Houston Astrodome gets Texas historic landmark designation

A model of the Houston Astrodome is displayed during last month's Domecoming event marking the 53rd anniversary of the landmark structure. (Michael Ciaglo/Houston Chronicle via AP)

HOUSTON (AP) — The Houston Astrodome, which became known as the Eighth Wonder of the World as the world’s first domed stadium, is getting the highest honor Texas can give an historic structure.

A marker designating the Astrodome as a Recorded Texas Historic Landmark is being unveiled Tuesday during ceremonies outside the Houston icon.

The stadium opened April 9, 1965, with an exhibition baseball game between the Houston Astros and New York Yankees. For more than three decades, the stadium hosted countless athletics competitions, concerts and other events before falling victim to old age and disrepair.

The Astrodome last year received a state antiquities landmark designation, which provides special safeguards against demolition and requires approval by the Texas Historical Commission for any changes. Harris County officials recently approved a $105 million renovation project for the stadium.