You Can Never Go Dome

The Astrodome Control Room 2012

     So a little over a month ago, there was a media tour of the Astrodome. I'm not sure what the purpose of the tour was, but Melissa Phillip from the Houston Chronicle took this photo and it was sent to me via a friend who knew I had worked there.
     I sat in that chair for approximately four years. I saw the Sosa and McGuire home run race from that chair. I got to watch the '97 and '99 Astros teams, which may have been better than the 2005 team, from that chair.
     It was crazy to me that it looked almost exactly the same as when I left at the end of the 1999 season. It also pointed out how far technology has marched onward. I'm amused at the 9" black and white camera monitors we used. Also, the size of switchers has increased proportionately.
     We almost sat in each others' laps in the old days but one of the finest things about directing at the Dome, you always had a great seat. I will always remain fond of the building because it's part of my past.

Directing at Minute Maid 2012

   
     Walking into Enron Field in 2000, there were painters still putting the final touches on the stadium just a few hours before the first game. In 2011, a new control room was built in the converted Star Suite #1. With an HD control room, some of the latest equipment, and a lot of space and leg room, it's become the new home. I just wonder, in 10 or 15 years, will there be as many changes in technology. Scary thoughts!