HOUSTON — The Astrodome will never be the same.
Houstonians had one more chance to look inside the Astrodome before construction begins to transform the structure into a “multifunctional event space.”
‘DOMECOMING’
The “Domecoming” celebration lasted from 5 to 8 p.m. Monday at NRG Park. Thousands attended, many still in line after 8 p.m. Monday, waiting to get in.
Attendees were encouraged to wear vintage gear from the Astros, Oilers and other Astrodome-related events. The event was free to the public, but the 25,000 tickets sold out quickly.
Photos: Fans get last look inside Astrodome at 'Domecoming'
The event featured an array of special guests, entertainment by DJ London and the original Astro Nuts, concessions available for purchase, and limited-edition Astrodome keepsake.
PHOTOS: Astrodome through the years
Photos: Astrodome through the years
LIVE COVERAGE
What kind of features can see you inside the dome? Rainbow seats, AstroTurf and so much more!
Fans were lined up and ready to enter the dome late Monday afternoon.
We're reading for Monday's event.
How old were you when you first stepped inside?
Were you there when Randy Johnson's home debut?
Another first for the Dome.
Fond memories for many.
Cool aerial video of the Dome for that first Astros game.
Mickey Mantle hit one deep in that first Astros game.
Another cool fact from the first Astros game at the Dome.
Know before you go.
INSIDE AERIALS: Photos from Drone 11 of Astrodome
INSIDE AERIALS: Photos from Drone 11 of Astrodome
Sherry Williams previewing the Domecoming event Monday morning.
Sherry Williams having a little fun inside the Dome this morning.
On this this day 53 years ago...
Local namesake brewery knows how to celebrate.
Fans are ready for the Domecoming.
A CLOSER LOOK
KHOU 11 News was granted early access to the Astrodome prior to Monday’s event. Our crew launched Drone 11 to survey the current state of the interior of the Dome.
MEMORY LANE
Bill Bishop, KHOU 11 News Managing Editor, took a walk down memory lane and recalled his personal memories at The Astrodome. His first trip inside was on May 2, 1965 when the Cubs played the Houston Astros at home.
Photos: The Astrodome, one last look from a lifelong fan
$105 MILLION MAKEOVER
The Astrodome could be open for business again by 2020 after Harris County Commissioners unanimously approved a $105 million revitalization plan in February.
The plan calls for raising the Astrodome floor to ground level and building 1,400 parking spaces. County officials say it would also create nine acres of event space and open more than half a million square feet for redevelopment.
Emmett says the cost will be split evenly, with $35 million contributed from hotel occupancy taxes, parking revenue, and property tax revenue.
The county judge also says tearing the Dome down would also cost taxpayers $35 million, and maintaining the required upkeep on the paid-off, county-owned building currently costs $171,000 per year.
HOFHEINZ’S FIGHT
To Dene Hofheinz, the Astrodome is more than the Eighth Wonder of the World. It's a young girl's connection to her father and the legacy he left behind.
Hofheinz has made it her life's mission to save the Dome. She was relieved knowing the beloved Dome her father Judge Roy Hofheinz built won't be torn down and forgotten.
FOND MEMORIES
Houstonians share their love and memories of the Astrodome.
REMINISCING OVER THE DOME
KHOU 11 Sports Anchor Matt Musil sat down with former Astros and Oilers players in January 2017 to reminisce on their favorite memories in the Astrodome.
HISTORICAL LANDMARK
The Texas Historical Commission unanimously approved the Astrodome as a state antiquities landmark in January 2017. The designation recognizes the "historical significance" of the Dome and means it can't be altered or demolished without the commission's approval.
The designation was a victory for Harris County Judge Ed Emmett and others who want to save the Dome.
The Astrodome was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in January 2014.
WATCH: The history of the Astrodome
