While the Braves & Rangers bolt their decent homes for new taxpayer funded ballparks, the Astros & HCHSA are set to vote Monday on a 20 year lease extension at Minute Maid Park. If approved: Lease would expire in 2050. Rent increases next season by $1 million. For extension years (2030-50), rent increases by another $1 million http://www.fox26houston.com/sports/astros-looking-for-20-year-extension-on-lease-at-minute-maid-park
Absolutely no reason to build a new park anytime soon. Almost 20 years in and the park still feels perfect. Plus the Astros still must like the revenue generation, a testament to quality. Still find it beyond comprehension somebody thought an open air stadium in Texas was wise.
MMP doesn’t get the type of respect it deserves outside of Houston. I’ve seen a game at every stadium sans 2-3 and MMP is in the top 5-6 stadiums in baseball. It has aged exceptionally well.
Totally agree Nook, and it’s holding up nicely. Gorgeous park and I like the new center field, more viewing
Yes and they moved to Cobb County. That'd be like if the Astros built a new stadium in Fort Bend County.
Yes, it is a nice park, but ridiculous to have only spent 20 years at Turner. Turner is still standing, but I have no idea if they every use it. This is year 2 of SunTrust Park. Awesome that the Astros are looking at 50 years in MMP.
MMP is fantastic. I’m not sure what you’d do to make it better but it would be unnecessary. Should have a long time left in it.
Also wanted to add that it still feels somewhat new... and is still considered a “newer” ballpark. For comparison sake, when the Astrodome and Summit turned 20 years old, they were already looking to undergo massive needed upgrades to stay relevant, and their tenants were already getting antsy. Sometimes you just get it right. Baltimore’s ballpark is another example of this.
Aside from the ballpark itself, the location is great in my opinion. I live in Austin so we usually get a hotel nearby and downtown has been getting better by the year. Always grab a few pints at Flying Saucer before the game but the food and drink options are getting better in north downtown.
The ole’ falling asleep in the 3rd inning move, courtesy of Ninfa’s classic fajita and queso induced food comas. Dare I say you’re not a true Houstonian without surviving that meal.
I did see a national baseball writer on Twitter say MMP was the loudest baseball park he's ever been in.
How in the f**k did I not know this. Last time I ever spend 9 dollars for a "blastoff burger" becuase I didn't have time to eat.
Its actually uncomfortably loud at times... or maybe its because I now take the young kids to the ballpark regularly. Now, playoffs are a different beast. Not the place for kids and needs to be as loud as possible. But a weekday game against the white sox was as intense as any sellout game in the Astrodome... ever.
