<\/p>\n
The Astrodome photographed from NRG Arena in Houston on Tuesday, March 17, 2026.<\/p>\n
Elizabeth Conley\/Houston Chronicle<\/p>\n
April 1965 – Astrodome lit up for event at night in this April 1965 Houston Chronicle file photo.<\/p>\n
Houston Chronicle<\/p>\n
Astrodome and Astrodomain complex, March 31, 1992.<\/p>\n
Howard Castleberry\/Houston Chronicle<\/p>\n
It\u2019s hard to believe that the Astrodome, which became the world\u2019s first domed sports stadium when it opened on April 9, 1965, doesn’t already have National Historic Landmark status. Often nicknamed the ‘Eighth Wonder of the World,’ <\/a>the Astrodome is now one step closer to earning the distinction.<\/a><\/p>\n The National Park Service recently shared that the Astrodome <\/a>meets the criteria for consideration as a National Historic Landmark.\u00a0<\/p>\n \u201cIt\u2019s the highest honor that a historic site can receive,\u201d explains Beth Wiedower Jackson, executive director of the Astrodome Conservancy.<\/p>\n Article continues below this ad<\/p>\n To qualify, a property must meet one of six criteria:\u00a0<\/p>\n Be the location of an event that had a significant impact on American history overall. There are approximately 2,700 National Historic Landmarks. The Astrodome would be in good company.<\/p>\n Beth Wiedower Jackson, executive director, Astrodome Conservancy, walks outside the Astrodome in Houston, Tuesday, July 8, 2025.<\/p>\n Brett Coomer\/Houston Chronicle<\/p>\n \u201cThat level of designation really elevates the building across the country, internationally, and at home as well,\u201d Jackson says. \u201cIf we\u2019re rising to the level of the Statue of Liberty or the Golden Gate Bridge, then the Astrodome is not just sitting there. It has value to the nation. So if there\u2019s a way to save it, we should. This is important.\u201d<\/p>\n Article continues below this ad<\/p>\n The Astrodome Conservancy unveiled an ambitious $1 billion plan, Vision: Astrodome, two years ago, with a mission to answer the decades-long question of what to do with the landmark. Gensler, a Houston design firm, created the redevelopment concept.<\/p>\n
\nBe the property most strongly associated with a nationally significant figure in American history.
\nProvide an outstanding illustration of a broad theme or trend in American history overall.
\nBe an outstanding example of an architectural style or significant development in engineering.
\nBe part of a group of resources that together form a historic district.
\nBe a property that can provide nationally significant archeological information.<\/p>\n<\/p>\n