Minute Maid Park

Capacity: 41,168

Home Teams: Houston Astros (MLB)

Minute Maid Park Events

Two years after the Houston Astros joined MLB in 1962 as the very specifically monikered Houston Colt .45s, the team moved into the Astrodome, the first domed stadium in the world, considered a technological marvel at the time that was sometimes described as the “Eighth Wonder of the World.” The switch in the team name to the Astros and their namesake Astrodome was inspired by the American space program being located in the city (“Houston, we have a problem”) and the excitement at the time around the space race and the Apollo moon missions. On the field, the Astros mostly failed to live up to their lofty name and as the millennium approached, they still had never won a playoff series (on the rare occasions they actually made it to the postseason). With the Astrodome showing its age and limitations as a modern professional facility (the city’s first NFL team, the Houston Oilers, departed in 1996 citing the stadium as a major reason why), a decision was eventually reached to build a baseball-specific ballpark in downtown Houston with a retractable roof. The new stadium incorporated the old Union Station building into its makeup for an attractive modern look that also spoke to Houston’s history as a great southern hub for American train travel (the stadium also contains a large model train). Named Minute Maid Park after its fruit drink producing sponsor, the venue has now become affectionately known as the Juice Box. But the most unexpected development of the Astros playing in this new venue was their performance on the field. After beating the Atlanta Braves in the 2004 NLDS to win their first-ever playoff series, the team went one better in 2005, making their maiden appearance in the World Series against the Chicago White Sox. The Astros lost in four straight, but would be back in 2017 to defeat the Los Angeles Dodgers in an epic seven-game slugfest that included a 13-12 Game Five win in extra innings by the Astros. The team lost two more World Series (2019, 2021) before winning the whole thing again in 2022, sealing the Series win over the Philadelphia Phillies in Game Six in front of a rapturous sellout crowd at Minute Maid Park. Any fans still harboring nostalgia for the days of the Astrodome were cured of it that night. As well as every regular season and playoff Astros home game, Minute Maid Park hosts large concerts, international soccer games, and professional wrestling events. It even once hosted a cricket match. Showing up hungry to Minute Maid Park is not a problem, with a huge selection of tempting snacks on the menu, everything from chicken tenders and corn dogs to quesadillas and Blue Bell ice cream. Those searching for team and event merchandise, especially stuff featuring the iconic Astros logo, will find plenty to choose from at the ballpark’s many shops and kiosks.

Minute Maid Park Seating Chart

As a large sporting venue, Minute Maid Park offers a wide range of different seating options to visitors. Looking to watch the game in style? Why not try out premium seating in one of the park’s suites or club seating areas where you will receive five-star hospitality with great views of the action on the field. Minute Maid Park also has huge areas of general seating that vary in price from more expensive seats near the infield to mid-range and cheaper seats that get lower in price the farther out and higher up you get. Head to TicketX to search for the cheapest tickets to events and games at Minute Maid Park. Use our handy seating chart to compare different seating options. 

Getting to Minute Maid Park (Transportation and Parking)

Visitors can access Minute Maid Park via public transportation or driving their own vehicle. 

Getting to Minute Maid Park via public transportation

It is possible to get to Astros games at Minute Maid Park using public transportation in the form of local MTA buses and the METROrail (which also provides Park-N-Ride services at some of its stations). A more convenient option might be to take a taxi or ride-share to Minute Maid Park. 

Getting to Minute Maid Park by car

The most popular way for visitors to arrive at Minute Maid Park is in their own vehicles, but motorists should be aware that Houston is infamous for its massive traffic jams, which are often made worse when there is a big game or event at one of the city’s big stadiums. Budget plenty of time to avoid missing your game or event. MLB’s official Astros website has detailed driving directions.

Does Minute Maid Park have on-site parking?

Parking near Minute Maid Park in downtown Houston can actually be relatively inexpensive if you book a prepaid parking spot in advance. Visit MLB’s official Astros website for extensive details on parking and how to make a parking reservation. The Astros highly recommend that you book prepaid parking using SpotHero to make your gameday experience much smoother. 

How much does Minute Maid Park parking cost?

The main garages near Minute Maid Park usually charge $10-50 during events or games, but you can find even cheaper parking sometimes if you are willing to book in advance. MLB’s official Astros website has information on cheap parking or you can use SpotHero to look for the cheapest parking options at Minute Maid Park.