Classic Moments in Tulsa History

CLASSIC MOMENT IN TULSA HISTORY

Why will Tulsa football always be associated with "The Eighth Wonder of the World" as the Houston Astrodome was nicknamed when it opened in 1965?

It was 50 years ago that the 'dome' opened and the first football game of any level – professional, collegiate or high school – was played in the Astrodome on September 11, 1965, between The University of Tulsa and the University of Houston. Tulsa defeated the Cougars by a score of 14–0 on two Billy Guy Anderson touchdown passes.

When it opened at a cost of $35 million to build, the Astrodome was dubbed "The Eighth Wonder of the World" and hosted events including a Judy Garland concert and Billy Graham Christian Crusade. It was the world's first fully air-conditioned multipurpose domes stadium and once called a global wonder.

The first event in the Astrodome was held on April 9, 1965, when the Houston Astros played the New York Yankees in exhibition baseball. The Astrodome has been gutted and now sits vacant.

Watch more on that first football game in "The Eighth Wonder of the World".

Classic Moments in Tulsa History

Related Videos