SPORTS teams aren’t building lavish suites in stadiums like they did in the past.
Most team owners give themselves a suit in the stadium for premium viewing, but the Houston Astros owner took it the extreme in the 1960s.
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The abandoned Houston Astrodome featured a luxurious home for the team’s ownerCredit: Shutterstock Editorial
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Roy Hofheinz built a five-story luxury mansion for himself inside the stadiumCredit: Shutterstock Editorial
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The luxury home in the stadium featured amenities like a pool table and bowling alleyCredit: Shutterstock Editorial
In 1965, the Astros unveiled a luxurious new stadium named the Astrodome.
Owner Roy Hofheinz dubbed it as the “eight wonder of the world,” and it was the first stadium of its kind.
The Astros were founded in 1962, originally named the Colt .45s.
They changed their name to the Astros in 1965 when they first started playing at the Astrodome.
Hofheinz came up with the idea for the Astrodome as early as 1952, after being rained out at Buffalo Stadium, the home of Houston’s minor league team at the time.
The dome was seen as essential for the extreme heat and weather in Houston, and thus the Astrodome was born.
It cost around $35 million at the time of construction, which is around $349 million when adjusted to inflation.
The Astrodome was the world’s first multi-purpose, domed stadium, but it included a special feature just for Hofheinz.
The Astros owner built a five-story home for himself inside of the stadium with wildly luxurious amenities.
Hofheinz spared no expense when building his luxury home inside of the stadium.
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He had his own bar, clad in red velvet with views of the field beneath.
A private box was attached for Hofheinz to view the games with MLB fans.
He also had his own living quarters and a lavish office built into the stadium.
Other amenities included a home theater, barber shop, salon, and circus-style play area for his kids.
There was even a bowling alley, putting green, pool table, and shooting range.
Hofheinz’ special in-stadium home was also equipped for business, with a very 60s-style conference room built in.
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Hofheinz had a luxury office inside of the stadium and a Presidential suite for Lyndon JohnsonCredit: Shutterstock Editorial
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There were also entertainment areas for Hofheinz’ kidsCredit: Shutterstock Editorial
The floor and walls were lined with red carpet and zebra-print chairs circled the massive meeting table in the room.
Hofheinz’ special amenities also included a chapel and a Presidential suit for his close friend, Lyndon B. Johnson.
The massive luxury home remained in the stadium from its opening until 1988, six years after Hofheinz died.
It was demolished for a 10,000 seat expansion.
The Astrodome now lays abandoned, with the arena being partially demolished.
However, it is now on the National Register of Historic Places, leaving its future uncertain.