It's the world's first multi-purpose domed stadium. It's the "Eighth Wonder of the World." The Astrodome has been the site of a Nolan Ryan no-hitter, classic concerts by Elvis, Selena, Judy Garland and The Supremes, the famous Battle of the Sexes tennis match between Billie Jean King and Bobby Riggs, and college basketball's so-called "Game of the Century."
And it's just sitting there.
Why are we having so much trouble deciding what to do with the Astrodome?
On Houston Matters, we explored the possible future for Houston's "lonely landmark." Some want it demolished to make way for a parking lot. Others want it restored to its glory days. Still others suggest a middle ground – finding a way to repurpose it. We talked about the Astrodome’s past, present, and possible future with Willie Loston, Executive Director of the Harris County Sports and Convention Corporation, former Astros pitcher, manager, and broadcaster Larry Dierker, and Ryan Slattery, a recent graduate of the University of Houston’s Masters Architecture program, who has come up with his own idea for the Dome.
Also, the Texas legislature will soon wrap up its session in Austin. We discussed what lawmakers have sought to accomplish, and what may yet happen in the session's final days. Plus, Houston Symphony music director Hans Graf bids farewell, we collected some words of wisdom from some famous commencement speakers who addressed graduates last weekend across Texas, and we took you behind-the-scenes of LEGO KidsFest!
