The Astrodome is Our Roman Colosseum and We're Going to Tear It Down

[TexasTowelie]

When the Roman Colosseum was built, it was a sports stadium, the first like it and a spectacle like nothing seen before. It was iconic beyond what took place inside, but the atrocities and spectacular events that did occur inside the building added to its mystique. It became a symbol for Rome, so much so that it is certainly the most iconic structure in the city to this day.

Remind you of anything? When the comparison to the Astrodome first grazes your cerebral cortex, the reaction might go something like, "Are you crazy? The Astrodome is NOTHING like the Colosseum." But then imagine it preserved 1,000 years from now and try again.

While the Astrodome was built as simply a sports stadium, it transcended that oversimplification because of the iconic nature of the building itself, nevermind the spectacles that took place inside. It was the first indoor stadium with turf invented specifically for its design. It became the standard by which other stadiums were measured and the turf is still widely used for more than just stadiums. Inside, it helped break down gender barriers, opened the country's eyes to the excitement of college basketball (and inadvertently created a multi-billion dollar business in the process) and, in retirement, provided shelter for thousands of Hurricane Katrina survivors.

The Astrodome is the single most identifiable structure in the city of Houston by a wide margin. It is our Roman Colosseum.

More at http://blogs.houstonpress.com/hairballs/2013/11/astrodome_our_coliseum.php .

[AndyA]

1. Houston--like many other cities--doesn't seem to give a hoot about its history

Not long ago, I read an article about some of the wonderful mid-century modern and contemporary homes being torn down across Houston to make way for new McMansions that don't fit in with the rest of the neighborhood.

One house was built by a famous Houston architect in the mid-sixties (sorry, I don't recall his name) as his personal home. It was gorgeous, well maintained, had a great setting and floorplan, and it was torn down to make way for a new house that was flat out ugly.

Often, they don't even attempt to preserve or recycle items of value in the house. Terrazzo marble? You can't even find anyone who could afford to do poured in place Terrazzo marble today, yet they'll knock houses down with gorgeous marble floors without blinking an eye--and replace it with a new McMansion with ceramic tile or hardwoods, which are nothing compared to Terrazzo.

I remember my first time at the Astrodome--it was in the early seventies, and as a kid I was so impressed with the place. I've been lots of places since, but the Astrodoom still ranks at the top for its cool factor. I hope it is saved, but it doesn't seem like most in Houston care about its history. And when something historical is gone, it's gone forever. It's a shame.

[longship]

2. That's what we said in Detroit about Tiger Stadium.

Didn't make a damn bit of difference.

[white cloud]

3. And look at Tony and a few others life ruined

http://www.dallasnews.com/sports/dallas-cowboys/headlines/20131106-dallas-cowboys-legend-tony-dorsett-confirms-he-shows-signs-of-cte.ece

[Jamaal510]

4. There goes

one of the few stadiums not named after a corporation or a bank.

[TexasTowelie]

5. You may have hit on an idea to save the stadium.

The Motel 6 Dome by Accor.

[TexasTowelie]

6. On second thought,

Harris County might be able to rent it to the Katy ISD since they voted against spending $69 million for a new football stadium in the district earlier this week.