Derelict Houston Astrodome’s Fate To Be Decided By Voters

HOUSTON (AP) — Houston-area voters could be deciding whether the shuttered Astrodome is saved or razed.

A referendum facing voters as polls opened Tuesday would authorize up to $217 million in bonds to transform the so-called "Eighth Wonder of the World" into a giant convention and event center and exhibition space.

Officials in Harris County, which includes nearly all of Houston, have said the stadium that was once home to baseball's Astros and pro football's Houston Oilers likely would be torn down if the ballot measure fails to pass.

The Astrodome opened in 1965 but hasn't been home to a sports team since 1999. It's been closed to all events since 2009 and has fallen into disrepair.

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