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Watching batting practice gives fans an opportunity to see players up close and personal. Some players use this time to sign autographs and interact with fans. But what about games at Minute Maid Park? Can you watch batting practice at Minute Maid Park? Yes, you can watch batting practice at Minute Maid Park, although it’s worth noting that batting practice begins prior to the stadium gates opening, so fans will only be able to see part of batting practice. The official time that Houston Astros batting practice is held can change, but in general, you can expect batting practice to begin roughly two and a half hours before game time. Typically, batting practice lasts 45-50 minutes per team. The Astros will take batting practice first, since they are the home team. After that, the visiting team will take their batting practice. The length of batting practice can fluctuate day-to-day, but most teams stick to normal routines as much as possible. Minute Maid Park gates open 2 hours before game time. Because of this, by the time fans are able to enter the stadium, the Astros will usually already be on the field taking batting practice. The Houston Astros do offer certain types of Gameday Tours, which may give you premium access to things like batting practice. For more information, you will need to contact the Houston Astros’ tour staff via email at [email protected] Houston Astros Batting Practice TimeCan You Watch Batting Practice at Minute Maid Park?Yes, you can watch batting practice at Minute Maid Park. The official time that Houston Astros batting practice is held can change, but in general, you can expect batting practice to begin roughly two and a half hours before game time. The Astros will take batting practice first, since they are the home team. After that, the visiting team will take their batting practice. The length of batting practice can fluctuate day-to-day, but batting practice usually lasts 45-50 minutes per team. Minute Maid Park gates open 2 hours before game time. Because of this, by the time fans are able to enter the stadium, the Astros will usually already be on the field taking batting practice. Fans who attend batting practice will be asked to find their normal seats as game time approaches. As we discussed earlier, the Houston Astros do offer certain types of Gameday Tours, which may give you premium access to things like batting practice. For more information, you will need to contact the Houston Astros’ tour staff via email at [email protected] What Time do Gates Open for Batting Practice?As we discussed above, Minute Maid Park stadium gates open a full 2 hours prior to first pitch (source). This does mean that even though batting practice often beings roughly 2.5 hours prior to game time, the home team should still be on the field for batting practice when stadium gates open. After the Astros complete their portion of batting practice, the road team will take the field and hold batting practice. For more information on stadium gates, visit our Minute Maid Park Stadium Gate & Parking Guide. Do You Need a Ticket for Batting Practice?You will, of course, need an Astros game ticket to be able to enter Minute Maid Park and watch batting practice, but you don’t need an additional ticket to be able to watch batting practice. If you need tickets for an upcoming Astros game, you can read more by visiting our article that discusses buying Astros tickets at Minute Maid Park. Historic Union Station is located on the southwest side of the stadium, and represent an iconic piece of Houston history. Opened as a rail station in the early 1900s, Union Station was brought back to life and now serves as an area for fans to explore prior to Astros’ games. With over 40 concession stand locations, one of the biggest attractions at Minute Maid Park is the food and drink. You can explore all kinds of ballpark snacks, beer, and wine to further your baseball experience. Enjoy Torchy’s Tacos, $1 hot dogs, and St. Arnold’s Beer as you watch the game. The Astros mural, located behind center field, is a must-see for baseball fans. Become mesmerized by the spirit of orange and blue through the painted history of the Astros. Astros fans never tend to maintain their excitement when walking past the mural. It sends a surge of confidence through all who appreciate the game. The home-run train is another unique attraction at Minute Maid Park. After a Houston home run, watch the conductor lead the train along the tracks above the left field wall. For children and adults alike, it does not get much more unique than an actual train helping to celebrate the Astros’ coming out on top. If you want to purchase fan gear prior to the game, there are several retail shops around the stadium. To learn more, visit our Astros Jersey Guide. Houston Astros Contact InfoThis website (sportsfanfocus.com) has no affiliation with Minute Maid Park, the Houston Astros, MLB, or any of the events hosted at Minute Maid Park. Any information is provided “as is” with no guarantee of completeness, meaning much of this information is subject to change, and although we do our best to keep these guides updated, we can’t guarantee accuracy at all times. For all official information, we urge you to contact the Houston Astros staff. Contact information is below:
Batting PracticeBefore every home game at Minute Maid Park, the Astros and visiting team takes batting practice. Bring a glove and catch some free souvenirs as some of baseball’s biggest stars hit homers into the stands starting 2 hours and 25 minutes before game time. This is also the time when players often interact with fans and give autographs before preparing for the game. If you don’t catch a baseball of your own, there are multiple gift shops at the park overflowing with ‘Stros memorabilia. Play Ball!Once the game is underway, Minute Maid hums with excitement. For restless kids, try visiting the Kids Zone at the northeast corner of the ballpark at the Right Field Entrance near Section 133 for activities, music, and even slushies! Who knows, you might even get to meet Orbit, the Astros’ furry mascot that routinely makes his way around the stadium throughout the game. Food Inside and Outside the StadiumMinute Maid Park made national headlines at the beginning of the 2015 with its fried chicken and waffle cone. For the record, it is as good as it looks! The dish is part of a larger park-wide menu that infuses local flavors with a unique twist. If eating at the stadium isn’t for you, within walking distance of Minute Maid are a handful of excellent dining options offering a great pre-game meetup or post-game celebration. For the more upscale dining experience try the nationally acclaimed Vic & Anthony’s Steakhouse directly across from the ballpark. Jackson Street Barbecue offers mouthwatering BBQ served up Houston-style by acclaimed chef Bill Floyd of Biggios and Grotto. Don’t forget about HTX Fan Tavern and Home Plate Bar & Grill for the favorite neighborhood sports bars. For more options take a short walk to Discovery Green or downtown’s other dining locations. Go ‘Stros!Cheer on one of the best teams in baseball with thousands of other fans as they chase playoff hopes. Each time a home run is hit by the Astros the Minute Maid train blows its horn, shoots fireworks, and chugs its way across the stadium wall towards Union Station. Return to Top Stadium TourMinute Maid ParkOriginally called the Colt .45’s, the Astros changed their name when they began playing at the famous Astrodome from 1965-1999. Minute Maid Park became the new home of baseball in Houston. The park was built using pre-existing historical architecture such as the Houston Union Station terminal as a cornerstone. Free tours are available 3 hours before every home game time (except for Sunday games). Longer, more exclusive tours including the dugout and bullpen are available at 10 am and 12 pm Monday – Saturday for $14.25. Food at the ParkDining inside the stadium has never been easier, or more exciting! GENERAL CONCESSIONS
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