It was once a glorious monument in the sports world. Over three decades ago, NBA’s greatest stars presented an epic matchup at this venue. Michael Jordan was one of the many sports icons who stepped on. Today, this historic sports stadium in Texas lies forgotten. Changing times and a better alternative have made this venue a relic of its former glory. What made a once spectacular arena lie in shambles?

It’s a tale as old as time. Fans will always flock to the bigger and better building while a former venue decays with neglect. That’s what is happening to the grounds that hosted one of the most epic NBA All-Star Games in history.

The Houston Astrodome hosted Michael Jordan and the 1989 All Stars

The NRG Astrodome, better known as the Houston Astrodome, in Texas was known as the ‘Eighth Wonder of the World’ in sports. It’s a multi-purpose stadium that hosted many events across sports since its establishment. On February 12, 1989, it was the venue of the NBA All-Star game. Chicago Bulls star Michael Jordan was making his fifth out of 14 All-Star appearances this year.

He was leading the Eastern Conference squad with Mark Johnson, Charles Barkley, Isiah Thomas, Dominique Wilkins, and others.

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Out of the West was James Worthy, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, Karl Malone, and Houston Rockets‘ very own star, Hakeem Olajuwon. Magic Johnson sat out the game because of injuries and was replaced by his teammate Kareem.

The Ultramagnetic MCs performed at the game. Their rap namedropped every player and coach in the exhibition. Julius “Dr. J” Irving was also in attendance.

Jordan’s team lost to Hakeem & Co. 134-143. Malone was named the All-Star Game MVP.

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Nonetheless, this event was historic for a lot of reasons but no signs of that glorious All-Star event remains anymore.

The downfall of the former MJ and Elvis venue

It’s a sad story about a venue that hosted Elvis Presley and his fans, Dwayne Johnson in his WWE prime, tennis’ ‘Battle of the Sexes,’ Muhammmad Ali, and more historic events in sports. Hurricane Katrina evacuees found shelter in the stadium once.

Sports-loving Houston was synonymous with the Astrodome in the past. Then the NRG Stadium came up less than a mile away.

The home of the NFL’s Houston Texans is a state-of-the-art facility which also hosts the annual Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo. Being so close to the better stadium has been detrimental to the Astrodome. In the past, the MLB team, Astros, and the NFL team, Oilers, were residents of this arena. Since being abandoned by sports teams and fans, the Astrodome has decayed.

However, it occupies prime real estate still and local authorities are trying to find ways to use it. This historically designated site can’t be torn down. Restoring it to preservation and historical standards would need more resources and funding.

Talks about renovation have been going on since 2018 but the NRG remains the go-to for prestige events. Have you visited the Astrodome?

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