HAPPY DOME DAY!

Astrodome fans, you're invited to this historical unveiling for Eighth Wonder of the World

Steven Devadanam
Astrodome fans, you're invited to this historical unveiling for Eighth Wonder of the World
Fans are invited to a major historical unveiling today at 3 p.m. Courtesy of City of Houston

This story originally appeared on CultureMap/Houston. Steven Devadanam is the editor of that site.

The Houston Rockets season may be over, but sports fans can still celebrate this month. Supporters of all things H-Town sports and the Astrodome are encouraged to don their sports apparel (or anything “Astrodome related,” according to the invitation) and attend the unveiling and dedication for a new Texas State Historical Marker for the Eighth Wonder of the World.

The event will take place at 3 pm Tuesday, May 29 on the west side of the Astrodome at NRG Park. Parking can be accessed through Gate 9 at Westridge and Kirby. The lot will open at 2 pm. Guests can expect brief remarks from multiple speakers including Harris County Judge Ed Emmett, who has been a tireless advocate of repurposing the building, and Dene Hofheinz (daughter of Roy Hofheinz), who is most associated with the creation of the Astrodome. There will also will be followed by the marker unveiling.

It’s been a banner year for Astrodome supporters. In February, the Harris County Commissioners court approved a $105 million project that would reconfigure the Astrodome into an event center. The plan involves raising the ground level up two floors, which would create a parking garage with 1,400 more parking spots.

And in March, diehard Dome fans were treated to a Domecoming, where locals were allowed to tour the facility one last time before construction began, creating an opportunity for priceless selfies.

This month’s dedication is the result of efforts of Harris County Historical Commission member and Heritage Society program director Mike Vance, and Mike Acosta, a team historian for the Houston Astros. The two longtime researchers of Houston sports history have worked for years on efforts to preserve and reimagine the iconic Astrodome.

The marker designation makes the building a Recorded Texas Historic Landmark, judged by the state to be both historically and architecturally significant. This is in addition to the Astrodome's status as a State Antiquities Landmark and the title of being on the National Register of Historic Places. The marker is sponsored by the World Champion Houston Astros, and is also supported by the Harris County Sports & Convention Corporation and NRG Park.

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Astros turn it on late in gutsy win over Tigers

Has Christian Walker finally turned the corner? Photo by Alex Slitz/Getty Images.

The Houston Astros return to Daikin Park on Tuesday night looking to keep their momentum going as they host the AL Central-leading Detroit Tigers. First pitch is set for 8:10 p.m. ET, with Ryan Gusto (3-1, 2.78 ERA) on the mound for Houston against Detroit’s Reese Olson (3-1, 3.29 ERA).

Winners of seven of their last ten, the Astros (15-13) have found their rhythm after a rocky start to the season. Their recent surge has been fueled by dominant pitching — a 2.35 ERA over the last 10 games — and improved production at the plate, including a .264 team batting average over that span. Houston has also outscored opponents by 18 runs during that stretch and boasts a solid 10-6 record at home.

While the offense has yet to fully catch fire, signs of life are emerging. Jeremy Peña continues to be a steady presence with five doubles and three homers, while Christian Walker has driven in six runs over his last 10 games, including three long balls. The Astros’ bats will be tested against a Tigers staff that leads the American League with a 2.86 ERA.

Houston’s Tuesday starter, Ryan Gusto, has been sharp through his first five outings, posting a 1.10 WHIP and 23 strikeouts. He’ll look to keep Detroit’s bats quiet, especially red-hot Zach McKinstry, who’s hitting .406 over his last 10 games, and slugger Spencer Torkelson, who already has eight homers this season.

The Tigers (18-11) may sit atop their division, but they’ve struggled away from home, going just 5-8 on the road. The Astros will look to capitalize and even the season series in their second matchup with Detroit.

With the offense trending upward and the pitching staff in a groove, Houston has a prime opportunity to keep building momentum in front of the home crowd.

Here's a sneak peek at the Astros lineup. Altuve is once again batting second after asking manager Joe Espada to move him down in the batting order. Zach Dezenzo is playing right field with Cam Smith getting the night off. Jake Meyers is back in center field and Mauricio Dubon is starting at second base.

Image via: MLB.com/Screenshot

A big test awaits

It appears the Astros may have tipped their hand regarding tomorrow's starting pitcher. Chandler Rome is reporting AJ Blubaugh is at Daikin Park today.

Following Tuesday night's game, Blubaugh has been officially announced as the starter.

Espada said Hayden Wesneski is not injured but needs more time to recover from his last start.

*ChatGPT assisted.

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