The Superdome, spotted here soon after it opened in 1975, changed the city's skyline forever. Photo: R. Krubner/Classicstock/Getty Images
The Superdome turned 50 this week.
Why it matters: This remarkable, alien saucer-like building reshaped the city's tourism and sports, and remains an icon among the nation's best stadiums.
Catch up quick: It took about nine years of construction and various delays, but the Historic New Orleans Collection reports the Superdome was lauded as the world's largest indoor arena when it officially opened on Aug. 3, 1975. Timeline.
It's still the world's largest fixed dome structure.
Fun fact: If you put the St. Louis Cathedral at the 50 yard line, you'd still be able to clear another 101 feet to the top of the roof, according to facility manager SMG.
