Proposed Astrodome Hotel

[skwatra]

The concern gets down to the threat that the hotel would probably sell cheaper beers than the $10 ones available at football games, and therefore endanger the financial stability of the Texans.

so what? maybe i'm missing something here, but are they actually concerned that the proposed hotel would hurt attendance? of course the hotel would sell cheaper beers, so does Homeplate, Third Base, and the Inn at the Ballpark.

i understand the parking thing and how that takes away from revenue. couldn't reliant use their parking for hotel off season and make some money off that? Guess the hotel would have its own parking and not need any more.

[Subdude]

so what? maybe i'm missing something here, but are they actually concerned that the proposed hotel would hurt attendance? of course the hotel would sell cheaper beers, so does Homeplate, Third Base, and the Inn at the Ballpark.

No, not that it would hurt attendance, but precisely what you say: they would make less money because food and beverages would be cheaper in the hotel food court.

[102IAHexpress]

I would prefer a space and air museum rather than some cheesy convention hotel. Giving Harris County tax payers and visitors a showcase of what actually put Houston on the map would be the best use of the Dome in my opinion. Now I know we have Space Center Houston but I think that center has been pretty much a failure.

Just my 2cents.

[houstonfella]

I would prefer a space and air museum rather than some cheesy convention hotel. Giving Harris County tax payers and visitors a showcase of what actually put Houston on the map would be the best use of the Dome in my opinion. Now I know we have Space Center Houston but I think that center has been pretty much a failure.

Just my 2cents.

But the Texans and the Rodeo will have problems with this venue as well.

[Trae]

They just need to add some rides over at Space Center Houston.

[wendywc]

I agree; more rides (and more films) would make it much better.

[102IAHexpress]

Well, the NASA tram ride is cool. But I don

[tony]

No, not that it would hurt attendance, but precisely what you say: they would make less money because food and beverages would be cheaper in the hotel food court.

So, the Texans are thinking people are going to leave the stadium, go in the Astrodome Hotel, buy a beer and go back to the stadium with it?

And, the last time I went to the rodeo I had to pay admission to get in. I didn't even think of going to my car where I had a corndog stashed.

Their arguments are fishy. It seems to me 'those people' are holding the good citizens of Harris County back from a good deal. Where is Ida Tarbell?

[T 2 THA C]

So, the Texans are thinking people are going to leave the stadium, go in the Astrodome Hotel, buy a beer and go back to the stadium with it?

And, the last time I went to the rodeo I had to pay admission to get in. I didn't even think of going to my car where I had a corndog stashed.

Their arguments are fishy. It seems to me 'those people' are holding the good citizens of Harris County back from a good deal. Where is Ida Tarbell?

I totally agree. LMAO leave Reliant while the game is on and return.

[TheNiche]

So, the Texans are thinking people are going to leave the stadium, go in the Astrodome Hotel, buy a beer and go back to the stadium with it?

I've done that before at MMP. It only took a half-inning with rapid intake. Easily saved $10 or more and enjoyed the same effect.

Still, I agree that the argument is fishy. If that were the only problem, the Texans and Rodeo could just require that prices in the hotel match or exceed that which they're providing while the events were in progress; problem solved.

Edited November 3, 2007 by TheNiche

[T 2 THA C]

I've done that before at MMP. It only took a half-inning with rapid intake. Easily saved $10 or more and enjoyed the same effect.

Still, I agree that the argument is fishy. If that were the only problem, the Texans and Rodeo could just require that prices in the hotel match or exceed that which they're providing while the events were in progress; problem solved.

I always thought once you leave the game you can not re enter untill 30 minutes!!!

[The Great Hizzy!]

They may just have to sit and "deal with it" after all...

http://www.chron.com/disp/story.mpl/front/5287614.html

[RedScare]

I saw that on Channel 13 News last night. Both Paul Bettencourt and County Attorney Mike Stafford came out strongly against the Texans and Rodeo position. I was duly impressed. Perhaps if the Texans had even ONE winning season to rely on, they may have garnered a bit more sympathy. And the Rodeo fatcats should probably read some of their own marketing material. If not for the Astrodome, they would NEVER have been "The World's Largest Indoor Rodeo".

That Astrodome made them what they are today. If any Rodeo volunteers or Texans employees care to weigh in, feel free.

[musicman]

The texans and rodeo mgmt are definitely whining. in the long run the dome revitalizaiton could help both of them.

Edited November 10, 2007 by musicman

[2112]

Man, I would love to see a rendition of what they have planned for the dome. I imagine it could be pretty awesome - it may look like a futuristic space city under a protective dome, like something out of Mars or the Moon or something. Or not.

[ProHouston]

I got an email from Texans president Jamey Rootes pleading with Texans fans to understand their point of view. I quoted it below. Luckily he also requested feedback, I've provided mine. If you'd like to provide yours, here is the email: fanfeedback@houstontexans.com

You may be aware of the recent public debate regarding the redevelopment of the Reliant Astrodome. This note is to clarify the Houston Texans' concerns about the Astrodome Redevelopment Corporation's (ARC) proposal to redevelop the Dome and articulate our general position regarding redevelopment of the Dome.

We want to make it very clear that we do not object to the redevelopment of the Dome, rather we whole heartedly support it. However, we believe that any redevelopment of the Dome:

* Must not conflict with or negatively impact the operations of the prime tenants at Reliant Park (the Houston Texans and the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo), especially as it relates to key fan experience elements, such as traffic and parking; and

* Must comply with the legal rights of the prime tenants.

While the public debate regarding this issue is new, our involvement in this process is not. We have worked diligently with ARC and Harris County Sports & Convention Corporation (HCSCC) representatives since ARC's Astrodome redevelopment proposal was first presented to HCSCC in 2003. During this four-year period, we have consistently and clearly expressed our concerns and expectations regarding this project to ARC and HCSCC representatives. Although ARC representatives have indicated a general willingness to protect our rights, the current plan submitted by ARC is not responsive to our concerns and expectations and would negatively impact the world-class game day experience we create at Reliant Park for our fans.

We hope you can appreciate our desire to have the Dome redevelopment process conducted in a thoughtful manner that adds value for the community. We also hope you will understand our objections to a proposal that would negatively impact the experience you have come to expect when attending Houston Texans games and Rodeo events at Reliant Park. We would appreciate your support as we work with County officials to identify the most appropriate way to redevelop the Dome.

Our primary interest is to protect the experience of our fans during and after the Dome redevelopment effort, so please let us know your thoughts. We want to ensure that the right steps are taken at Reliant Park to enhance the value and utilization of this world-class community asset for this and the next generation of Texans.

I hope that this brief note has helped you to understand our position regarding this important issue. From all of us at the Houston Texans, we hope that you and your family have a safe and happy holiday season.

Jamey Rootes

President

Let us hear from you at fanfeedback@houstontexans.com or call us at 866.GOTEXANS (866.468.3926).

[RedScare]

I got that, too. Color me unimpressed. He may think that redeveloping the Dome affects his business, but if his stance causes it not to be redeveloped, or costs me more as a taxpayer, I will certainly make it cost him by no longer spending my money on his games, beer, jerseys or parking fees. Same goes for the Rodeo. He won't win that fight.

Business is business, eh Bob?

[TheNiche]

Wow. He put all those words into stating that it would adversely affect business, but didn't even start to explain how. As press releases go, this one was completely impotent.

[RedScare]

Wow. He put all those words into stating that it would adversely affect business, but didn't even start to explain how. As press releases go, this one was completely impotent.

Likely because we would not like his reasons, things like people may drink in their bar before games instead of ours, or they may hold off eating our stadium food, so that they can eat dinner there instead...in other words, while we claim to worship the free market, we do not want any competition for our overpriced product.

Some of these issues have already leaked out, and are part of the uproar over the Texans and Rodeo blockade. I imagine they are trying to finesse their opposition by trying to blame it all on parking. So far, it isn't working.

[TheNiche]

Likely because we would not like his reasons, things like people may drink in their bar before games instead of ours, or they may hold off eating our stadium food, so that they can eat dinner there instead...in other words, while we claim to worship the free market, we do not want any competition for our overpriced product.

Some of these issues have already leaked out, and are part of the uproar over the Texans and Rodeo blockade. I imagine they are trying to finesse their opposition by trying to blame it all on parking. So far, it isn't working.

There are solutions to things like that, like contractural agreements. It'd be far better for their PR, IMO, if they'd just say what the problems were, make known what their demands were, and if ARC can handle it great, and if they can't, then they can't. But as it is, the Texans just come across as beligerent.

[houston-development]

There are solutions to things like that, like contractural agreements. It'd be far better for their PR, IMO, if they'd just say what the problems were, make known what their demands were, and if ARC can handle it great, and if they can't, then they can't. But as it is, the Texans just come across as beligerent.

think of it this way...

the biggest draw will be the rodeo, followed closely by the texans. when people attend these events, they normally bring a set amount of disposable income. its difficult as is to make the numbers work for the dome, much less giving the lssr/texans a cut.

i hope it works out but at the end of the day, everyone is going to look greedy.

[TheNiche]

think of it this way...

the biggest draw will be the rodeo, followed closely by the texans. when people attend these events, they normally bring a set amount of disposable income. its difficult as is to make the numbers work for the dome, much less giving the lssr/texans a cut.

i hope it works out but at the end of the day, everyone is going to look greedy.

Everybody already looks greedy. It's a given. Doesn't mean that they have to be greedy and put on a PR spiel that paints them as beligerent.

[houston-development]

Everybody already looks greedy. It's a given. Doesn't mean that they have to be greedy and put on a PR spiel that paints them as beligerent.

true but pr is the last thing on their mind at the moment.

im limited on what i can say, so i'll just leave it at this:

the rodeo is pretty much running at maximum capacity (give or take) with the current facilities and events. why support something that will take money out of your pocket and add serious congestion.

not making excuses for them, just is what it is.

[ricco67]

true but pr is the last thing on their mind at the moment.

im limited on what i can say, so i'll just leave it at this:

the rodeo is pretty much running at maximum capacity (give or take) with the current facilities and events. why support something that will take money out of your pocket and add serious congestion.

not making excuses for them, just is what it is.

Well, when the Rodeo is in town, every hotel in the city is pretty much booked with Rodeo activity. If they stay at the Astrodome Hotel, that makes that much more people to stay and attend MORE events at the rodeo and adds a bit less to the congestion.

If they're at capacity as it is, then any business that is lost will be quickly made up over time.

It's not a very convincing argument on my end.

[TheNiche]

true but pr is the last thing on their mind at the moment.

im limited on what i can say, so i'll just leave it at this:

the rodeo is pretty much running at maximum capacity (give or take) with the current facilities and events. why support something that will take money out of your pocket and add serious congestion.

not making excuses for them, just is what it is.

...oh, I don't know, perhaps because the Rodeo negotiated for a share of revenue from hotel concessions during the rodeo, have obtained rights to premium event parking in the hotel parking garages, or something to that effect? And if those kinds of negotiated concessions make the ARC plan infeasible, then we'll hear about it down the road when ARC folds.

But as it is, they're putting out press releases--which have everything to do with PR--opposing the ARC plans for reasons that are unclear. They choose to open their mouths, but nothing of value comes out, thus pissing off many of their customers. Why should they bother, then? It may be what it is, but it doesn't make sense.

[houston-development]

...oh, I don't know, perhaps because the Rodeo negotiated for a share of revenue from hotel concessions during the rodeo, have obtained rights to premium event parking in the hotel parking garages, or something to that effect? And if those kinds of negotiated concessions make the ARC plan infeasible, then we'll hear about it down the road when ARC folds.

as you know, life isnt that easy.

again, theres more to the story but i cant comment any further.

sorry.

[DJ V Lawrence]

the rodeo is pretty much running at maximum capacity (give or take) with the current facilities and events. why support something that will take money out of your pocket and add serious congestion.

Can you explain how the current concept of the Astrodome Hotel would take money out of the Rodeo or Texans' pocket?

Also, when I think of "serious congestion" at Reliant Park, I think of Reliant Park back when Astroworld was opened. To make things simpler, why not have the Dome developers pay for an underground parking garage strictly for those going to the hotel, while Texans and Rodeo spectators park on the surface lot directly above it? That wouldn't take up any parking spaces, and wouldn't effect the Rodeo carnival.

[Trae]

Isn't there suppose to be a parking garage for those in the Astrodome Hotel?

[bkjones98]

I personally think turning the Astrodome into a hotel is a silly idea. Other than the Rodeo or the Olympics, I can't imagine an event large enough to justify a hotel that size in the area. But that is just my opinion.

I know I have said, "Casino" several times; but because I know it will never happen, that has been mostly been in jest. Just give the damn thing to the state and have them turn it into a museum or something. Or The Astrodome Casino (proceeds go to payback the City and the rest goes to fund education. )

[houston-development]

Can you explain how the current concept of the Astrodome Hotel would take money out of the Rodeo or Texans' pocket?

as i mentioned above, most people bring a set amount of money to the event. every $ spent at the hotel is a $ less spent at the rodeo or game.

and yes, i totally understand the flip side. we can debate trickle down economics all day but again, it is what it is.

as for the other items, ill gladly elaborate when i can.

edited to add: sweet, post #420. do i win a haif bong?

Edited December 21, 2007 by houston-development