Fate uncertain, Astrodome sits in disrepair
Demolition began on parts of the Houston Astrodome this week, and though its fate has not officially been decided, the rest of the structure could be razed. Voters rejected a referendum in November that would have turned the dilapidated stadium into a center for conventions and events. There's no alternative plan for the former home of the Astros and Oilers, though there are several options, the Associated Press reported in November.
On Sunday, three pedestrian ramps were demolished. The ramps were added to the stadium in the 1980s in a bid to improve conditions and keep the NFL's Oilers in Houston, according to the Associated Press. The Oilers moved to Nashville in 1997 anyway.
The first indoor baseball park, the Astrodome opened in 1965, at the height of the Space Age. It was considered an architectural marvel and was nicknamed the Eighth Wonder of the World.
The Astrodome has sat mostly empty since 1999, falling into disrepair amid debate over whether to raze it, restore it or simply allow it to sit. In 2005, it housed thousands of Hurricane Katrina evacuees for about 10 days, many of whom were transported from New Orleans.
