HOUSTON – Its famously colored seats may have faded, but the memories have not.
Thousands of nostalgic fans lined up for hours Thursday for one more glimpse inside the Astrodome.
On its 50th birthday Thursday, the public was offered the rare chance to sneak a peek inside the Eighth Wonder of the World.
"It just took my breath away the same way it did when we were little," said Mary Jackson who attended the inaugural Astros game in 1965. "When we first walked in, I cried."
For four hours, fans filed into the decayed Dome, snapped pictures and reminisced.
"It was just the memories we had of this place,' said Brian Kozel. "As a native Houstonian, it's got a special place in your heart."
Bill Schaefer said he made the two and a half hour drive from Goliad to Houston for the event.
"This is big memories for us right here and I brought my son with me," Schaefer said. "He's 25 and he had some memories here so we wanted to see it one last time."
Of course, Astrodome supporters hope Thursday was not the last time the dome will open its doors. But its fate remains to be seen.
"This is incredible." Schaefer said. "I hate to see stripped down the way it is. I hope they keep it open in some way shape or fashion."