Photos by Eric Moreno, Stadium Journey
Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 4.14
Minute Maid Park 501 Crawford St Houston, TX 77002
Year Opened: 2000
Capacity: 41,168
Houston Astros – Minute Maid Park
The Houston Astros were the first Major League Baseball (MLB) franchise to call the Lone Star State their home when they were founded in 1962. The then Houston Colt .45s spent three seasons at Colt Stadium while awaiting the completion of the “Eighth Wonder of the World,” the Houston Astrodome. For close to four decades, the ‘Stros held court at the most unique ballpark in the country, if not the world.
However, the facts of life are that everything ages, everything changes. So, at the dawn of the 21st century, the Astros bid adieu to the dome and headed to their new digs in downtown Space City. The now-named Minute Maid Park has been the site of unprecedented success for the home team, including four wild card berths, six division titles, five pennants, and two World Series titles.
Baseball Hall of Famers Jeff Bagwell and Craig Biggio spent large chunks of their careers in the Juice Box, while all-time greats Randy Johnson and Iván Rodríguez chased championships in the twilight of their respective careers in Houston. As Minute Maid Park enters its 25th season of existence, the experience still feels new and special. Read on to learn more about the venerable Juice Box.
Food & Beverage 5
Anything and everything you could want to eat or drink can pretty much be found at Minute Maid Park. Virtually every stand can get you your hot dog, popcorn, soda, beer, etc. – whatever you’re hankering for, you’re pretty much going to be able to get.
National chain spots Chick-fil-A, Pluckers Wing Bar, Papa John’s Pizza, and Shake Shack have a presence at the ballpark, while local spots Killen’s BBQ and Taqueria Arandas offer up the quintessential Texas menu items of barbecue and Tex-Mex. In addition, local breweries Karbach, St. Arnold’s, and Ziegenbock also all have stands in Minute Maid Park offering up their wares.
You can get quesadillas, pupusas, Mexican street corn, sausage sandwiches, chopped brisket-top baked potatoes, Cajun po’ boys, and loaded mac and cheese bowls at various spots in the ballpark. However, some of the new items to look out for this season include the Pennant Pickle Dog (available at all “Home and Away Stands” in the park), which is a footlong hot dog topped with Texas chili, jalapeño slaw, and fried pickle chips.
Also be on the lookout for the Slova-Chos (located at the Slovacek’s Sausage cart on the main concourse), which are ranch-dusted kettle chips – this stand also offers Crawford Bock beer cheese, sauteed peppers and onions, and a choice of one of Slovacek’s signature sausages. Lastly, look for the Curveball Corn Dogs at the H-Town Grill kiosk; these are mini corn dogs loaded with chili, cheese, and diced onions (only in America, y’all).
Atmosphere 4
The Astros and Minute Maid Park continue to find ways to make game days feel like big-time events each season. A lot of this is due to the massive amount of success the ball club has experienced in the last decade-plus. From the moment you walk up to the Juice Box, everything becomes a celebration of baseball and the Astros.
The energy is palpable once you are on the main concourse and can see the field. As you make your way through the walkways you see artwork, Instagram-worthy photo opportunities, and multiple team stores, including areas where you can get a custom jersey and/or custom baseball bat right there on the spot.
As you make your way over to the left field side of the stadium, you’ll come across Hall of Fame Alley, home of the Astros Hall of Fame. Displays capture the legacy and careers of Houston greats like Nolan Ryan, Mike Scott, Lance Berkman, J.R. Richard, Terry Puhl, and more. For baseball fans, it’s a great trip down memory lane.
Also, once in your seats, you’ll be able to see the banners representing all the team’s championship success above the train tracks in left field (more on this in the Extras section) – the team’s greats are also represented by the retired jersey numbers above the massive scoreboard in center field.
Lastly, in past reviews I’ve mentioned a little about the ballpark’s history – built on the site of the former Houston train depot, many of those details were left here, from the brickyard to the vaulted ceilings in the alleyways, to the aforementioned train. All of this adds to Minute Maid’s unique charm.
Neighborhood 5
Space City is the fourth-largest metro area in the United States, and with that comes all the cosmopolitan trappings of it being such. Houston boasts four of the big five pro sports leagues in the country, being home to the Houston Texans, Houston Rockets, and Houston Dynamo, so you always have a chance to double up on games if you plan your visit to Minute Maid Park just right.
In terms of things to do besides sports, you can find everything – take a trip to the Museum District to visit a collection of some of the finest museums in the country, or visit Discovery Green, Hermann Park, or Buffalo Bayou Park to take in some of the finest urban green spaces this side of Central Park. If you have young ones on the trip, the first two options are must-dos. Lastly, if you want to escape the heat and take in a little shopping, The Galleria is the place to be.
For dining and lodging, Houston is incredibly diverse, so whatever your tastes and whatever your budget, you’re going to find something that works for you. In the immediate vicinity, you’ve got a wide selection of eateries such as the famed Vic & Anthony’s Steakhouse, Irma’s Southwest, and Biggio’s Restaurant & Bar. Hotels range from the four-star Westin Houston Downtown to the Club Quarters Hotel Downtown, Houston.
Fans 4
The Astros are currently averaging close to 34,000 fans per game, which places them firmly in the top 10 in all of MLB. As mentioned, the rising tide of the club has raised the ships of all fans in Houston – Astros hats, shirts, jerseys, etc. are more visible now than at any point in the team’s history, and those attending games here are likewise decked out in their ‘Stros gear.
The last few seasons I’ve come to Minute Maid Park, the crowds have been loud and energetic; I don’t think casual fans would automatically include Houston among the best baseball fans in MLB, but I think it’s time to start that conversation.
Access 4
Located conveniently in Houston’s downtown, Minute Maid Park is sandwiched between two major highways Interstate 10 and Highway 69. I always caution visitors to Houston about its traffic, so if you’re driving to a game, consider that when making your way here. Once in the area parking is plentiful, but it will cost you.
If you’re flying in, George Bush Intercontinental Airport – one of the busiest, yet highest-rated airports in the U.S. – is only a 20-minute drive away.
If you choose not to drive, the Houston METRO has a rail stop adjacent to the ballpark, which could save you a bit of a headache. Also, if you’re staying downtown and want to walk, the Downtown Tunnels are open Monday through Friday and will give you a respite from the weather.
Return on Investment 4
Single-game tickets for the Astros at Minute Maid Park start at just $7 per person – depending on the day and the game – which is a tremendous bargain. However, concessions are a little on the steep side, to be honest, and parking varies depending on how close to the park you want to be (I saw parking recently ranging from $10 to $50 per car).
You’re also going to spend a bit if you decide to opt for a souvenir. However, given the caliber of baseball, the Astros have been playing the past few years, when you come here you’re paying to see a championship team loaded with All-Stars.
Extras 3
Aside from the various photo ops throughout the stadium and the Hall of Fame, there is also the previously mentioned home run train. As could be surmised by its name, the replica 19th-century train goes off along a short 56-foot length of track every time the Astros a) take the field in the first inning, b) hit a home run, and c) win. It’s pretty basic, but it’s also pretty fun to see.
The other extras are the team’s cheerleaders, the Houston Astros Shooting Stars, and their beloved mascot Orbit. Both are around throughout the game and are ever ready to interact with fans in the stands and on the concourse.
Final Thoughts
I have been to more Astros games over the years than any other baseball team; I’ve also been to a ton of games at Minute Maid Park. Still, all these years later it remains one of my top handful of places to see a game – the games feel “big” here, and the fans have always cared about their team, even in the down years.
For baseball fans, the Juice Box should be added to your bucket list, especially given all of the other things there are to see and do in Space City.
Follow Eric Moreno's Stadium Journey on Twitter at @EricMoreno6477.