Astrodome sale draws thousands who want piece of history - Houston Chronicle

A sale and auction of memorabilia from the iconic Astrodome drew thousands of people Saturday.

Katy Traylor, who grew up admiring the "eighth wonder of the world," tried to buy a piece of Astroturf for $20, but the memento was sold out by around 10:30 a.m.

"I'm still trying to get some chairs," she said.

The seats were pricier, at $200 a pop.

Houstonians with fond memories of the former home of the Houston Astros and Oilers started arriving around 5 a.m., three hours before the sale was set to start.

A key vote on the Astrodome's future takes place Tuesday. A referendum asks voters to authorize up to $217 million in bonds to turn the stadium into a convention center and exhibition space. Harris County officials have said that if the ballot initiative fails they likely would seek to demolish the dilapidated facility.

Historic preservationists parked a large truck outside the sale at Reliant Center to promote saving the Astrodome. Visitors wrote down their memories for others to see.

"My grandmother started working here at the very beginning in concession #206 (behind home plate)," wrote Wanda, who did not use her last name. "I used to come to work w/ her as a child & slept on the giant popcorn bag in the back."

Another visitor recalled volunteering at the Astrodome in 2005 when it was turned into a refuge for victims of Hurricane Katrina.

Stephanie Jones with the nonprofit Preservation Houston said she hopes the Astrodome is saved.

"It was the building that put Houston on the map," she said.