This film shows the construction of the Houston Astrodome. This was the world’s first multipurpose domed sports stadium and touted as the “Eighth Wonder of the World”. The building was financed by Roy Hofheinz, the former mayor of Houston, Texas. Construction began in 1963. One of the major challenges of the project was the dome roof structure and turf. This was the first major sports venue to use artificial turf; later known as Astroturf. The film was presented by Associated Stadium Architecture aka contractors Lloyd and Morgan and Wilson, Morris, Crain & Anderson (:07). Construction worker hammering at the steel frame (:28). The crown block (1:54). It is hoisted to position (2:07). Outer ends of the dome are pictured (2:57). Lamella sections (3:25) were prefabricated in Orange, Texas. An employee operates a Manitowoc crane (3:35). The first section is pictured hoisted into place (3:42). The camera pans over the tension ring on the outer wall (4:14). High iron workers take a daily spacewalk (4:38). A second outer ring of erection towers (4:50). Additional pie shaped segments (5:14). American Bridge Co. signs (5:41). Harris County officials at the site (5:43) including Roy Hofheinz and Houston Sports Association Officers. (6:03). The final section is raised (6:10) to position. A portion of the pre-cast seating section is pictured (6:30). Construction towers are drug out of the arena (7:01). Workers weld bulb tees into place (7:13). Decks and ramps are poured (7:31). Lower levels are pictured (7:51). Giant blowers (8:03) are installed. The camera pans over the pneumatic tubing system (8:21). An interior view captures the dome (8:35). The waterproof retaining wall (8:43) follows. Pre cast concrete panels are used for exterior walls (9:02). Skylight installation follows (9:28). A spray of light shines on the ground (10:34). Seating decks hoisted to the 9th skybox (11:04). Construction of the east wall follows (11:17). A camera angle from the top of the stadium shows the old stadium in the foreground (11:50). The South Main Skyline (11:53), the Medical Center and Houston’s Downtown Skyline (11:56). High winds affect construction on the top of the dome (12:04). A view is provided from the crown block in the center (12:19). The camera peers down below (12:25). The dome is pictured completed (12:37). Ducts provide air conditioning (12:44). Specially prepared topsoil (13:07) is set over the sandy base. Movable stand sections are pictured (13:19). Seats are set out by workers (13:32). Proper seat numbers are riveted on (13:40). Efficiency lights stream out (14:01). Speakers are installed (14:31). The master control for the air conditioning (14:54) in the ‘world’s largest room’ is pictured. An employee monitors the temperature and humidity (15:03). Massive boilers are pictured (15:25). The emergency airlock relief valve (15:39) follows. Snack stand operators set up (15:48). Tiles installed (15:52). The plush Astrodome Club (16:07) is set up. The lot boasts room for 30,000 (16:23). Signs point fans in the proper direction (16:39). Dark rooms are readied (17:10). The stadium field is pictured (17:29). The scoreboard is complete and totaled $2 million (17:36). Astro’s appear making their first try out (17:41). Harris County Judge Bill Elliott (17:58) and county commissioners unveil a plaque dedicating the stadium. Fans await tickets (18:13). Fans arrive in trams for the opening game (18:32). Fans cram the stadium (18:52). Cheerleaders high kick on opening night (19:16). Governor John Connally (19:23). President Lyndon B. Johnson makes a visit (19:57). One of the private box seats in the private club room (20:15). Workers spray white acrylic over the skylights (20:59). A Boy Scout circus (21:34) is featured in the dome. The Ringling Brothers (22:04) arrive at the Astrodome. Seats are rotated for football season (22:38).

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