[Congressional Record Volume 164, Number 94 (Thursday, June 7, 2018)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E790]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




  THE ASTRODOME: THE EIGHTH WONDER OF THE WORLD AND NOW A TEXAS STATE 
                           HISTORICAL MARKER

                                 ______
                                 

                              HON. TED POE

                                of texas

                    in the house of representatives

                         Thursday, June 7, 2018

  Mr. POE of Texas. Mr. Speaker, as the Houston Astros lead their 
division, Houstonians can't help but look forward to another exciting 
season of Astros baseball. As the home of the reigning champions, the 
people of Houston have a lot to be proud of, and a lot to remember.
   Today Astros games are played in the beautiful Minute Maid Ballpark, 
however many of us old timers remember watching the team's first game 
in the Astrodome in 1965. There was simply nothing else like the Dome. 
The players would stand in centerfield and try to hit balls straight up 
to see if they could hit the roof. It was a marvel for both the players 
and fans. It was the world's first domed stadium, the only stadium in 
sports to offer luxury suites, and--since everything is bigger in 
Texas--the largest dome on Earth.
   Home to the Houston Astros for three decades, the stadium has seen 
thousands of people from all over our country. But Mr. Speaker, 
baseball fans were not the only ones making their way through the 
iconic Dome's doors. Elvis Presley performed seven times in the 
stadium, the Battle of the Sexes tennis match was played here, and the 
world famous Houston Livestock Show and Radio was held in the Dome for 
many years. Though the Dome has seen its fair share of cowboys, movie 
stars, and baseball players, perhaps its greatest moment was when it 
was transformed into a home for over 60,000 refugees fleeing the 
destruction of Katrina.
   The Astrodome is not an abandoned baseball stadium; it is a part of 
Houston and Texas history. Nicknamed the Eighth wonder of the world, 
the Dome is a landmark loved by all Houstonians. Just recently it 
received its fitting designation as a Texas Historic Landmark. Though 
it has gone its many years without official recognition, the Astrodome 
has always been admired by those Houstonians and Texans who know its 
history. Now, the Astrodome takes its proper place in Texas history as 
an official Texas Historic Landmark.
   And that's just the way it is.

                          ____________________