In this Monday, April 9, 2018 photo, Garrett McCall takes a photo of Houston Astros jerseys that were on display during Domecoming, an event celebrating the 53rd anniversary of the Astrodome in Houston. (Michael Ciaglo/Houston Chronicle via AP)
The Associated Press
HOUSTON (AP) - Thousands of Houston Astrodome fans celebrated the 53rd anniversary of the now-vacant stadium with a last look inside before a $105 million redevelopment begins.
The Houston Chronicle reports that Monday's "Domecoming" party included displays of memorabilia and fans wearing jerseys and T-shirts from years past.
Harris County Judge Ed Emmett reminisced about being in high school in 1966 and paying $1 to tour the Astrodome, formerly home to baseball's Astros and the NFL's Oilers.
The county-owned Astrodome opened in 1965 but has been vacant for 19 years. It closed to all events in 2009.
County commissioners in February approved renovations to include about 1,400 parking spaces and upgrades for festivals, conferences and other commercial use. Parking revenue, hotel occupancy taxes and county general funds will cover the cost.
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Information from: Houston Chronicle, http://www.houstonchronicle.com
In this Monday, April 9, 2018 photo, Barbara Hauser, who attended opening day at the Astrodome, wears a Spacette uniform as she attends Domecoming, an event celebrating the 53rd anniversary of the Astrodome in Houston. (Michael Ciaglo/Houston Chronicle via AP)
The Associated Press
In this Monday, April 9, 2018 photo, Harris County judge Ed Emmett, right, points and smiles as a visitor shows off his replica World Series ring during Domecoming, an event celebrating the 53rd anniversary of the Astrodome in Houston. (Michael Ciaglo/Houston Chronicle via AP)
The Associated Press
In this Monday, April 9, 2018 photo, attendees snake through aisles of Astrodome memorabilia during Domecoming, an event celebrating the 53rd anniversary of the Astrodome in Houston. (Michael Ciaglo/Houston Chronicle via AP)
The Associated Press
In this Monday, April 9, 2018 photo, a line of attendees wraps around the Astrodome as they wait to go inside for Domecoming, an event celebrating the 53rd anniversary of the Astrodome in Houston. (Michael Ciaglo/Houston Chronicle via AP)
The Associated Press
In this Monday, April 9, 2018 photo, Houston Astros jerseys sit on display during Domecoming, an event celebrating the 53rd anniversary of the Astrodome in Houston. (Michael Ciaglo/Houston Chronicle via AP)
The Associated Press
In this Monday, April 9, 2018 photo, attendees look at Astrodome memorabilia, including the stadium seats, during Domecoming, an event celebrating the 53rd anniversary of the Astrodome in Houston. (Michael Ciaglo/Houston Chronicle via AP)
The Associated Press
In this Monday, April 9, 2018 photo, a model of the Astrodome is displayed during Domecoming, an event celebrating the 53rd anniversary of the Astrodome in Houston. (Michael Ciaglo/Houston Chronicle via AP)
The Associated Press
In this Monday, April 9, 2018 photo, former Houston Colt .45s and Astros center fielder Jimmy Wynn, right, reacts as he sees Melanie Brelsford, left, wearing his jersey during Domecoming, an event celebrating the 53rd anniversary of the Astrodome in Houston. (Michael Ciaglo/Houston Chronicle via AP)
The Associated Press