HOUSTON — There’s been a lot of talk lately about one of the most loved pieces of Houston history – the theme park Astroworld.
Houston rapper Travis Scott didn’t just named his album after it. He also created the first-ever Astroworld festival here in Houston.
If you’ve lived in Houston long enough, you’ve undoubtedly ridden in one of the blue bucket seats of the Texas Cyclone. The last ride it ever took before being torn down was 13 years ago.
The Texas State Historical Association says former Mayor Judge Roy Hofheinz opened the gates to Astroworld back on June 1, 1968. Admission for the park -- $3.50 for kids, and just a dollar more for adults.
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In 1970, it was sold to Six Flags. New rides and attractions were added to the park in the coming years, including Batman, the Escape and the Texas Tornado.
But those were some of the last rides ever added to the park. Seven years later, it was unexpectedly shut down. What it came down to, it appears, was a business decision.
Along with declining attendance, Six Flags cited several reasons for needing to close, including wanting to reduce its corporate debt and the rising property values. Competing for parking with then-Reliant Stadium was also a huge problem for the park.
And with estimates as high as $150 million, Six Flags decided to sell. But after putting it on the market, they walked away with only $77 million.
Today, it’s a vacant lot. All that remains of the wonderful world of fun is the foot bridge over 610.
