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The Abandoned Houston Astrodome In Texas Is One Of The Eeriest Places In America

October 5th, 2022

Abandoned places in Texas are hiding in practically every nook and cranny of the state, both in major cities and along desolate highways. The legendary Houston Astrodome is one of them, and it’s truly striking to see how such a legendary building has fallen into an alarming state of disrepair. Take a look inside:

Built in 1965, the Houston Astrodome is one of the most recognizable structures in the world.

This historic landmark was the world's first multi-purpose, domed sports stadium, and it served as home to several sports teams - including the Houston Astros - over the years. The stadium also hosted the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo from 1966 until 2002.

Several other "firsts" can be attributed to the Astrodome, including the installation of the artificial grass now known as AstroTurf.

The Astrodome also boasted the world's first animated scoreboard, known as "Astrolite."

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In 2002, NRG Stadium opened adjacent to the Astrodome, taking away its last major tenant, the rodeo. After that, it hosted events sporadically and was also used as a shelter for displaced New Orleans residents during the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina in 2005.

Today, the Astrodome is a far cry from the high-energy entertainment venue it once was. After being declared non-compliant with the fire code by the Houston Fire Department in 2008, the stadium's rows, once packed with cheering fans, gave way to empty seats that slowly began succumbing to the elements.

Parts of the building were demolished in 2013, and it has sat abandoned ever since. A restoration plan was approved in late 2016; however, it was scrapped three years later by Commissioners Court Judge Lina Hidalgo.

No new plans have emerged to save the Astrodome. However, the city seems equally unhurried to fully tear it down. For the time being, at least, this once-legendary icon will continue to harbor the memories created in its heyday.

Curated By

Ricardo Vega
Investigative Street Correspondent | Immersion Journalism Producer | Underground Culture Documentarian
Ricardo Vega is an independent, boots-on-the-ground journalist who dives headfirst into the stories that mainstream outlets ignore. From derelict urban ruins and underground music scenes to extreme sports fringes and the overlooked edges of city life, he lives the stories he tells. With a Gonzo spirit and a Rolodex packed with street artists, underground athletes, indie musicians, and everyday voices rarely heard on network news, Ricardo delivers raw, immersive reporting that gets its hands dirty and its pulse racing. Ricardo doesn’t observe from a distance—he embeds, experiences, and brings back the unfiltered truth with authentic voices and gritty perspective. Fiercely independent in his politics and approach, Ricardo chases the real heartbeat of subcultures and forgotten places, where the sanitized narratives of corporate media never reach.

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