astrodome.” The proposal, created in collaboration with the architectural firm Gensler, envisions turning the stadium into a multi-use venue with retail, dining, office spaces and a hotel. A pedestrian boulevard, similar to New York City’s High Line, would cut through the dome, connecting it to other areas within NRG Park.
The redevelopment plan would preserve the Astrodome’s architectural integrity while creating 450,000 square feet of new, revenue-generating space. Projections show that the project could generate $1.5 billion in economic impact over 30 years and create 3,750 permanent jobs.
“This is not an overstatement: The dome has really been the bane of my existence,” said Ed Emmett, former Harris County Judge, who previously attempted to shepherd a modest renovation plan through the county government. Emmett’s plan, however, failed to gain traction.
The Astrodome’s future
As a Texas State Historical Landmark, the Astrodome cannot be demolished, ensuring that any future development must preserve its historical and architectural significance. The ongoing debate about the Astrodome’s future will continue to play a major role in shaping Houston’s development.
While some advocate for the demolition of the structure, many Houstonians remain committed to preserving the dome, hoping to transform it into a modern entertainment hub. The “Vision: Astrodome” proposal offers a potential path forward, but it will require significant political support and funding to come to fruition.
