Featured Image Credit: Getty
Topics: Muhammad Ali, WrestleMania, NFL
Nasir Jabbar
A massive stadium that cost $349 million to build is now abandoned as haunting images from inside have emerged.
USA boasts some of the most state-of-the-art stadiums in the world.
From Las Vegas' Allegiant Stadium, which hosted WWE's WrestleMania 41 across two nights last month, to Atlanta's Mercedes-Benz Stadium - home of the NFL's Atlanta Falcons and MLS' Atlanta United.
Multi-purpose stadiums are littered across America, including Arlington's AT&T Stadium, which is based in Texas.
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There's another stadium in Texas that cost a millions to build but is no longer functional.
The Astrodome in Houston cost $349 million (in 2024 dollars) and once housed MLB's Houston Astros and NFL's Houston Oilers.
But it has been vacant and continues to occupy prime real estate in one of America's largest and busiest cities.
The Astrodome is less than a mile away from NRG Stadium - the current home of NFL's Houston Texans.
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Elvis Presley performed a concert at the Astrodome that was once praised for its contemporary flourish and proud embrace of a new sparkling era.
Muhammad Ali fought four times at the Astrodome during his legendary boxing career. He defeated Cleveland Williams and Ernie Terrell between 1966 and 1967 before returning in 1971 when he beat Jimmy Ellis and Buster Mathis.
The Astrodome also played host to WrestleMania X-Seven, which was headlined by 'Stone Cold' Steve Austin vs. The Rock, attracting a bumper crowd of 67,925.
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When the Astrodome was constructed, it was viewed as a stadium that was ahead of the curve in sports facilities.
Its dome was seen as revolutionary, the air conditioning was a technological breakthrough and the multi-purpose venue inspired major cities across America to try and replicate the Astrodome.
60 years on from its spectacular unveiling, the Houston-based stadium has been condemned and is no longer in use.
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In 2005, the Astrodome was used as a temporary living space for evacuees from Hurricane Katrina, which impacted the New Orleans area.