Fortunately for fans, Jim Crane appears to be investing in a quality on-field product (although he needs to extend Kyle Tucker), because to me it seems that the stadium experience of attending a game gets worse each year.

When MMP was built, you could walk the concourse around the stadium and watch the game almost the entire time. Now 80% of the field view from the concourse is blocked with concession stands. And it's not like having all of the extra concession stands has improved the wait time in line because it still takes forever to get overpriced food and beer.

Last night 5 different concession stands were out of hot dogs by the 6th inning, and it wasn't even dollar hot dog night. Concession stands are woefully under-staffed and as long as it takes to get anything, it seems the kitchen is as well. With the new speed up rules in place, a trip to the concession stand is going to take at least an inning. Possibly two. And every nook and cranny has been turned into a place to take your money. Aside from the half-assed "Hall of Fame" on the outfield concourse, there is very little there to enhance the fan experience. In comparison, Dodger Stadium has memorabilia, displays, pictures, interactive experiences, and murals everywhere. It's like going to a baseball museum. MMP has 6 different Team Stores all selling the same overpriced crap.

The area around the stadium is sketchy, dirty, and run-down looking. It looks like no attention is paid to the stadium exterior. There is paint peeling and weeds in the sidewalks. The stadium does not look like the home of a team experiening a pretty good run of success.

I'm sure I'll still go to a game or two a year, but watching at home is a much better option because attending a game is not the experience it once was. In an effort to squeeze every penny ouf of the fans, Jim Crane has ruined a lot of the asthetics of the stadium and made attending a game far from a fun event.

Ok. End of rant. Like I said, at least it appears that money is being invested into the on-field product.

I went on Monday and had a great experience. We were in the 200's. Maybe stop being a bitter old poor and get in the good section next time.

Milwaukees Best Light said:

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I went on Monday and had a great experience. We were in the 200's. Maybe stop being a bitter old poor and get in the good section next time

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Glad to hear you had a good experience. I didn't realize 100 level seats on the 3rd baseline were not a "good section". Thanks for the tip.

Yeah still seems fine to me. I haven't noticed any difference but I'm mostly going to watch the game and guzzle as much beer as possible in a few hours. The area around there has always been sketchy but its much improved from what it used to be.

Booma94 said:

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pretty good run of success

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Booma94 said:

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The area around the stadium is sketchy, dirty, and run-down looking.

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Man, I can only imagine what you thought about that area 20 years ago

Good lord the level of self importance you must have to type out and post this rant. Can't even go to a baseball game and enjoy it without coming here to spew snobbery out of your ass.

Booma94 said:

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Milwaukees Best Light said:

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I went on Monday and had a great experience. We were in the 200's. Maybe stop being a bitter old poor and get in the good section next time

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Glad to hear you had a good experience. I didn't realize 100 level seats on the 3rd baseline were not a "good section". Thanks for the tip.

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Nothing like a good Texags nut flexing about being in the lower mezzanine at MMP only to be out nut flexed by somebody in the 100's.

MMP is ****ing awesome. Sorry you're a hater.

Also, love when people who maybe go to a game a year think that the team should model everything around what makes them happy.

The Astros/Crane bought a couple plots of land across Texas Ave from Minute Maid Park to turn it into a hotel/convention center/restaurant/bar space that connects to the stadium via crosswalk. So he's going to get your money outside of the stadium too.

https://www.si.com/mlb/astros/news/houston-astros-breaking-ground-entertainment-center-minute-maid-park

Diggity said:

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Booma94 said:

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The area around the stadium is sketchy, dirty, and run-down looking.

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Man, I can only imagine what you thought about that area 20 years ago

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I'm clearly in the minority in this whole thread, but I preferred it when the BUS and Home Plate Bar were there.

It will be expensive but the Astros have needed something like this for a long time. They desperately need some places directly outside the park where you can pregame before games. Thats my biggest knock on the stadium right now. Pre game atmosphere is pretty bleak.

We used to hit up the Bus before games like religion back in the day. They need about 4 or 5 of those type of places across the street. Or something like the Ranger/Braves have outside their field? I'm guessing thats what Crane is planning? (I didnt click the link)

AustinCountyAg said:

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It will be expensive but the Astros have needed something like this for a long time. They desperately need some places directly outside the park where you can pregame before games. Thats my biggest knock on the stadium right now. Pre game atmosphere is pretty bleak.

We used to hit up the Bus before games like religion back in the day. They need about 4 or 5 of those type of places across the street. Or something like the Ranger/Braves have outside their field? I'm guessing thats what Crane is planning? (I didnt click the link)

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Thats exactly what he's trying to do. Crane also owns both restaurants on the first floor of the 500 Crawford St apartments.

The BUS was a dump. I dont mind a divey bar next to the ballpark but they were charging ballpark drink prices. I'm sure the new place will be just as pricey.

That stadium is 23 years old. I'm more surprised the shape it's in for being that old. To me it's not really showing it's age as it's older than you realize.

The Dome was 23 in 88 and I feel it was in much worse shape at 23 than MMP.

The lower level does suck for amenities as it seems there's not enough concessions and the concourse is crowded. That's the price we pay for a successful club.

We miss the playoffs for a decade and a few sub .500 seasons and you'll have your run of the place. I hope that doesn't happen.

AustinCountyAg said:

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It will be expensive but the Astros have needed something like this for a long time. They desperately need some places directly outside the park where you can pregame before games. Thats my biggest knock on the stadium right now. Pre game atmosphere is pretty bleak.

We used to hit up the Bus before games like religion back in the day. They need about 4 or 5 of those type of places across the street. Or something like the Ranger/Braves have outside their field? I'm guessing thats what Crane is planning? (I didnt click the link)

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I know what you are saying but back in the day you had 2 places right across the street from the stadium and then not much else for a while.

Now though, there's loads of places people can go within a 10 minute walk from the park. I think if anything… ability to get a drink right before and after a game at Minute Maid has improved drastically from 20 years ago or whatever.

Poors who don't sit in the Diamond Club.

OP slowly and quietly trying to extinguish his burning torch when he realizes that the "who is with me?" exclamation revealed no one is actually with him.

I love MMP, always have. I have not had the same experience. Go Stros!

Wptothemo said:

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OP slowly and quietly trying to extinguish his burning torch when he realizes that the "who is with me?" exclamation revealed no one is actually with him.

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Probably realizing his irritation has to do with being old now an less tolerant of big crowds and going to downtown than it does of the stadium going to hell.

It's understandable.

Yeah there's a ton of food and drink options within walking distance. Could be better...but could be way worse.

htxag09 said:

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MMP is ****ing awesome. Sorry you're a hater.

Also, love when people who maybe go to a game a year think that the team should model everything around what makes them happy.

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The majority of people at a game on any given night only go to a few games a year. I'm saying going to a game could be a true event and a much better fan experience than it has become for casual fans.

If you're going to games and you only care about the on-field product, the Crane is your guy and he's doing a good job. But much like attending a game at Kyle Field is as much about the gameday experience as it is about the game, MMP is missing the target of being an entertainment experience. Taking kids and family to an Astros game doesn't offer much for those for who are casual fans, especially when compared to a lot of other venues.

ptothemo said:

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OP slowly and quietly trying to extinguish his burning torch when he realizes that the "who is with me?" exclamation revealed no one is actually with him.

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His real name is Tobias Funke.

Oh FFS give me a break! Some people are just never happy. I remember going to the dome a few times a year as a kid ...which was way worse than MMP in most ways (parking, traffic, amenities, etc...)...and thought it was the greatest thing ever! And my young kids love going to Astros games now - even though they don't care a thing about what's going on in the game.

Larry's bamboo lounge used to have "reasonably" priced beer before the game started. Do they still do that? We used to have company seats but gave those up when the new cheapskate president started.

I went to the very first Astros vs Red Sox Game in history at MMP, walked into Larry's before the game and there was a Red Sox fan sitting at the bar drinking. He said he has seen the Sox in every park they've played in and he and the wife and friends flew in for the game. I told him I was impressed by the number of Red Sox fans at the game and we talked a bit and he was a nice guy. I left with my beer.

Three innings later I walk in, same guy is sitting in the same spot, watching the game on the TV in Larry's. I said, "Hey man, you're still here!"

He said, "YOU GOT A PROBLEM WITH THAT!"

I got another beer and left...ha...I don't think he ever saw a second of the game live and not on TV.

ATM9000 said:

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Wptothemo said:

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OP slowly and quietly trying to extinguish his burning torch when he realizes that the "who is with me?" exclamation revealed no one is actually with him.

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Probably realizing his irritation has to do with being old now an less tolerant of big crowds and going to downtown than it does of the stadium going to hell.

It's understandable.

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Maybe a nugget of truth to this. But probably more the result of attending games at other stadiums where there is more focus on the 'fan experience'.

Astros on-field product has been second to none for 6-7 seasons. It's clearly (and maybe correctly) where the owner puts his focus.

MAS444 said:

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Yeah there's a ton of food and drink options within walking distance. Could be better...but could be way worse.

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Could you imagine if they were still playing in the dome or even a new stadium in the NRG Park complex. Perhaps the area around the park would have some better options than now, but I doubt it.

I think the pre/post game scene is great around MMP.

There's plenty of places to eat or drink all over the place with Lucky's, Biggio's, Vic and Anthony's, Osso & Kristalla and all the bars up and down Main St. Not to mention the breweries over there by BBVA.

If you can't find a place to pre or post game then something is wrong on your part.

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MAS444 said:
Yeah there's a ton of food and drink options within walking distance. Could be better...but could be way worse.

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Could you imagine if they were still playing in the dome or even a new stadium in the NRG Park complex. Perhaps the area around the park would have some better options than now, but I doubt it.

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No! I loved the dome as a kid - but it sucked for baseball and that whole area is awful. I remember what a big deal it was when Enron opened downtown (and Toyota Center a few years later). SOOOO much better in every way.

Ag_07 said:

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I think the pre/post game scene is great around MMP.

There's plenty of places to eat or drink all over the place with Lucky's, Biggio's, Vic and Anthony's, Osso & Kristalla and all the bars up and down Main St. Not to mention the breweries over there by BBVA.

If you can't find a place to pre or post game then something is wrong on your part.

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yes, there are plenty of places within a 10 minute walk, but thats not creating an atmosphere around the field.

Go to a game at Fenway, Wrigley, Braves new field, hell even Yankee stadium. There are multiple BARS (no offense but Vic and Anthonys and Cranes fancy Italian place isnt enhancing game day fan experience at MMP) directly across the street from the stadium. People can bar hop and be right next to field. Even Rangers new field has the Texan Live right there with multiple bars/restaurants, shops, etc. My point is you can get to the field and hang out before the game at have a drink or two and then go inside the stadium.

MMP doesn't have that draw because there is nothing convenient directly outside the stadium to hang out before a game. Not walking fifteen minutes from a bar to the field.

I love the Astros, and MMP, but having been to games at numerous fields in MLB the fan experience pre/post game is lacking.


With all that said after Crane gets done doing his thing I bet it will get a lot better.

MAS444 said:

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Quote:

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MAS444 said:
Yeah there's a ton of food and drink options within walking distance. Could be better...but could be way worse.

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Could you imagine if they were still playing in the dome or even a new stadium in the NRG Park complex. Perhaps the area around the park would have some better options than now, but I doubt it.

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No! I loved the dome as a kid - but it sucked for baseball and that whole area is awful. I remember what a big deal it was when Enron opened downtown (and Toyota Center a few years later). SOOOO much better in every way.

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I know the Braves took some flack for moving from Turner Field after only 25 years but their situation was the equivalent of the Astros getting a new stadium next to the Dome in the 90s. The Astros and fans would have been begging for a change too if they had that situation. I'm a little surprised to see the Rangers do it again by building what is now the 3rd ballpark in that complex, but I get that their options are limited with Arlington footing a large part of the bill. At least this time they built a restaurant/bar complex next to the stadium. Its definitely a captive market for pre- or post-game activities at Rangers games.

Booma94 said:

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But much like attending a game at Kyle Field is as much about the gameday experience as it is about the game,

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Yeah. Who cares about the **** product on the field when I can have a bucket of nachos and blaring rap music!

Couple points of clarification:

1) The Braves moved their stadium because season ticket holders weren't in the area any longer. Turner Field was a wonderful venue but Atlanta has moved north in a major way over the last decade plus. They simply couldn't continue with a stadium in that location and sell season tickets. They did do a wonderful job but it's a pretty suburban park so lane was pretty easy to acquire.
2) Texas Live existed before the Rangers built their park. The Rangers needed to add a roof to their stadium because summer games were MISERABLE. Most people never realized the Rangers Sunday games in the summer were at night because of the heat.

Both the Rangers and Braves did new ballparks for ticket sales. Their stadiums were fine and would have lasted longer had Turner been further north and the old GlobeLife had a roof.

I do agree MMP needs something like what those parks have but land has been an issue. The pending construction to 59 Im assuming was also an issue as they couldn't solidify plans until all of that got worked out.

Crane has the land and 59 seems to be solidified so I bet in a couple years we'll have to find something else to b1tch about other than not being able to pay $15 for a mass distributed beer directly across Texas from MMP.

project will start after this season

They're literally in the middle of repainting all the steel at MMP right now. Millions of dollars and multiple years to complete. It's a ton of steel.

FWIW I'm not sure I want what Texas has. That stadium was built as an entertainment venue first and a baseball stadium second.

The Bus and Home Plate were good but they turned into dumps toward the end.

I have no issue at all with the options in and around MMP. Nothing at all wrong with dinner/lunch nearby then drinks at Biggio's then waking to the game.