$1.35B proposal unveiled to save, or level, landmark Houston Astrodome; taxpayers must approve

$1.35B Astrodome plan would tap taxpayers

HOUSTON — A $1.35 billion-dollar plan would turn the landmark Houston Astrodome into a convention and science center. But officials say at least two-thirds of the cost would have to be approved and picked up by taxpayers.

Another option in the plan unveiled Monday is razing the stadium. The plan was presented by county officials and complex managers.

The Astrodome opened in 1965 as the nation’s first indoor air-conditioned multi-use stadium and was known as the “Eighth Wonder of the World.” The deteriorating structure now costs Harris County about $500,000 a year to maintain and millions in debt and interest payments.

It’s dwarfed by the adjacent, newer and more luxurious Reliant Stadium. The Houston Astros left a decade ago for Minute Maid Park downtown.