MLB
Stadium Guide
·
Houston, Texas
Opened
April 7, 2000
Capacity of
41,168
Best way there
Tickets
Mobile, in the MLB Ballpark app
Arrive by
Gates open 2 hrs early
Three hours early on Street Fest days.
Bag policy
16" × 16" × 8" max, no backpacks
All bags are checked at the gates.
Food & water
Yes: food in a gallon bag and one sealed water
Water up to 1 liter.
Parking
$10–$25
Astros lots and downtown Houston garages.
Nearest airport
George Bush Intercontinental (IAH) · 22 mi
About 30 min by car.
Best value seats
Upper deck sections 400–420
Mid-infield, and especially strong value when the roof is closed.
Minute Maid Park is a retractable-roof ballpark in downtown Houston that opened in 2000 and holds just over 41,000 fans. The roof — essential given Houston's summer heat and unpredictable storms — covers a natural grass field and a park that combines a brick-and-steel exterior with a warm interior feel. The defining feature is the historic train that runs along the left field wall — a nod to the site's history as the city's old Union Station.
The park is in the heart of downtown Houston, walking distance from hotels along the Main Street corridor and the Theater District. The METRORail Red Line has a stop at Preston, a short walk from the ballpark. The downtown Houston dining scene has improved considerably in recent years, and the entertainment district along Crawford Street near the park has several options for pre- and post-game dining and drinks.
Hobby is easier, 10 miles southeast with a direct freeway approach. Bush Intercontinental is 22 miles north. Neither has a direct transit link to the ballpark. Rideshare runs $20–30 from Hobby and $35–50 from Bush.
ADA spaces are in Astros-operated lots and nearby downtown garages. The accessible drop-off zone is on Crawford St near the main entrance. For accessibility services, call the Astros at (713) 259-8000 or visit astros.com/accessibility.
Downtown garages and surface lots surround the park, including several Astros lots next to it. Most downtown garages are a 5–10 minute walk. Most options cost $10–25. Pre-booking online saves money and time.
Tailgating is informal in the surface lots. Pre-game, head to the Union Station Bar (in the historic terminal next to the park) and downtown bars. Crawford St along the first base side is a lively game-day strip.
The METRORail Red Line runs along Main St, with stops within an 8-minute walk. It connects the Texas Medical Center and NRG Stadium to downtown and the northern suburbs. METRO extends service on game days. See ridemetro.org.
The park is in downtown Houston at the edge of EaDo (East Downtown). The downtown hotel corridor, GreenStreet and EaDo bars are all within easy walking distance.
Bike parking is available near the park. Bayou greenway trails and bike lanes connect Midtown, the Heights and EaDo.
One factory-sealed bottle of water, 1 liter or less.
Food is allowed if it fits in one clear plastic one-gallon bag.
Bags can't exceed 16” x 16” x 8”.
No backpacks. Possible exceptions: diaper bags, single-compartment drawstring bags and medical bags, if within the 16” x 16” x 8” MLB limit.
All bags are checked at every gate.
Field level behind home plate is close to the action. Club level adds in-seat service and a comfortable mid-tier view. With the roof closed, every seat is comfortable whatever Houston's weather.
With the roof closed (most of the summer), the upper deck is comfortable and much cheaper. Mid-infield sections give a clean view of the full field. With the roof open in spring or fall, the same sections are fine but more weather-exposed.
The Crawford Boxes are low bleacher sections in left field where home runs land. Great atmosphere, but the angle to home plate is very steep and you'll miss most infield action. The main infield bowl is much better for the full game. Also skip the far upper deck corners.
The roof is closed when summer heat is worst, so sun rarely matters. With the roof open (spring and fall), the left field side faces west and gets the most afternoon sun. Right field and home plate get partial upper deck shade earlier. For a rare open-roof summer game, expect real heat and sun.
Houston summers are among the hottest and most humid in baseball, so the roof is almost always closed from late spring through early fall. Inside it's air-conditioned. Open-roof games in March, April and October can be beautiful. A spring thunderstorm can delay roof operations.
Section 124 - Brisket, ribs, chicken and pulled pork, with baked potato or mac and cheese.
Section 104 - Beer from Texas' oldest craft brewery, Saint Arnold Brewery.
Section 134 & 230 - Burgers and sandwiches. The Prime Rib Steak Sandwich is a highlight.
Mezzanine - A Houston favorite for tacos.
On top of the left field wall, there's a train that runs when the Astros take the field at the beginning of the game, whenever an Astro hits a homer, and when an Astros player hits a homer.
The Squeeze Play kids' area (Upper Concourse) is one of MLB's largest playgrounds. It has a replica of the ballpark, speed-pitch, a virtual hitting game, a water-based "Splatting Cage" and a base-running game against a mechanical opponent ("Running Man").
The Home Run Train, a replica 1860s steam locomotive, rolls above left field after every Astros home run. Orbit the Mascot is a popular photo op. The Astros Kids Club offers game tickets, gear and event invitations.
A wide range of dining from classic hot dogs and nachos to Tex-Mex, BBQ, and Shake Shack; healthier choices include salads, fresh fruit, and gluten-free options.
Nursing: Three spaces. Mamava pods on the Main Concourse near the Right Field Gate and on the Honda Club Level near Section 228, plus a Mothers Room in the Fan Accommodations office, Upper Level Section 323.
Changing tables: 16 private single-stall family restrooms throughout the park.
Tip: Fan Accommodations Centers (Main Concourse Section 112, Upper Concourse Section 323) store large items like strollers and wheelchairs.
The retractable roof closes in under 20 minutes, and the park is fully air-conditioned when closed.
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