The Astrodome Conservancy is hoping a new $1 billion vision to redevelop the retired ballpark will spark interest in preserving the Houston landmark.

State of play: The Astrodome has been largely vacant since 2002 and was deemed noncompliant with the Houston fire code in 2008.

• In the years since, stakeholders have gone back and forth on plans to refurbish or demolish the stadium to no end.
• It's since been designated as a Texas antiquities landmark and listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

Driving the news: The nonprofit conservancy unveiled yesterday its Astrodome concept plan, which includes retrofitting the inside of the stadium, creating separate spaces for an arena, shopping, dining and more.

• The plan also includes a sweeping pedestrian walkway through the middle of the stadium that connects to NRG Stadium and NRG Center.

Finding $1 billion for the work is daunting, but conservancy leaders say they're up to the task.

• The Astrodome is owned outright by Harris County and is part of the sports authority's NRG Park complex.
• The conservancy hopes to identify public-private partnerships to help fund the work.

The other side: Harris County and RodeoHouston leaders were skeptical after the plans were unveiled, worried about the financial viability of such a project in light of ongoing plans to revamp the sports complex.

The big picture: The conservancy's latest push comes as Harris County, RodeoHouston and the Texans work on terms for a new lease agreement that could lead to changes all over NRG Park.

• RodeoHouston and the Texans each have leases at NRG Park through 2032, which have been in place since 2001.

The bottom line: "We are currently working with Harris County and a team of industry-leading experts to plan for the future of NRG Park," Harris County Sports & Convention Corp. chairman Bishop James Dixon told the Chronicle.

• "The solution for the Astrodome must be decided within that context."

Share this story

Election Day may be behind us, but our work isn't done. Your Axios Local reporters will continue to keep our community informed and engaged on what's important over the next four years and beyond.

1 ask: Please support our mission and keep local news free and accessible by becoming a paying member today.

Thank you to all of our existing local members. Quality hyper-local news builds strong communities, and we appreciate you investing in us and in your community.

Flu season is here, and it's not too late to get your annual shot in Houston.

Why it matters: Flu vaccination for children last season reduced the risk of flu-related medical visits by about two-thirds and hospitalizations by about half, per the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. 

State of play: Flu activity typically peaks between December and February. In Texas, the peak can continue into May.

• The risks are higher for children and adults with pre-existing medical conditions.

The latest: While it was ideal to get a flu vaccine by the end of October, the Food and Drug Administration says the vaccine still provides helpful protection after then.

How it works: Even if you don't have a regular doctor, you can still get the shot at a pharmacy or other location. Visit www.vaccines.gov/find-vaccines to find a spot.

• Uninsured individuals can get a free flu vaccine at select Walgreens locations.

Plus: You can get the latest COVID shot while you're there.

🗳️ Sen. John Cornyn of Texas lost the race to succeed Mitch McConnell as Senate GOP leader to Sen. John Thune of South Dakota. (Axios)

• Sen. Ted Cruz (R-Texas), whom Cornyn campaigned for ahead of the November election, opted to support Florida Sen. Rick Scott for the position.

💦 Houston residents could see stricter water usage rules during drought. (Houston Public Media)

🏫 Houston Community College is looking at dropping "community" from its name. (Houston Landing)

🤘 Jam out to Houston rockers covering women-led punk bands at Black Magic Social Club on Friday.

• $15 at the door. 21 and up. 7pm.

🚶 Walk for a cure at the American Diabetes Association's Step Out Walk on Saturday.

• Registration is free and walkers are encouraged to fundraise on behalf of the ADA. Check-in starts at 8am.

🚲 Bike the Columbia Tap Trail with Architecture Center Houston and learn about its history, challenges and future Saturday.

• $15. Rollout is 10am sharp.

🛍️ Shop for fresh produce and unique gifts at downtown's Market Square Park Farmers Market on Saturday.

• 10am to 2pm.

🏅 Watch "Best In Show" with veterinary clinic Modern Animal at Levy Park on Saturday.

• Free. 7:30pm.

🧑‍🎤 Snag last-minute seats for Cyndi Lauper's farewell tour with Aly & AJ at the Toyota Center on Saturday.

• Tickets start at $29. 8pm.

😺 Paint with adoptable cats at El Gato Coffeehouse on Sunday.

• The 90-minute session is $65. 1pm.