It sucks that Texas politicians will never let a casino come to town because a huge casino/hotel just makes perfect sense. You are much more likley to get the private sector to invest in something like a casino which is pretty mcuh guaranteed to make a profit (less taxpayer financing). It would revitalize the area, which despite the construction of Reliant Stadium, could still use some life. It would keep millions of dollars from going across the border into the Lousiana coffers and help our local tax situation. It would also probably bring in a lot of outside tourist dollars. Most people complain about not having anything to do or see when they come to Houston. Well, a big-time casino right next to the football stadium and accessible by rail would change that dynamic pretty quickly. Yes, I know the moral gray zone we get into with casinos that tend to feed on the most vulnerable parts of society and the safety concerns that come with it, but I think these can be accounted for in making a project that benefits the whole city and region.
I'm guessing the high cost is for a method to ensure Reliant Stadium doesn't get damaged? Texas Stadium was demolished for 6 million. The Astrodome should have been demolished when Reliant Stadium was being built.
A dicey proposition for Astrodome 12/23/2002 Associated Press HOUSTON – The world's first indoor baseball park could become its biggest luxury casino if a Texas lawmaker has his way. State Rep. Ron Wilson wants to bring the Astrodome back to life, wagering that the state and county could pull in $1 billion in revenue a year after transforming the dome into a gambling operation. "I think it's an excellent idea: the Eighth Wonder of the World. You've already got 30,000 parking spaces," Jordy Tollett, president and chief executive officer of the Greater Houston Convention and Visitors Bureau, told the Houston Chronicle in Saturday's editions. Harris County Judge Robert Eckels, an opponent, said gambling would create a net loss for Houston, not a gain, as it drains local dollars that would have been spent on other entertainment. Mr. Wilson has bet against the odds before. The Houston Democrat concedes that he has sponsored state gaming proposals in the recent past that never went anywhere. The Astrodome, once the venue of former President Lyndon Johnson's barbecue for astronaut heroes and former President George Bush's second nomination to the presidency, was also once home to the Astros baseball team – now based at Minute Maid Park – and the Oilers football team, before it moved to Tennessee. But since a retractable-roof football venue, Reliant Stadium, opened next to the Astrodome, the older stadium's fate has been in question. When the Astrodome opened in 1965, it was the largest such facility ever. But some Houstonians are taking Mr. Wilson seriously after county officials scoffed at the idea. County Commissioner Steve Radack noted that Mr. Wilson is known for his headline-grabbing exploits. "It sounds like a publicity-seeking bill," Mr. Radack said. "Never mind the fact that the state doesn't own the dome, and never mind that the owners aren't even asked about it before he wastes a bunch of time drafting a bill." The Texas Legislative Council is drafting Mr. Wilson's measure, calling for Texans to amend the Texas Constitution to legalize state-sponsored gaming in Houston, Dallas and San Antonio. "I like the idea of the state running casino gambling," Mr. Wilson said. "Then you can manage advertising, the number of compulsive gamblers it creates. If you have private industry that does it, they don't care about creating compulsive gamblers." Mr. Wilson estimates development costs at $25 million. Although Gov. Rick Perry is against any expansion of gambling in Texas, some still hold out hope for Mr. Wilson. He scored a huge victory a dozen years ago with his bill creating the Texas Lottery. "We've got plenty of gaming space in Space City USA," said Mr. Tollett, describing plans for a 500-room hotel, restaurants and nightclubs adjoining the casino.
They should turn it into the worlds largest strip club. Just imagine the stripper pole in the center of that thing!
Key word: WAS. We're in an age where every sports city is trying to outdo the other and construct the biggest, most technologically advanced stadium possible. The Dome is dwarfed by Reliant, which in turn looks somewhat minuscule compared to the Cowboys Stadium. It was a wonder when it was built, but it has aged horribly. This isn't the Coliseum, it's not an ancient structure. It's a modern marvel that is no longer marvelous. Tear the thing down and honor it with a small monument in the Reliant Park area.
When a city loses its history, it loses its soul. The Astrodome is one of the few unique things about Houston. There will never be another "first" domed stadium. It has a great deal of local and international cultural value. Some way should be found to save it.
With the empty AstroWorld land and cavernous Astrodome the city should really think about doing something exciting to the 610 area. A world class hotel coupled with a casino is the best option....whatever they do it better bring money to the city to help bring the SuperBowl back, win an Olympic bid , and win a World Cup bid. This city needs to be more progressive...we have the resource just need the momentum .
