Astros - 6/27

Minute Maid Park was built on the site of  Houston's old Union Station, and the park retains much of the character of its original architecture.  From the train high along the left field side, to the tasteful (and not over-done) train-themed concessions and attractions, the park pays homage to the building's history. 

If you look closely at the train picture, you will notice that the cargo is not coal but oranges!  This was done to tie it to the field's Minute Maid sponsorship.  The train, which travels down the track after each Astros homerun, is actually run by a human conductor. 

Though we generally prefer an open, airy stadium, the abundant windows kept this domed stadium from feeling dark or claustrophobic.  And with the VERY hot weather, the Belove family sure welcomed the air-conditioning inside the closed stadium.

Minute Maid Field has the strangest center field configuration in all of baseball.  As you can see, the flagpole sits ON the field, and is in fair territory.  It is 436 feet to dead center, which is BEHIND the flagpole.  If that isn't crazy enough, get a load of this hill the center fielder has to climb to get there!  PHEW!  At least he doesn't have to do it in the heat!

While at Minute Maid we visited with an old friend...

and made a new one... 

Meet John
Everyone we met at Minute Maid Stadium was amazingly friendly.  From the ticket-taker at the door who wished us a fun time, to the worker who offered to take our picture, to everyone who stopped us to talk, ask us about where we are from, or wish us a good evening, the Astros must get the prize for the friendliest staff.  But in our travels we have not met anyone like John Wright.  John works at Guest Services, and takes his job very seriously. He was warm and attentive, and actually made us feel like guests.  He was sincerely interested in our adventure, asking questions about our experiences at other stadiums.  He suggested things to see and do, and then later met us at our seats with FOUR filled schwag-bags, personalized for each of us;  Ann's had the Astros breast-cancer tote bag, Carter's bag sported an Astros Hotwheel, an Enron opening day ball was in Jim's, and Robert was surprised by a grow-your-own-grass kit!  We all got shirts, hats, bobbleheads, 50th anniversary pins, and picture frames.  We think John raided every cupboard in the Guest Services booth just for us!!  Thank you, John!

Everyone was so kind, even the visiting players!  Houston Street -pitcher for the Padres (formerly of the A's)-  took the time to sign the ball Jim tossed down to him.

There was a good variety of choices, where food is concerned.  In addition to the standard ballpark fare, you can get a fresh green salad, real Mexican food, sliders, or BBQ sandwiches (the whole building smelled of brisket!)  Carter and Ann shared Monster Chicken Nachos, complete with beans and fresh salsa -plenty for two people!  What we found very interesting about the concessions here is the well-thought-out way of doing things.  Many of the concessions sit with their backs to the field, so patrons can continue to watch the game.  The concessions on the other side of the hallway use a two-line system.  First, you go to the window and order your food.  Then you take your food to the cashier to pay.  This speeds up lines, allows patrons to see the field some of the time, and ensures that food handlers are not also touching that dirty money!  Pretty clever, huh?

GOT ENTERTAINMENT?
Do you know the feeling when you are watching the Super Bowl, and you don't want to get up to get a snack during the game because you might miss the game... but you also don't want to get up during the commercials?  That is exactly how we felt here at Minute Maid Park.  There was some sort of game, contest, activity, sing-along, or event during every half-inning!

• Goya find the ball (the old follow the ball under the "hats"), but under refried beans cans.
• "Stros vs. Joes"  (a fan has 30 seconds to name more items in a category than an Astros player -- How many bodies of water can YOU name?)
• Walk off a hero (tribute to veteran in stands)
• Hair Guitar Cam (show off your air-guitar skills, folks!)
• Steal 3rd Base (a kid must beat the clock running to third base, and returning -base in hand!)
• Top 5 plays of the day (local sports)
• "Astrocise"  (an audience-participation exercise session)
• Movie Trivia (Do YOU know who won an academy award for the sound track for Social Network?)
• Kiss Cam
• Topps Baseball Card Match Game (old-fashioned Concentration)
• Zoo Roo Trivia (Do YOU know how many degrees an owl can turn their neck?)

etc... etc... etc...

How DOES he do it???
Robert had literally been inside the stadium for 10 SECONDS when he got this batting practice ball!

Carter's fielding is legendary!

 

No one gave us the boot at this game.  


Once again the Beloves are drawn to the small-market teams.  They just know how to show their fans a good time.  We thoroughly enjoyed our time with the Astros.

Tomorrow night, Rangers.