Comment on 50-year-old Astrodome to get a bath

The stadium, which opened in 1965, was the world's first domed super-stadium, but has not housed a sports team since the Astros left for Minute Maid Park after the 1999 season. The commission must sign off on all things related to the Dome's appearance as it continues to deliberate over whether the structure should be granted state antiquities landmark status. The matter has been tabled to give the county more time and leeway to strike a deal with private investors, while also protecting the half-century-old stadium from the wrecking ball. While designation as a state antiquities landmark would not assure that the world's first domed stadium is safe from demolition, it makes the possibility more remote because the county must first get permission from the commission.