The Houston Astrodome was last open to the public more than 20 years ago in 2002, and since then, it has sat as an unoccupied eyesore near NRG Stadium. As 2026 approaches, there is increasing clarity about the future of one of Houston’s most historic buildings.
Harris County officials commissioned a study last year to determine the cost and feasibility of restoring the Astrodome and the estimated cost of demolishing it. The study’s results were released on Monday. Houston officials expect renovating the Astrodome to cost a whopping $752 million, while demolition would roughly cost $55 million.
$752 million is a hefty cost. The final price could reach or exceed $1 billion. KHOU 11 in Houston reported Monday that the $752 million figure would bring the Astrodome back to “safe occupancy” through plumbing upgrades and the replacement of the entire HVAC system. Additional investments would then be needed to host large-scale sporting events and concerts, including new seats, a new scoreboard and numerous amenities…