Ceremony scheduled as Astrodome becomes Recorded Texas Historic Landmark

Houstonians in line to enter the world famous Astrodome April 9 for Domecoming, a celebration of the building’s 53rd anniversary. Houstonians in line to enter the world famous Astrodome April 9 for Domecoming, a celebration of the building’s 53rd anniversary. Photo: Michael Ciaglo, MBO / Associated Press Photo: Michael Ciaglo, MBO / Associated Press Image 1 of / 11 Caption Close Ceremony scheduled as Astrodome becomes Recorded Texas Historic Landmark 1 / 11 Back to Gallery

In a ceremony celebrating the so-called Eighth Wonder of the World, the beloved Astrodome on Tuesday will officially receive the marker designating it a Recorded Texas Historic Landmark.

It's the highest honor the state can give a historic structure.

The dedication is slated for 3 p.m. on the west side of the Astrodome at NRG Park. Long-time Astrodome supporter Harris County Judge Ed Emmett and Dene Hofheinz - daughter of Roy Hofheinz, the man who helped make the stadium a reality - will be there to see the unveiling.

"The Dome has never had an actual historical marker," Mike Vance, a member of the Harris County Historical Commission, told the Chronicle in March. The stadium earned its new designation in January along with more than 170 other historical sites approved to get their own markers this year.

Originally known as the Harris County Domed Stadium, the engineering marvel opened to the public on April 9, 1965, when a sold-out crowd of more than 47,000 turned up for an exhibition game between the Astros and the New York Yankees.

At the time, it was the world's first domed stadium and the largest dome on the planet. It sported luxury suites and the first artificial playing surface.

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Because it was home to the Astros, it became known as the Astrodome, but the stadium also hosted the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo and became home to the Houston Oilers and the Houston Cougars. The building has seen everything from bloodless bullfighting to famous boxing matches.

In 2017, the Dome received a state antiquities landmark designation, which provided special safeguards against demolition and required Texas Historical Commission approval for any future changes.

Now, the Historic Landmark designation means even more protection for the aging landmark.

"The Astrodome is the most important building we've ever had in our city's history," Vance said. "It's the most recognized and the most influential building that we've ever had."

Preserving the structure has been one of Emmett's long-time priorities, and the county is spending $105 million for an upcoming renovation project.

The Dome has not housed a professional sports team since the Astros moved to Minute Maid Park nearly two decades ago, but the baseball club organization is paying the state about $2,000 for the new marker.