SAN JUAN, Texas - Legendary former KRGV TV anchor and PSJA alum Rick Diaz has speculated on whether the Houston Astros copied PSJA when they built their domed sports stadium in the 1960s.
The Astros completed their Astrodome in 1965. It was billed as the world's first multi-purpose, domed sports stadium, with seating for 50,000. Pharr-San Juan-Alamo ISD built their Oso Dome in 1960. Diaz was a student at the time.
“Let me give you a little side information about our Oso Dome. It was built in 1960 because there was going to be new high school. It had a dome ceiling, which meant that there were no pillars, no obstacles in between, where you could sit just about anywhere, and you have a direct view to the podium, to the stage,” Diaz said.
Diaz said he has “magic” memories of the auditorium.
“It was air conditioned. Wow. Big time. And the acoustics were superb. You could sit anywhere and you could hear everything, just like sitting in the front row.”
And a few years later up in Houston?
“In 1965 the Houston Astros introduced their new stadium. They had a dome ceiling, no obstacles anywhere to block your view. It was air conditioned and the acoustics were just superb. Gee, I wonder where they got the idea?” Diaz asked.
“We called ours the Oso Dome, and so they called theirs the Astrodome. Copycatters. Once again, PSJA was leading the way. We were the envy of not just the (Rio Grande) Valley, but of Texas.”
Diaz was quick to point out, he is an Astros fan.
Diaz made his remarks at a groundbreaking ceremony for the renovation of the famous Oso Dome.
“For decades, the PSJA Auditorium was where great moments and events took center stage. Built in 1960, its curved walls rang with the magic of show-stopping performances and the thunderous applause of proud families and friends,C PSJA said.
“Now, after years of silence, construction is in full swing to transform this dome into a modern, state-of-the-art auditorium - featuring seating for nearly 1,200 guests, advanced lighting and sound, and the amenities our award-winning student performers deserve."
Here is a video recording of the highlights from the PSJA groundbreaking ceremony speeches. It includes remarks from PSJA North 11th grade student Sofia Lorenzo.
