Most people know better than to wander into old, abandoned buildings. With all the potential safety hazards like unstable structures, debris, and poor visibility, it’s usually not worth the risk. But some are a bit more adventurous than others, like the three 18-year-olds who recently decided to sneak into the long-closed Astrodome in Houston, Texas.
The teens documented their late-night exploration, hoping to gain attention online by revealing the eerie, crumbling interior of the historic dome. Unfortunately, their thrill-seeking didn’t end well. All three were arrested for trespassing after security spotted them wandering around the stadium just past midnight.
The Astrodome, once dubbed the “Eighth Wonder of the World,” has been shut off from the public since 2009. Harris County Precinct One Constable Alan Rosen strongly condemned the stunt, calling it dangerous not only for the teens but also for the first responders who would have had to step in if something had gone wrong.
While the group tried to showcase their experience online, reportedly uploading footage to TikTok, the security team wasn’t impressed. They quickly alerted authorities, who arrested the teens shortly after spotting them near Fannin and Holly Hall.
Many people on the internet found the Houston teens’ adventure fascinating as it offered a rare glimpse inside the abandoned Astrodome. Still, there wasn’t much to see, just rows of dusty seats, scattered boxes, and debris collected at the center of the structure. “Dang, did they really get you boys?” one user commented after the news broke.
The incident also sparked debate about the Astrodome’s future. Some questioned why, if the structure was so dangerous, it hadn’t been demolished already. “Thing should have been torn down years ago, just a big money drain on the County… it was voted on, more than once!” someone wrote on Facebook.
The answer lies in the Astrodome’s designation as a historical site. Because of this status, the building has been left to slowly deteriorate, caught in limbo between preservation and decay. However, many people continue to express frustration over the decision, especially considering the amount of taxpayer money spent on maintaining the unused structure.
Some called the Houston teens reckless for breaking in, labeling them idiots. Others took a more lenient view, arguing that since the group didn’t vandalize or damage anything, a verbal warning would have been enough. One Reddit user commented, “These kids also gave me a glimpse into the Exxon Tower in downtown. Trespassing is bad, but I sure do love the footage from Urbex people.”
