Opening in 1965, the Astrodome was the world’s first domed and air-conditioned stadium.

Gabby Dawkins

Houston Public Media Reprint

The Astrodome Conservancy unveiled new plans to bring the ‘Eighth Wonder of the World’ back to life.

The conservancy is hoping that the $1 billion project will spark new life into the dome, which has sat vacant for more than a decade. The plan includes a flexible arena space for events and entertainment at its core. Surrounding the center, the plan shows levels of office and hotel spaces with an array of restaurants for visitors to choose from.

Phoebe Tudor, the founder of the Astrodome Conservancy, addressed the swirling questions surrounding the condition of the idle landmark.

“There is no debt left on the dome; it is a fully paid-for Harris County asset,” said Tudor “Any asbestos has already been removed.”

She continued by stating the dome is structurally sound, in remarkably good condition and ready for its next phase of life.

Gensler architect, Kristopher Stuart, shared intricate details of the plan including raising the floor of the dome approximately 30 feet to provide a seamless flow for visitors entering the Astrodome and allow for more parking spaces underneath. Stuart shares another key detail to enhance the experience for onlookers.

“The boulevard was a gesture to make it more public and more accessible,” said Stuart. “If we do a program within the dome, we don’t want people walking around wondering what’s inside. We want them to know that they can come inside and experience what we create.”

The conservancy is asking for a $250 million investment from the county. The conservancy also plans to utilize $400 million in tax credits alongside private and public partnerships to get the project off the ground.

“There’s a lot of enthusiasm, but there’s a long way to go. This is a complicated project. It’s complicated in many ways,” said Tudor. “I think finding consensus among the political leadership and the stakeholders involved with this is going to be an important next step.”

To ensure the success of this project, they need support from key stakeholders including the Rodeo and the Harris County Sports & Convention Corporation. Following the press conference, Bishop James Dixon, the Chairman of the Harris County Sports & Convention Corporation said he respects the efforts of the Astrodome Conservancy in a released statement.

“Over the last few years, we have seen several concepts that, while thought-provoking, haven’t resulted in viable funding and maintenance solutions,” he said. “We are currently working with Harris County and a team of industry-leading experts to plan for the future of NRG Park. The solution for the Astrodome must be decided within that context. In addition, we cannot consider any future vision for NRG Park without first understanding certain baseline financial information related to the Astrodome.

The Harris County Sports & Convention Corporation is in the process of obtaining data to use in evaluating proposed plans. This critical information will provide us with the most viable path forward, ensuring NRG Park continues to meet the needs of its stakeholders and the public for now, and for the future.”

The Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo also released a statement shared widely on social media and said the money might be used better elsewhere.

“The proposed plan by the Astrodome Conservancy does not align with the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo’s strategic vision and operational requirements. The Rodeo, Texans, and Harris County Sports & Convention Corporations have been working on plans for NRG Park’s future,” the statement said. “As the only tenant that uses all three of these buildings at NRG Park, we recognize and must address these critical facility issues.”

“Congratulations to Juan Garcia on his historic appointment by a majority of the Commissioners Court as Chairman of the Harris County-Houston Sports Authority. Juan’s life and career are a testament to hard work, resilience, and a deep passion for serving the community. From his humble beginnings in Brownsville as the son of Mexican immigrants to becoming an advocate for justice, business owner, and a dedicated lifelong volunteer, Juan’s journey embodies the American Dream and is an inspiration for all of us in Harris County,” said Commissioner Lesley Briones.

As the first Hispanic member-at-large to serve on the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo’s Executive Committee, and now as the first Hispanic Chair of the Sports Authority, Juan is breaking barriers and opening opportunities for future leaders. His commitment to lifting others up, seen through his tireless work advocating for justice through his leadership of the Hispanic Bar Association of Houston and Johnson Garcia LLP and his significant community involvement, is evident in every role he assumes. 

I look forward to Juan leading the Sports Authority with the same heart, hustle, and higher standards that have defined his remarkable career.”  

“Congratulations to Juan Garcia on his historic appointment by a majority of the Commissioners Court as Chairman of the Harris County-Houston Sports Authority. Juan’s life and career are a testament to hard work, resilience, and a deep passion for serving the community. From his humble beginnings in Brownsville as the son of Mexican immigrants to becoming an advocate for justice, business owner, and a dedicated lifelong volunteer, Juan’s journey embodies the American Dream and is an inspiration for all of us in Harris County,” said Commissioner Lesley Briones.

As the first Hispanic member-at-large to serve on the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo’s Executive Committee, and now as the first Hispanic Chair of the Sports Authority, Juan is breaking barriers and opening opportunities for future leaders. His commitment to lifting others up, seen through his tireless work advocating for justice through his leadership of the Hispanic Bar Association of Houston and Johnson Garcia LLP and his significant community involvement, is evident in every role he assumes. 

I look forward to Juan leading the Sports Authority with the same heart, hustle, and higher standards that have defined his remarkable career.”  

Houston, TX – August 22, 2024—Dr. Lucy Ojode, CPA(K), a distinguished professor in the Texas Southern University Jesse H. Jones School of Business’s Department of Business Administration has received a Fulbright U.S. Scholar Program award. As part of this esteemed international exchange program, Dr. Ojode will spend the 2024-25 academic year in Rwanda training entrepreneurs who are seeking their Executive MBA. 

“I am honored and deeply grateful to receive this Fulbright award,” said Dr. Ojode. “I truly appreciate the support from my colleagues and students. This year marks my 20th year at Texas Southern University, and it has been a wonderful journey since 2004. I have thoroughly enjoyed my classes, students, and colleagues, and it has always been a joy to be part of this academic community. I am excited to embark upon this opportunity to build connections between TSU-trained entrepreneurs and the burgeoning markets that exist in Africa.”

Dr. Ojode’s selection as a Fulbright Scholar underscores her commitment to academic excellence and her dedication to fostering global understanding. As she heads to Rwanda, she will be part of a broader effort by Fulbright Scholars to make meaningful contributions to communities abroad and at home, enriching both their host institutions and their home institutions with their experiences and insights.

“Texas Southern University is a proud partner to the Fulbright Program,” said President Jim Crawford. “The U.S. Department of State has named the University as a Fulbright HBCU Institutional Leader for four consecutive years in recognition of our support for Fulbright exchange participants and our promotion of Fulbright program opportunities on campus. The presence and contributions of those visiting scholars and our international students over the years add to TSU’s culturally rich environment in myriad ways. Likewise, we are delighted to share Dr. Ojode with the world through this tremendous honor. We look forward to the new knowledge she will create and share, which she will bring back from Rwanda.”

The Fulbright Scholar Program, one of the most prestigious academic exchange initiatives worldwide, annually awards more than 1,700 fellowships to college and university faculty, administrators, researchers, artists, and professionals. This program facilitates cross-cultural collaboration and provides scholars with the opportunity to build their skills, expand their global networks, and gain invaluable international insights.

Active in over 3,500 countries, not only does the Fulbright Scholar program enhance the professional and personal growth of its participants, but it also fosters a global network of accomplished alumni who serve as leaders and educators worldwide.

Provost and Senior Vice President for Academic Affairs, Dr. Carl Goodman, praised this achievement, stating, “Dr. Ojode’s selection as a Fulbright Scholar is a testament to her exceptional contributions to academia and her unwavering dedication to her students and colleagues. We are proud to see her represent Texas Southern University on this global stage and look forward to the valuable perspectives she will bring back to our institution and community.”

Since 1946, the Fulbright Program has provided over 400,000 talented and accomplished students, scholars, teachers, artists, and professionals of all backgrounds with the opportunity to study, teach, and conduct research abroad. Fulbrighters exchange ideas, build people-to-people connections, and work to address complex global challenges. Notable Fulbrighters include 62 Nobel Laureates, 89 Pulitzer Prize winners, 80 MacArthur Fellows, 41 heads of state or government, and thousands of leaders across the private, public, and non-profit sectors.

Dorris Ellis

The Houston Sun

With decent and in order as the standard, Harris County Precinct Chair Linda Bell Robinson and 79 of the 240 – 18^th Congressional District Precinct Chairs (PCs) gathered in Third Ward at Wheeler Avenue Baptist Church facilities.  Their purpose was to accept the names of the six candidates who were vying for a two-year term for Congressional District 18 seat. Until the July 19 death of 14-term Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee, 74, who had won the right to be on the November 5^th ballot, did this vacancy occur. Congresswoman Jackson Lee had received the vote of the constituents during the Primary to be on the November 5 General Election ballot. Since Jackson Lee’s death, the CD 18 Precinct Chairs had work to do which they completed in about two hours.

Texas law requires the same person who could not seek the unexpired term of six month be the same person seeking a full two-year term for Congressional District 18. Jackson-Lee’s daughter, Erica Lee Carter placed her name in nomination to filled the unexpired term left by her mother. Hence, the Precinct Chairs of the CD 18 duty was to find a nominee to be placed on the General Election November 5^th ballot. Candidates who put their names in nomination received three minutes to tell the Precinct Chairs why they should vote for them. Following the speeches, votes were cast, and results were tallied.  Votes received on the first ballot were: Amanda Edwards 34 votes, Jarvis Johnson, 2 votes, Christina Morales, 3 votes, Leticia Plummer, 5 votes, Robert Slater, 0 votes, and Sylvester Turner, 35 votes. 

With no one receiving a majority of votes pursuant to the Texas Democratic Rules, a run-off was required between the two top candidates, Edwards and Turner.  In the run-off a one-minute time limit was given to Edwards and Turner each to address the body a second time for an immediate run-off.

Turner, 69, a bone cancer survivor, who in 2022 shared that he was diagnosed with Osteosarcoma, a form of bone cancer, in his jaw. He thereafter had surgery and received six weeks of radiation treatment. While speaking, he stated that he had received the best health care available and believed that others likewise deserved it. He spoke about Experience, Education and Houston Independent School District take-over, Health Care, infrastructure, Climate change, Affordable housing, Economic development and working to continue the work that Jackson-Lee had started. He pledged to seek the position for two terms and that he is a bridge to the next generation. He said that every neighborhood deserves a voice and Congresspersons are to bring resources to the District. He said that experience matters and with his booths on the ground, he had knowledge to share.

Edwards, 42 spoke of Hurricane Harvey and its aftermath, Commitment to constituents, small and women-owned businesses, and Systems, Bold ideas that work for people. The public finance attorney spoke of equity and noted her experience as a city-wide city council member with new ideas and to build upon ideas presented by Jackson Lee, and Infrastructure. She ended with, “This is about you” as she alluded to allowing for younger representation.

Chairwoman Robinson called for the Standing Division of the House Vote for the run-off. Voters swapped chairs to cast their runoff vote for the last two competing candidates in the run-off election. There were only 10 votes for the candidates to capture from the other four candidates now out of the running. 

One observer was provided by each camp along with the vote counters.  The results announced revealed that Turner had captured 41 votes and Edwards had earned 37 votes. With excitement and signs the venue became a rally for Turner to kick-off his 84-day campaign for 18th Congressional District.

If elected, he would be the second man to represent the highly gerrymandered Democratic district that was carved out in Houston to serve African Americans following the Civil rights movement. It has been represented by Barbara Jordan, (1973-1979); George “Mickey” Leland, (1979-1988); Craig Washington, (1989-1995); and Sheila Jackson Lee (1995-2024). Washington is the only living former legislator who has represented the District. Replacing the late Sheila Jackson Lee on the November ballot is former Houston Mayor and State Representative,  Sylvester Turner. If elected, he would be the fifth person to represent the 18th Congressional District. He has a Republican opponent in the November election.

Thanks to the volunteers, the sergeants-at-arms, and all who assisted in the special election meeting to select a Democratic nominee. Special appreciation was given to Dr. Linda Bell Robinson by Mike Doyle, Harris County Democratic Party Chairman. Doyle told the PCs and the audience that they had 84 days to show what the Party can do up and down the ballot.