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Astrodome Redevelopment Plan Sparks Rodeo Backlash with $1 Billion Price Tag

Astrodome Redevelopment Plan Faces Skepticism from Key Players Amid $1 Billion Proposal

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proposed $1 billion redevelopment plan for the Astrodome has sparked mixed reactions from key stakeholders. The Astrodome Conservancy's "Vision: Astrodome" aims to transform the iconic stadium into a multifunctional venue with retail, dining, a hotel, and exhibition space. The project would add four buildings within the stadium, supporting year-round activity, as well as 1,500 parking spaces and livestock facilities for rodeo events.

    The design features a central boulevard inspired by New York's Highline, connecting to other structures within NRG Park. However, the nonprofit faces significant hurdles in securing support from Harris County, which owns NRG Park and is landlord to the NFL's Houston Texans and the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo.

    Long-term leases with the Texans and the rodeo give them contractual rights to the Astrodome until 2030 or '31. The tenants are resistant to any changes, wanting county funds to be spent on NRG Stadium instead. The rodeo's CEO has stated that they do not support the proposal due to conflicting strategic visions.

    The conservancy has raised $3.5 million since its founding in 2016 and estimates it would cost $100 million and take a year to demolish the Astrodome. Gensler, the architect behind the project, predicts a two-year redevelopment process with minimal disruption to NRG Stadium.

Houston's Astrodome redevelopment plan sparks controversy over $1 billion price tag.