A Fan's Guide to the Game

With a solid returning lineup and some strong arms in the starting rotation, the Houston Astros are setting their eyes on a chance to get into the World Series. Any Astros fan headed out for a game at Minute Maid Park should take a look at our "Fan's Guide to the Game" below.

Welcome to neo-retro ball park design at its finest. On the corner of Crawford and Texas Streets on the East Side of downtown Houston lies one of Major League Baseball's most exciting stadiums. Finished in 2000 at a cost of $250 million, Minute Maid Park is a shining addition to the great sport of baseball.

Not only does the exterior design add a slice of beauty to Houston's downtown, the views from inside the Park are impressive as well. Not only did Minute Maid Park bring back a natural grass playing surface, it also incorporated a few icons from baseball's past to enhance the game as well. Let's start with the flagpole in center field, built as a tribute to Tiger Stadium... it's set two-feet into fair territory! I pity the fielder that has to sacrifice his noggin by slamming into this nasty obstruction during a do-or-die catch. Then there's the 10 degree incline known as Tal's Hill. As if the flagpole wasn't enough to weigh heavy on any center fielder's mind during deep hit shots, they go and bring back some baseball lore straight out of Crosley Field. Let's just hope that the incline and flagpole don't end up giving new meaning to the term "dead-center" one of these days!

From the colonnade pillars along the left field wall to the nasty crooks created by bullpens, sloping surfaces or a flagpole sticking out into the playing surface of center field, you have to believe visiting outfielders leave Minute Maid Park with frayed nerves.

Asymmetrical walls and retro design features are just a few of the pleasantries that make a visit to Minute Maid Park worth every penny. There's a home run celebration that's best to let first-time visitors experience for themselves; we'll just say it's pretty darn cool. The 'Stros have a great shot at taking a division title home this year and you have no excuse not to get down to the Park as often as possible this season.

Good times, cold brews and one heck-of-a-nice ball park are calling, so grab some friends, family or co-workers and enjoy some great Astros action this season!