Domed Stadiums

S2, E17: Arched over vast playing fields, domed stadiums are engineering marvels that seem to defy nature and physics. Transforming the face of American sports culture, the groundbreaking Astrodome in Houston, Texas, was once considered to be the "eighth wonder of the world." While subsequent stadiums, such as New Orleans's Superdome and Seattle's Kingdome improved on the original, one key problem remained: fans still enjoyed watching games outdoors. In this illuminating program, learn how engineers tackled this obstacle by creating the awe-inspiring Toronto Skydome and its revolutionary push-button retractable roof! More than just a stadium, the Skydome includes a hotel and countless other features in a state-of-the-art entertainment complex. Join Modern Marvels for a behind-the-scenes look at the technology and construction of this astonishing structure that is sure to be the model for the super-stadiums of the twenty-first century.