Us News

From the archives: Houston's wondrous Astrodome

Opened in 1965, the Astrodome in Houston was billed as the "Eighth Wonder of the World" – an enclosed, air-conditioned stadium with fake grass for major league baseball. But in 1999, when the Astros left for new digs, Houston held a party to celebrate the Dome's past, while seeking other spectacles

Published June 14, 2026, 11:00 AM
Updated June 14, 2026, 11:24 AM4.7K
Share𝕏f
From the archives: Houston's wondrous Astrodome

Opened in 1965, the Astrodome in Houston was billed as the "Eighth Wonder of the World" – an enclosed, air-conditioned stadium with fake grass for major league baseball. But in 1999, when the Astros left for new digs, Houston held a party to celebrate the Dome's past, while seeking other spectacles (monster truck rallies, high-diving stunts, even chariot races) to fill seats. Correspondent Bill Geist covered the Astrodome's history in this Oct. 10, 1999 "Sunday Morning" report.

Share𝕏f
News17 is committed to delivering accurate, fair, and thoroughly researched reporting. If you believe this article contains an error, please contact our editorial team at corrections@news17.net. We take all reports seriously and will issue corrections promptly when warranted.