Field: Minute Maid Park
Official Site: https://www.mlb.com/astros
Year Completed: 2000
Capacity: 41,168
Covered: Yes – retractable
Mascot: Orbit (an alien)
The Game We’ll See: Monday, July 31: Cleveland Guardians vs. Houston Astros (see all 30 here!)
Parking & Transportation:
The Astros have several parking lots. Parking in Lot C can be purchased ahead of the game. The Team also recommends using SpotHero to reserve parking in advance.
Tailgating is not allowed.
According to both fans (on the Ballpark Chasers Facebook site and on Ball Park Savvy), there is ample street parking in the area, and it is generally less expensive than the parking lots. However, a few fans commented that the parking lots tend to be a bit safer.
Oversized vehicle: Not called out specifically, although they do mention that buses should park on Bastrop Street, three blocks east of US 59.
Stadium Tours:
Game day tours begin 2 hours before the gates open for the game. For a 7:10 p.m. game, this would be 3:00 p.m.. Tickets must be purchased in advance. The cost is $45 per fan and includes 30 minutes of Astros batting practice.
If you happen to be in town for a Saturday night game, consider taking the Ghost Tour. This one-hour, nighttime tour begins at 9:30 p.m. and costs $25 per guest.
General Information:
Bags: Minute Maid Park does not allow backpacks or any bags larger than 16” x 16” x 8”. The MLB site does not mention a storage facility for oversized bags.
Food & Beverages: Each fan may bring in one factory-sealed, clear plastic bottles of water no larger than one liter. The stadium also allows fans to bring in food that is in a clear, plastic bag no larger than one gallon in size. Again, the limit is one bag per guest.
Cashless transactions: All transactions are cashless.
Signs: Signs are permitted, providing that they are non-commercial, baseball-related and in good taste. They may not be larger than 3’ by 2’ and may only be displayed between innings.
Foul Balls: May be kept by the fan. Don’t interfere with play (of course!).
Cameras: Chase allows both video and still cameras with lenses no longer than 8”. Tripods and monopods are not allowed.
Gates: Gate opening times are variable. The MLB site lists times by game here.
Umbrellas: Not mentioned.
Where to Sit:
Because of the popularity of this stadium, prices don’t tend to drop much as the game gets closer, and the best prices are often available directly through the team.
According to Baseball Road Trips, the third-base line is the place to be. It has shade and the sun won’t be in your eyes as it sets during evening games. It also has the best view of the score board in right field. Try for the middle rows of 208 – 209 or 409 – 410.
The Ultimate Baseball Road Trip argues that the first level seats are far better than the second level seats (if you are close to the front of the section). There isn’t a significant price differential, and the view is far superior. They recommend sections 127 – 129 on the first base side, in rows 33 or lower, or sections 110 and 111 on the third-base side.
Ball Park Savvy suggests sections 405 to 407 in left field for the cheapest seats that provide great visibility of the game and the big screen.
Food:
- The trademark dish at the stadium is barbecue stuffed potato from Spuds Crossing behind Section 106.
- Their signature hot dog is the Astros Dog, with chili (of course), grated cheddar and jalapenos.
- Killen’s BBQ nachos got rave reviews for flavor and quantity.
- Outside the ballpark, many fans recommend Biggio’s, which is about two blocks from the field.
First Time Visitors:
According to the Facebook Ballpark Chasers group, Fan Accommodations/Guest Services will give you a first-time visit certificate.
Autographs:
Get to the park as soon as the gates open and make your way to section 111 to the left-field foul pole or section 127 to the right-field foul pole. Once the batting cages are removed, your opportunities are finished.
Facebook’s Ballpark Chasers group recommends heading to the Crawford Boxes to watch batting practice. It’s a good place to catch balls! You may also get a ball if you ask a player for one by name.
Other Stadium Tips & Highlights:
A gasoline pump in left field tallies the home runs scored since the opening of the park, and the stadium features a train carrying oranges which runs along its tracks after the Astros score a home run. The Hall of Fame Alley features the history of the franchise.
Be prepared to sing “Deep in the Heart of Texas” in the seventh inning stretch! Check out a YouTube video of the fans singing it here. The stadium also hosts a performance of “God Bless America” during the seventh inning stretch. With both of these traditions, we are wondering whether they still sing the traditional “Take Me Out to the Ballgame”!
The stadium offers a limited number of standing room tickets if the stadium is sold out.
In need of a haircut? Sports Clips operates chairs overlooking the field in the left-field concourse. You can get your hair trimmed without missing a hit!
Make sure you have everything you need when you come into the stadium. Once you enter, you can’t leave and return without a new ticket.
If you are collecting stamps, the stadium has two: one in orange and one in blue. The orange stamp is available at Fan Accommodations, and the blue one is available in the store.
If you sign up to be a designated driver, you get a coupon for free fountain drinks. Because everything is self-serve, you’ll have free refills for the entire game.
Retired numbers are mounted just below the roof in right field. They include:
- 5 – Jeff Bagwell
- 7 – Craig Biggio
- 24 – Jimmy Wynn
- 25 – Jose Cruz
- 32 – Jim Umbricht
- 33 – Mike Scott
- 34 – Nolan Ryan
- 40 – Don Wilson
- 49 – Larry Dierker
- 42 – Jackie Robinson (retired by the MLB)
