After the original natural grass playing surface died, the Astrodome became the first major sports venue to install artificial turf, which became known as AstroTurf. In another technological first, the Astrodome featured the "Astrolite", which was the first animated scoreboard. The Astrodome was renovated in 1988, expanding seating and altering many original features.
By the 1990s, the Astrodome was becoming obsolete. Unable to secure a new stadium, Oilers owner Bud Adams moved the team to Tennessee after the 1996 season, where they eventually became the Tennessee Titans. The Astros played at the dome through the 1999 season, before relocating to Enron Field (now called Minute Maid Park) in 2000, while the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo continued to be held at the Astrodome until the opening of the adjacent NRG Stadium in 2002 (which coincided with the debut of the Houston Texans, the team that replaced the Oilers). Although it no longer had any primary tenants, the venue regularly hosted events during the early 2000s, and in 2005, it was used as a shelter for residents of New Orleans affected by Hurricane Katrina. The Astrodome was declared non-compliant with fire code by the Houston Fire Department in 2008 and parts of it were demolished in 2013 after several years of disuse. In 2014 it was listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
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Jul 31, 1967Jul 31, 1967
The 1967 baseball season witnessed intriguing developments for the New York Mets and the Houston...
New York Mets vs Houston Astros - Radio Broadcast / The 1967 baseball season witnessed intriguing developments for the New York Mets and the Houston Astros, two teams striving to find their footing in the competitive National League. As August rolled around, both teams were seeking to make a push for the playoffs.
For the New York Mets, the season marked a step forward in their relatively young history. In August, they showcased resilience and improvement, with standout performances from key players like Tom Seaver and Jerry Koosman, bolstering their pitching rotation. This revitalized pitching staff allowed the Mets to put up a stronger fight against their opponents and compete more convincingly. While their offensive capabilities still needed refinement, the Mets' progress throughout August was a promising sign for their future as a competitive force in the league.
On the other hand, the Houston Astros had a mixed experience in August. The team boasted strong pitching, thanks to the likes of Mike Cuellar and Don Wilson, who demonstrated their skills on the mound. However, the Astros encountered some challenges in their offensive lineup, resulting in a fluctuating performance during the month. Despite the hurdles, their overall performance showcased glimpses of potential, hinting at their ability to contend in the future.
As the season approached its conclusion, the New York Mets and the Houston Astros had both made strides to improve and prove their mettle on the baseball field. While the Mets demonstrated progress in their pitching department and resilience as a young team, the Astros showcased solid pitching talent but needed to address their offensive inconsistencies. The season rivalry between the two teams during August emphasized the competitive spirit and the determination to carve a path toward greater success in the future.