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Houston's Astrodome, nicknamed the 8th wonder of the world when built in 1965, is on the ballot tonight. The former home of MLB's Houston Astros, and NFL's Houston Oilers, is being voted on as a new convention center. Most believe if this fails, the aging stadium will be torn down. As of this hour, (almost 9pm central), the measure is failing and the first major Dome may be doomed.
These days, this type of domed multi-purpose stadiums are out of style. The Kingdome in Seattle lasted only 25 years or so before it was imploded. The Humphry Minneapolis Dome is perhaps the next to go, with the Vikings working on a new stadium, however current replacement plans call for an enclosed stadium with lots of windows. There are others that may be near extinction. Atlanta wants to get out of the Georgia Dome, even though it is relatively new. The Tampa Bay baseball dome is generally regarded as one of the worst. Indy and Detroit's Pontiac Silverdome are also not in service.
Retractable roof is a different animal, and this seems to be the trend.
Houston's Astrodome, nicknamed the 8th wonder of the world when built in 1965, is on the ballot tonight. The former home of MLB's Houston Astros, and NFL's Houston Oilers, is being voted on as a new convention center. Most believe if this fails, the aging stadium will be torn down. As of this hour, (8pm central), the measure is failing and the first major Dome may be doomed.
These days, this type of domed multi-purpose stadiums are out of style. The Kingdome in Seattle lasted only 25 years or so before it was imploded. The Humphry Minneapolis Dome is perhaps the next to go, with the Vikings working on a new stadium, however current replacement plans call for an enclosed stadium with lots of windows. Their are others that may be near extinction. Atlanta wants to get out of the Georgia Dome, even though it is relatively new. The Tampa Bay baseball dome is generally regarded as one of the worst. Retractable roof is a different animal, and this seems to be the trend.
Hmm...interesting stuff. With the Superdome being such an iconic symbol of our city, I doubt it will ever happen here. If nothing else, Mercedes will make sure of that
Syracuse's Carrier Dome may be the exception due to the major support the Syracuse University Men's Basketball and Football(when they are good) get. It is also an on campus stadium. With that said, there has been talks(nothing serious) about its smaller seating capacity for football in comparison to other major programs. I don't think anything will happen anytime soon, but I do wonder as to how long will it be around. Like it was mentioned about the Superdome, it is a symbol of the city and signature landmark in the city's skyline.
Domed stadiums aren't doomed. Multi-purpose stadiums are doomed. Doesn't matter whether they're domed or outdoor.
Good point, as there are some completely enclosed stadiums being developed right now. My point, though, is the original prototype Domed Stadium is dead, and the electorate in Houston has no love lost for the Astrodome.
I used to hate going into the Silverdome. It was filthy, run down, nothing going on inside and it is in a horrible location. Despite it being in a rougher area, I remember once parking across the highway where you have to take a walkway over the road and seeing a deer. That poor deer was so out of place.
The Silverdome was the only dome I've ever been in. I assume they all have that weird 'sucks you in' thing going on? I hated the vacuum effect in Detroit.
the new Minneapolis stadium that will house the Vikings, while attaining the closest seat to field dimension in the NFL, will also be able to be configured for baseball to accommodate the hundreds of games played each spring by high school and college teams from as far away as Nebraska.
the right field wall will be 285 ft from home and 26 ft high.
by comparison, Fenway's Green Monster is 310 ft from home and 37 ft high.
Hmm...interesting stuff. With the Superdome being such an iconic symbol of our city, I doubt it will ever happen here. If nothing else, Mercedes will make sure of that
If they even consider it, I'm sure there would be mass protests and I'd be there chained to the building. The dome is my favorite building in the world.
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