Events scheduled for the Astrodome this year have been scrapped after city officials found "code violations" that will cost millions to remedy — and some see the closure as a first step toward closing the beloved venue.
Events scheduled for the Astrodome this year have been scrapped after city officials found "code violations" that will cost millions to remedy — and some see the closure as a first step toward closing the beloved venue.
The Astrodome, the "Eighth Wonder of the World" when it opened in 1965, is the former home of the Houston Astros, among other teams. After the Astros moved to Minute Maid Park, the facility has been used for various events, mostly related to rodeos and other special events.
But the city has denied a certificate of occupancy to the Harris County Sports & Convention Corp, which owns and manages the facility. Inspections by the fire marshal and the city uncovered numerous areas where the facility did not meet code; violations ranged from leaks in the roof to problems with handrails.
The county has addressed many of the major problems, like renovating the sprinkler system and installing a new fire alarm. Some of the problems would cost millions to address, and with the county already spending a half-million dollars to maintain the facility, some in the city offices would like to see the Astrodome torn down. But there’s some question as to exactly what is expected of the Astrodome, with the head of the city inspection office saying errors could have been made in applying new code to an old building.
The Astrodome is a beloved part of the Houston landscape. It doesn’t have a clear use right now — plans for a luxury hotel within are on hold because of the economy — but that doesn’t mean the historic facility shouldn’t be maintained until a great use emerges.