Astrodome 2.0 will revolutionize H-town
When the Offshore Technology Conference opens today in NRG Park, it will be celebrating its 50th anniversary — establishing itself as the largest oil and gas conference in the world. And with such impressive history and tremendous growth, represented by some 70,000 attendees from more than 100 countries, and OTC currently occupying more than 500,000 square feet, including outdoor exhibits, the preservation of the Astrodome couldn’t have come at a better time.
Limited only by the constraints of available space, OTC is now sure to embark on a continuing successful trajectory for the next 50 years — open to new possibilities that include the opportunity to relocate its largest exhibits and structures inside a soon-to-be-renovated, climate-controlled Astrodome.
A deserted Astrodome, emptied of much of its contents as a result of yard sales and auctions, reached its 25,000 ticket capacity in under two hours for Dome-coming on April 9. Imagine the powerful attraction and success of the new Astrodome 2.0.
Now, with the structure’s recognition as a State Antiquities Landmark and grand re-opening scheduled for 2020, new thoughts, ideas and visions are circulating for the myriad of exciting opportunities and attractions Astrodome 2.0 can provide for our city.
The addition of such an enormous area of indoor, climate-controlled space will most certainly enlarge and enhance the already amazing experience of the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo.
Other suggested uses now seem as diverse as original proposed plans were for the Astrodome itself. Will it be utilized as an additional concert venue for the countless festivals throughout our city that have been affected by the unpredictability of Houston’s weather? A new home for the carnival?
And how about creating a Houston Hall of Fame? It’s about time that we proudly honor those pioneers in the arts, sciences, and industry that built and added to this great city. What a great tool this could be for educating, showcasing, and preserving our amazing history before it is lost. Many families in this great city and across this state would delight in seeing the historical contributions of their ancestors recognized and archived and would find great meaning in sharing their legacy and in securing its future.
What about finally establishing what has been talked about for years: a sports museum. Our World Champion Rockets and Astros, coupled with our city having produced so many legendary sports figures, merit such recognition and this attraction would be sure to draw the crowds.
How about pairing a two-day music festival with “Star Dome,” the dazzling idea of Rice alums that utilizes the five acre Astrodome ceiling to provide the world’s most amazing light show? The fusion of music to light will provide a sensory spectacular unparalleled anywhere in the world.
Astrodome 2.0 invites the kind of thinking that was embodied in all things Judge Roy Hofheinz originally created. An Astrodome Renaissance will rekindle the vitality and spirit of this dynamic city by bringing people together, creating new partnerships and collaborations. It will enhance and provide future growth for activities and attractions that we currently deliver and will permit the consideration and actualization of many new amazing events and endless possibilities.
One day, in the not too distant future, the preservation and renovation of the Astrodome will be viewed and appreciated for the historic game-changer it is for our city. Astrodome 2.0, like its predecessor, will transform Houston, and once again, secure its rightful place on the national and international stage.
Seale is a Houston writer.