The cost of reviving Houston’s Astrodome has become a focal point in ongoing discussions about the future of the historic venue. A new study commissioned by the Harris County Sports & Convention Corporation (HCSCC) estimates that bringing the Astrodome to basic operational functionality would require more than $752 million, while demolishing it would cost approximately $55 million. The analysis was reported by the Houston Business Journal and adds new data to a debate that has persisted for years.
The renovation estimate does not include full historic preservation or modern upgrades, but focuses on restoring basic operations. Demolition costs would cover tearing down the structure and removing debris, with plans to leave below-grade portions intact until a future use is determined.
“These cost estimates illustrate that it will not be financially feasible for Harris County to renovate the Astrodome without significant private investment,” said interim County Administrator Jesse Dickerman in a statement.
The timing of this study coincides with high-profile lease negotiations at NRG Park involving both the Houston Texans and the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo. Both organizations’ leases expire in 2032, making decisions about the Dome’s fate critical in these talks. However, county officials have stated there is no set timeline for a final decision.
Kirksey Architecture, based in Houston, prepared the analysis after an expansion last November delayed its release beyond early 2025. The delay drew criticism from the Astrodome Conservancy, a nonprofit advocating for repurposing the building. The group criticized additional spending on demolition scenarios and argued that as a protected Texas landmark, the Dome deserves a stronger push for reuse.
The conservancy has proposed its own plan: an $840 million mixed-use redevelopment including an arena, retail space, and multiple buildings within the existing shell. This proposal relies on $270 million in public funding for an arena component and around $570 million from private sources for commercial elements. The organization also notes that historic tax credits could offset up to 45 percent of total costs.
A University of Houston survey conducted last summer found that 62 percent of Harris County voters support using public funds as part of a public-private partnership to redevelop the Astrodome into an entertainment and mixed-use destination.
Despite this public support, key stakeholders have not endorsed the conservancy’s proposal. Neither HCSCC nor representatives from either major tenant—Houston Texans or Rodeo Houston—have given their backing. Chris Boleman, CEO of Rodeo Houston, expressed skepticism about focusing solely on the Dome’s future: “NRG Park’s broader needs are ‘a $1 billion problem’ that goes well beyond the Dome itself,” he told local media outlets, adding that “the rodeo simply doesn’t use the Astrodome.”
