There is a debate in Houston on what to do with the Astrodome. Currently, it sits in the same complex as beautiful new Reliant Stadium, home to the Houston Texans.
The comparison is like night and day, as the old Astrodome can literally fit inside of Reliant Stadium. At some points over the past few years, ideas such as a hotel and convention center, parking lot, amusement park, soccer stadium and church have been discussed as options.
There is a little more than $32 million owed over the next 22 years to pay the stadium off, with $2 million a year going to cover maintenance costs on the facility. So the city is searching for ideas on what to do with the 40 plus year-old building. Of course, I have a few ideas, thinking outside the box.
WWE Hall of Fame & Training Center
Vince McMahon currently does not have a building to house his version of a Hall of Fame.
What better place to house it than in the place that held Wrestlemania X-Seven. It could be multi-purpose as well, with the WWE creating a training center inside as well and developing the next crop of “Superstars”.
Big XII Hall of Fame
Before the formation of the Big XII, the Big 8 and Southwest Conferences were dominant in the world of college athletics. Andre Ware and David Klingler, past Heisman trophy winners called the Astrodome home during their college years. Similar to the above-mentioned WWE Hall of Fame, this idea makes sense to me.
Indoor Ski Resort
A little out there, I know. But it can be used as a training center year round for Olympic athletes and a welcome break from the seemingly endless Houston summers. Surely, as many engineers as the city has, they could make this a reality.
Indoor Tailgate Area
With the stadium set to host 2 of the next 6 NCAA Men’s Final Fours, along with the Rodeo and Texans games, this could create an even more festive atmosphere. Virtually a 24 hour party, with booze, BBQ, and babes, all under a lid.
These are just a few ideas that I have shared with friends locally. But it is truly a shame that a building that was once a wonder, is now just an old decrepit relic.
