Previously named the Ballpark at Union Station, Enron Field, and Astros Field, Minute Maid Park is the home of the Houston Astros. The stadium cost $250 million to build and opened in 2000 after less than three years of construction. Unlike the Houston Astros’ previous home stadium, the Astrodome, Minute Maid Park uses natural grass. The stadium features a retractable roof, several high definition screens, and full-stadium air conditioning. During its first season, Minute Maid Park entertained 3 million fans. In 2005, the stadium was the host of the first World Series game to be played in Texas. In addition to Houston Astros home games, the Houston College Classic, a college baseball tournament, is held at Minute Maid Park every year. Astros ticket holders love watching live action in this state of the art facility.
Although Minute Maid Park is young, its location has a long history. When the project began, the building location of the new ballpark was debated. Minute Maid Park was eventually constructed at the old site of the Union Station. Houston’s Union Station served the city for more than 70 years, contributing to Houston’s status as the Southern United States’ main railroad hub until it was abandoned in 1974. Part of the station was torn down to clear the space for the construction of Minute Maid Park. Today, a concourse that was once a part of Houston’s Union Station is named Union Station Lobby and serves as the main entrance at Minute Maid Park. In memory of Houston’s Union Station, a railway marks the stadium’s left-field side. Whenever the Houston Astros hit a home run or earn a home victory over another team, a 19th century train replica moves along the 800-foot railway. The 50,000-pound train is visible from both inside and outside the ballpark. Seats located along the foul lines on either side of the field are only five feet from the line, offering some of the closest game seating in Major League Baseball. First and third base seating is less than 50 feet from the game.
Getting There and Getting In
Parking & Directions
Minute Maid Park is located at 501 Crawford Street in downtown Houston at the intersection of Crawford Street and Texas Avenue, only one block west of US-59. The stadium is easy to reach from any direction. An estimated 25,000 parking spaces are within walking distance of Minute Maid Park. Parking options include metered street parking, surface lot parking, public parking garages, and designated Minute Maid Park parking in one of three adjacent lots. Generally, gates open an hour and a half before Houston Astros games. Preferred parking is available for Diamond Club members in the Diamond lot.