Astrodome's 'Eighth Wonder' nickname and ironic humor

When the Houston Astrodome opened in 1965 it was widely promoted and nicknamed the "Eighth Wonder of the World." After the stadium closed to regular events in 2008 and remained vacant for years, that nickname has been used both nostalgically and ironically in local humor about its condition and uncertain future. Discussions about preserving or redeveloping the Astrodome have been a recurring civic topic tied to this site.