Ballpark Profile: Minute Maid Park

Name: Minute Maid Park

Location: Houston, Texas

Opened: 7 April 2000

Architect: HOK Sport

Cost: $250 Million

Capacity: 40,950 (original)
                41,168 (present)

Surface: Platinum TE Paspalum (natural grass)

Minute Maid Park -- like several of the other parks we've profiled -- was once our home ballpark.

Thinking about it, here's the complete list of 'home' ballparks:

Oakland Coliseum (1985-1994)
Candlestick Park (1995-1999)
PacBell/AT&T/Oracle Park (2000-2002)
Riverfront Stadium (2002)
Great American Ball Park (2003)
Minute Maid Park (2004)
Coors Field (2005-2006)
New Comiskey Park/Wrigley Field (2006-present)
Citizens Bank Park (future)

So, some personal experience here.

When Minute Maid Park (then called Enron Field) opened, it was universally (and fairly) panned. It was gimmicky to the extreme, with the ill-fated "Tal's Hill" and in-play flagpole in center field -- which originally extended to an eye-popping 436 feet.

Both the hill and the flagpole seemed to be there just for the sake of being there, and both were (thankfully) scheduled for removal during the 2015-16 offseason. (The Astros made the postseason in 2015, which disrupted the timeline, and the hill was not removed until the start of the 2017 season.)

Like Camden Yards and Petco Park, the design for the ballpark incorporated an existing structure, in this case Union Station, a train station built in 1911, which was one of the busiest rail hubs through the end of World War II. The station is now the main entrance foyer for the ballpark, with team offices upstairs.

The train motif continues with a larger-than-life steam engine that runs along the tracks of the large retractable roof. The train runs and sounds its horn after Astros home runs. Sure, it's gimmicky, but fans (especially kids) love it. And the guy who runs it is the best kind of hometown fan.

And so we get to it: the roof.

First, the outside aesthetics. The roof and supporting structure of acres of glass wall are not unatrractive to look at; but the color scheme is. Scroll back to the previous ballpark profiles of Chase Field, Citizens Bank, Miller Park . . . it's like MLB got an unlimited supply of weird turquoise/teal paint and they just can't stop using it.

I don't get it. I don't like it.

As for the criteria that makes a good ballpark: Minute Maid checks many of them: it's right downtown, which is good. It's easily accessible with several public transit options. It fits the aesthetic of the neighborhood (after a fashion), and the fan experience is better-than-average, especially the outstanding food options.

And, when the roof is open, it's a really nice place to see a ballgame.

But. The. Roof. Is. Never. Open.

It's funny; if you search for images of Minute Maid Park, a number of in-game shots with the roof open show up, and they look great. But I lived there for two years, and never once was the roof open for a game. Nobody I've talked to has ever been to a game with the roof open. 

It's a completely different feel with the roof closed. It's dark, it's artificial-feeling.

Believe me, having lived there, I know Houston has some incredibly unpleasant, even unsafely hot summer days. And, by all means, the roof should be closed in those events. It also gets more than its share of summer rainstorms.

But, if it's just a warm/hot day? Open the dang roof. People across the country love sitting out on a warm evening watching baseball. It gets plenty hot in Cincinnati, and St. Louis, and . . . almost everywhere baseball is played. I've been to some extremely warm games in the bleachers at Wrigley.

That's part of the fun.

Just because you can close the roof doesn't mean you should.

Have your own thoughts and feelings about Minute Maid Park? Put them in the comments below for a chance to win a FREE PRINT from Ballpark Blueprints!

13934 comments

https://images.google.co.bw/url?q=https://www.ce-top10.com/
https://images.google.cd/url?q=https://www.ce-top10.com/
https://images.google.cg/url?q=https://www.ce-top10.com/
https://images.google.ci/url?q=https://www.ce-top10.com/
https://images.google.dj/url?q=https://www.ce-top10.com/
https://images.google.com.eg/url?q=https://www.ce-top10.com/
https://images.google.com.et/url?q=https://www.ce-top10.com/
https://images.google.gm/url?q=https://www.ce-top10.com/
https://images.google.co.ke/url?q=https://www.ce-top10.com/
https://images.google.com.ly/url?q=https://www.ce-top10.com/
https://images.google.co.ls/url?q=https://www.ce-top10.com/
https://images.google.mw/url?q=https://www.ce-top10.com/
https://images.google.co.ma/url?q=https://www.ce-top10.com/
https://images.google.com.na/url?q=https://www.ce-top10.com/
https://images.google.rw/url?q=https://www.ce-top10.com/
https://images.google.co.ug/url?q=https://www.ce-top10.com/
https://images.google.com.af/url?q=https://www.ce-top10.com/
https://images.google.am/url?q=https://www.ce-top10.com/
https://images.google.az/url?q=https://www.ce-top10.com/
https://images.google.com.bd/url?q=https://www.ce-top10.com/
https://images.google.cn/url?q=https://www.ce-top10.com/
https://images.google.co.in/url?q=https://www.ce-top10.com/
https://images.google.co.jp/url?q=https://www.ce-top10.com/
https://images.google.kg/url?q=https://www.ce-top10.com/
https://images.google.co.kr/url?q=https://www.ce-top10.com/
https://images.google.kz/url?q=https://www.ce-top10.com/
https://images.google.com.my/url?q=https://www.ce-top10.com/
https://images.google.mn/url?q=https://www.ce-top10.com/
https://images.google.com.np/url?q=https://www.ce-top10.com/
https://images.google.com.pk/url?q=https://www.ce-top10.com/
https://images.google.com.ph/url?q=https://www.ce-top10.com/
https://images.google.ru/url?q=https://www.ce-top10.com/
https://images.google.sc/url?q=https://www.ce-top10.com/
https://images.google.com.sg/url?q=https://www.ce-top10.com/
https://images.google.lk/url?q=https://www.ce-top10.com/
https://images.google.com.tw/url?q=https://www.ce-top10.com/
https://images.google.co.th/url?q=https://www.ce-top10.com/
https://images.google.com.tj/url?q=https://www.ce-top10.com/
https://images.google.tm/url?q=https://www.ce-top10.com/
https://images.google.com.au/url?q=https://www.ce-top10.com/
https://images.google.co.uz/url?q=https://www.ce-top10.com/
https://images.google.com.vn/url?q=https://www.ce-top10.com/
https://images.google.at/url?q=https://www.ce-top10.com/
https://images.google.be/url?q=https://www.ce-top10.com/
https://images.google.hr/url?q=https://www.ce-top10.com/
https://images.google.dk/url?q=https://www.ce-top10.com/
https://images.google.fi/url?q=https://www.ce-top10.com/
https://images.google.fr/url?q=https://www.ce-top10.com/
https://images.google.de/url?q=https://www.ce-top10.com/
https://images.google.gr/url?q=https://www.ce-top10.com/
https://images.google.nl/url?q=https://www.ce-top10.com/
https://images.google.co.hu/url?q=https://www.ce-top10.com/
https://images.google.ie/url?q=https://www.ce-top10.com/
https://images.google.co.im/url?q=https://www.ce-top10.com/
https://images.google.is/url?q=https://www.ce-top10.com/
https://images.google.it/url?q=https://www.ce-top10.com/
https://images.google.co.je/url?q=https://www.ce-top10.com/
https://images.google.lt/url?q=https://www.ce-top10.com/
https://images.google.lu/url?q=https://www.ce-top10.com/
https://images.google.lv/url?q=https://www.ce-top10.com/
https://images.google.li/url?q=https://www.ce-top10.com/
https://images.google.com.mt/url?q=https://www.ce-top10.com/
https://images.google.no/url?q=https://www.ce-top10.com/
https://images.google.pl/url?q=https://www.ce-top10.com/
https://images.google.pt/url?q=https://www.ce-top10.com/
https://images.google.ro/url?q=https://www.ce-top10.com/
https://images.google.sm/url?q=https://www.ce-top10.com/
https://images.google.sk/url?q=https://www.ce-top10.com/
https://images.google.es/url?q=https://www.ce-top10.com/
https://images.google.se/url?q=https://www.ce-top10.com/
https://images.google.ch/url?q=https://www.ce-top10.com/
https://images.google.com.tr/url?q=https://www.ce-top10.com/
https://images.google.co.uk/url?q=https://www.ce-top10.com/
https://images.google.co.il/url?q=https://www.ce-top10.com/
https://images.google.jo/url?q=https://www.ce-top10.com/
https://images.google.com.sa/url?q=https://www.ce-top10.com/
https://images.google.bs/url?q=https://www.ce-top10.com/
https://images.google.ca/url?q=https://www.ce-top10.com/
https://images.google.gl/url?q=https://www.ce-top10.com/
https://images.google.com.mx/url?q=https://www.ce-top10.com/
https://images.google.com/url?q=https://www.ce-top10.com/
https://images.google.com.ar/url?q=https://www.ce-top10.com/
https://images.google.com.br/url?q=https://www.ce-top10.com/
https://images.google.com.co/url?q=https://www.ce-top10.com/
https://images.google.co.cr/url?q=https://www.ce-top10.com/
https://images.google.com.sv/url?q=https://www.ce-top10.com/
https://images.google.com.ni/url?q=https://www.ce-top10.com/
https://images.google.com.pa/url?q=https://www.ce-top10.com/
https://images.google.com.py/url?q=https://www.ce-top10.com/
https://images.google.com.uy/url?q=hhttps://www.ce-top10.com/
https://images.google.co.ve/url?q=https://www.ce-top10.com/
https://images.google.dm/url?q=https://www.ce-top10.com/
https://images.google.com.do/url?q=https://www.ce-top10.com/
https://images.google.com.pr/url?q=https://www.ce-top10.com/
https://images.google.com.vc/url?q=https://www.ce-top10.com/
https://images.google.tt/url?q=https://www.ce-top10.com/
https://images.google.co.vi/url?q=https://www.ce-top10.com/
https://images.google.com.au/url?q=https://www.ce-top10.com/
https://images.google.as/url?q=https://www.ce-top10.com/
https://images.google.co.ck/url?q=https://www.ce-top10.com/
https://images.google.com.fj/url?q=https://www.ce-top10.com/
https://images.google.co.id/url?q=https://www.ce-top10.com/
https://images.google.fm/url?q=https://www.ce-top10.com/
https://images.google.co.nz/url?q=https://www.ce-top10.com/
https://images.google.com.nf/url?q=https://www.ce-top10.com/
https://images.google.pn/url?q=https://www.ce-top10.com/
https://images.google.com.sb/url?q=https://www.ce-top10.com/
https://images.google.to/url?q=https://www.ce-top10.com/
https://images.google.com.bh/url?q=https://www.ce-top10.com/
https://images.google.bi/url?q=https://www.ce-top10.com/
https://images.google.com.bz/url?q=https://www.ce-top10.com/
https://images.google.com.gt/url?q=https://www.ce-top10.com/
https://images.google.hn/url?q=https://www.ce-top10.com/
https://images.google.ht/url?q=https://www.ce-top10.com/
https://images.google.ms/url?q=https://www.ce-top10.com/
https://images.google.mu/url?q=https://www.ce-top10.com/
https://images.google.nr/url?q=https://www.ce-top10.com/
https://images.google.nu/url?q=https://www.ce-top10.com/
https://images.google.com.om/url?q=https://www.ce-top10.com/
https://images.google.sh/url?q=https://www.ce-top10.com/
https://images.google.sn/url?q=https://www.ce-top10.com/
https://images.google.tp/url?q=https://www.ce-top10.com/
https://images.google.co.za/url?q=https://www.ce-top10.com/
https://images.google.co.zm/url?q=https://www.ce-top10.com/
https://images.google.com.hk/url?q=https://www.ce-top10.com/
https://images.google.ba/url?q=https://www.ce-top10.com/
https://images.google.com.gi/url?q=https://www.ce-top10.com/
https://images.google.gg/url?q=https://www.ce-top10.com/
https://images.google.ae/url?q=https://www.ce-top10.com/
https://images.google.com.bo/url?q=https://www.ce-top10.com/
https://images.google.cl/url?q=https://www.ce-top10.com/
https://images.google.com.ec/url?q=https://www.ce-top10.com/
https://images.google.com.pe/url?q=https://www.ce-top10.com/
https://images.google.com.ag/url?q=https://www.ce-top10.com/
https://images.google.off.ai/url?q=https://www.ce-top10.com/
https://images.google.com.cu/url?q=https://www.ce-top10.com/
https://images.google.vg/url?q=https://www.ce-top10.com/
https://images.google.ws/url?q=https://www.ce-top10.com/
https://images.google.vu/url?q=https://www.ce-top10.com/

카지노사이트 March 03, 2022

Becoming easily agitated, frustrated, and moody. Feeling overwhelmed, like you are losing control or need to take control. Having difficulty relaxing and quieting your mind. Feeling bad about yourself (low self-esteem), lonely, worthless, and depressed.
https://ipsnews.net/business/2022/02/17/smilz-cbd-gummies-reviews-is-hemp-infused-gummy-addictive/

Smilz CBD Broad Spectrum Gummies March 03, 2022

Some of the most common causes include: not using the right toothpaste, not flossing, brushing too hard, and not brushing your teeth for a long enough time. Oral hygiene plays an integral role in balancing the health of your other body functions, whether you realize it or not. https://ipsnews.net/business/2022/02/17/renew-dental-support-reviews-african-rituals-to-repair-gums/

Renew Dental Support March 02, 2022

Aging is likely caused by a combination of reasons. Some theories suggest cells have a predetermined lifespan, while others claim it’s caused by error and damage. Other theories say that aging is due to genetic, evolution, or biochemical reactions.
https://ipsnews.net/business/2022/02/17/mukaglow-reviews-balis-secret-regains-skin-firmness/

MukaGlow March 02, 2022

If some areas still feel a bit rough, you should brush them again. Bacteria start forming the layer of biofilm in as little as two hours after brushing. After 48 hours this biofilm gets stronger, turning into a thicker dental plaque. This plaque can be removed only by mechanical cleaning with a toothbrush.
https://ipsnews.net/business/2022/02/17/renew-dental-support-reviews-african-rituals-to-repair-gums/

Renew Dental Support March 02, 2022

You can halt aging without punishing diets or costly drugs. You just have to wait until you’re 105. The odds of dying stop rising in people who are very old, according to a new study that also suggests we haven’t yet hit the limit of human longevity.
https://ipsnews.net/business/2022/02/17/mukaglow-reviews-balis-secret-regains-skin-firmness/

MukaGlow March 02, 2022

It’s no secret that the amount of calories people eat and drink has a direct impact on their weight: Consume the same number of calories that the body burns over time, and weight stays stable. Consume more than the body burns, weight goes up. Less, weight goes down.
https://ipsnews.net/business/2022/02/17/keto-complete-australia-reviews-read-what-shocks-me-before-relying/

Keto Complete March 02, 2022

바카라{http://www.80GTR.COM}|온라인바카라|카지노{http://www.80GTR.COM}|온라인카지노.
온카지노주소|우리카지노|우리카지노주소|먹튀없는바카라|모바일바카라|모바일카지노|온카|타이샨.
에볼루션|강원랜드|슬롯머신|바카라카지노|정선카지노|안전놀이터|아시아게이밍|마이크로게이밍|호게임.
인터넷바카라|인터넷카지노|라이브바카라|라이브카지노|카지노사이트추천|바카라사이트추천||예스카지노.
바카라게임사이트|카지노게임사이트|퍼스트카지노|킹카지노|호게임|마이크로게이밍.
러시아의 우크라이나 침공이 닷새로 접어드는 가운데 양국이 회담을 갖기로 합의했다.
이번 회담이 상황 반전의 물꼬를 트는 계기가 될 수 있을지 주목된다.
27일(이하 현지 시각) 러시아 국영매체 <타스>통신은 “러시아와 우크라이나 대표단의 협상은
월요일(28일) 오전부터 시작될 것이라고 소식통이 말했다”고 보도했다.
바카라{http://www.80GTR.COM}|온라인바카라|카지노{http://www.80GTR.COM}|온라인카지노.
온카지노주소|우리카지노|우리카지노주소|먹튀없는바카라|모바일바카라|모바일카지노|온카|타이샨.
에볼루션|강원랜드|슬롯머신|바카라카지노|정선카지노|안전놀이터|아시아게이밍|마이크로게이밍|호게임.
인터넷바카라|인터넷카지노|라이브바카라|라이브카지노|카지노사이트추천|바카라사이트추천||예스카지노.
바카라게임사이트|카지노게임사이트|퍼스트카지노|킹카지노|호게임|마이크로게이밍.
http://www.its33.com
http://www.80gtr.com
http://www.ests1.com
http://www.tats1.com
http://www.vst12.com
http://www.vst34.com

onka March 02, 2022

Consuming foods high in vitamin C such as grapefruits, oranges, tangerines, sweet red pepper, broccoli, strawberries, kale, and kiwifruit are thought to increase white blood cell production, which is key to fighting infection.
https://ipsnews.net/business/2022/02/17/grownmd-cbd-gummies-reviews-organic-hemp-combats-pain/

GrownMD CBD Gummies March 01, 2022

Consuming foods high in vitamin C such as grapefruits, oranges, tangerines, sweet red pepper, broccoli, strawberries, kale, and kiwifruit are thought to increase white blood cell production, which is key to fighting infection.
https://ipsnews.net/business/2022/02/17/grownmd-cbd-gummies-reviews-organic-hemp-combats-pain/

GrownMD CBD Gummies March 01, 2022

Fat cells in the stomach area have a higher amount of alpha receptors, which makes them more stubborn to get rid of. This is why when you start a fat loss program, you see results in the face, arms and chest before you lose the belly fat. Another reason may be the foods you’re eating.
http://ipsnews.net/business/2022/02/13/gold-vida-burn-boost-review-amazon-ritual-to-burn-fat-faster/

Burn Boost Reviews March 01, 2022

Too many starchy carbohydrates and bad fats are a recipe for that midsection to expand. Instead, get plenty of veggies, choose lean proteins, and stay away from fats from red meats. Choose healthier fats in things like fish, nuts, and avocados. Even a moderate cutback on carbs (grains, pasta, sugars) can help, too.
http://ipsnews.net/business/2022/02/13/gold-vida-burn-boost-review-amazon-ritual-to-burn-fat-faster/

Burn Boost Reviews March 01, 2022

Your Content is amazing and I am glad to read them. Thanks for sharing the Blog.this blog is very helpful information for every one.

solicitud de empleo formato
spotify premium apk

business March 01, 2022

We stumbled over here from a different web address and thought I might as well check things out. I like what I see so now i am following you. Look forward to looking into your web page repeatedly.
https://ipsnews.net/business/2022/02/15/zcleanse-reviews-herbal-extract-to-boost-immune-system/

Afra February 28, 2022

I am very happy to discover your post as it will become on top in my collection of favorite blogs to visit.
http://ipsnews.net/business/2022/02/13/glucotrust-reviews-herbs-extract-to-support-blood-sugar/

Faith February 28, 2022

Thanks for the informative and helpful post, obviously in your blog everything is good..
https://ipsnews.net/business/2022/02/15/gaias-protocol-reviews-shocking-customer-report/

Dany February 28, 2022

Thanks in support of sharing such a nice thinking, article is pleasant, thats why i have read it entirely
http://ipsnews.net/business/2022/02/13/glucotrust-reviews-herbs-extract-to-support-blood-sugar/

Faith February 28, 2022

We are really grateful for your blog post. You will find a lot of approaches after visiting your post. Great work
https://ipsnews.net/business/2022/02/15/organixx-cbd-gummies-uk-reviews-hemp-extract-to-relieve-pain/

Zeta February 27, 2022

This is really interesting, You’re a very skilled blogger. I have joined your rss feed and look forward to seeking more of your magnificent post. Also, I’ve shared your web site in my social networks!
http://ipsnews.net/business/2022/02/13/glucofort-complaints-reviews-detoxify-ingredients-to-avoid-diabetes/

Blaise February 27, 2022

Wow great content. Provides more content like that please. Click on
http://ipsnews.net/business/2022/02/13/glucofort-complaints-reviews-detoxify-ingredients-to-avoid-diabetes/

Blaise February 27, 2022

This is also a very good post which I really enjoyed reading. It is not every day that I have the possibility to see something like this..
https://ipsnews.net/business/2022/02/11/leanbiome-reviews-melts-unwanted-fat-within-few-weeks/

Azak February 27, 2022

We are really grateful for your blog post. You will find a lot of approaches after visiting your post. Great work
https://ipsnews.net/business/2022/02/15/organixx-cbd-gummies-uk-reviews-hemp-extract-to-relieve-pain/

Zeta February 27, 2022

https://providenceonline.com/stories/watch-spider-man-no-way-home-online-for-free-stream,89035
https://providenceonline.com/stories/watch-the-batman-2022-online-for-free-stream,89050
https://providenceonline.com/stories/watch-uncharted-2022-online-for-free-stream,89059
https://providenceonline.com/stories/watch-dog-2022-online-for-free-stream,89063
https://providenceonline.com/stories/watch-death-on-the-nile-2022-online-for-free-stream,89068
https://providenceonline.com/stories/watch-jackass-forever-2022-online-for-free-stream,89079
https://providenceonline.com/stories/free-watch-spider-man-no-way-home-online-for-stream,89141
https://providenceonline.com/stories/watch-spider-man-no-way-home-for-online-free-streaming,89144
https://providenceonline.com/stories/full-watch-spider-man-no-way-home-online-for-stream,89145
https://providenceonline.com/stories/official-watch-spider-man-no-way-home-online-for-stream,89148
https://providenceonline.com/stories/where-to-watch-spider-man-no-way-home-online-for-stream,89150
https://providenceonline.com/stories/spider-man-no-way-home-online-for-streaming,89151
https://providenceonline.com/stories/watch-spider-man-no-way-home-online-for-free-stream,89152
https://providenceonline.com/stories/watch-spider-man-no-way-home-online-streaming,89156
https://providenceonline.com/stories/watch-spider-man-no-way-home-for-streaming-online,89157
https://providenceonline.com/stories/free-watch-spider-man-no-way-home-online-stream,89160
https://providenceonline.com/stories/watch-spider-man-no-way-home-online-for-free-streams,89162
https://providenceonline.com/stories/how-to-watch-spider-man-no-way-home-online-for-stream,89165
https://providenceonline.com/stories/when-watch-spider-man-no-way-home-online-for-free-stream,89166
https://providenceonline.com/stories/official-watch-spider-man-no-way-home-online-free,89170
https://providenceonline.com/stories/free-watch-spider-man-no-way-home-online-download,89171
https://providenceonline.com/stories/free-watch-spider-man-no-way-home-online-full-stream,89172
https://providenceonline.com/stories/watch-spider-man-no-way-home-online-2022-streaming-free,89174
https://providenceonline.com/stories/watch-spider-man-no-way-home-online-stream-today,89177
https://providenceonline.com/stories/watch-spider-man-no-way-home-online-free-for-streaming-heres-at-home,89178
https://providenceonline.com/stories/watch-spider-man-no-way-home-streaming-full-movie-online,89189
https://providenceonline.com/stories/the-political-battle-go-on-over-the-health-care,89192
https://www.scoop.it/topic/health-care-framework
https://www.universe.com/users/tomholland-zendaya-D827PT
https://ctxt.io/2/AABgnYVyFw
https://sorhodeisland.com/stories/essential-education-for-young-adults,89282
https://community.onespan.com/forum/our-health-care-framework-emergency

kakeane February 25, 2022

wow, great, I was wondering how to cure acne naturally. and found your site by google, learned a lot, now i’m a bit clear. I’ve bookmark your site and also add rss. keep us updated.
https://ipsnews.net/business/2022/02/11/metalean-complete-reviews-powder-mix-ingredients-works/

Albey01 February 25, 2022

I am impressed by the information that you have on this blog. It shows how well you understand this subject.
https://ipsnews.net/business/2022/02/11/pt-trim-fat-burn-reviews-kenyan-herbs-melts-fat-in-days/

Aaju01 February 25, 2022

Leave a comment

Your comment has been published.

Shop now

You can use this element to add a quote, content...