The rivalry between the Houston Astros and the Texas Rangers started as an interleague rivalry until the Astros joined the American League in 2013, making it an intra-divisional rivalry. While they no longer compete for the Silver Boot, the stakes are now much higher as the two teams go head to head for the AL West crown.
Astros Tailgate Guide
Atmosphere
The atmosphere around Minute Maid Park is a little bit calmer than other parks, but there is still plenty to see and experience while catching a game here. Tailgating is not allowed in the controlled parking lots surrounding the stadium, but there are some good bars in the area that many fans enjoy before the game. Nicknamed “The Juice Box,” what Minute Maid Park lacks in tailgating, the features, and amenities of the stadium and the surrounding town of Houston keep fans coming back.
The Plaza on Crawford Street immortalizes two of the Astros biggest legends: Jeff Bagwell and Craig Biggio. The statues capture Biggio completing a double play to a stretched out Bagwell and are a must-see for any baseball fan. Have your picture taken with the statues to commemorate your trip to Houston.
Before the game take a tour of Minute Maid Park to learn more about the ballpark and see where the action goes on behind the scenes. No trip to Minute Maid Park is complete without taking a ballpark tour, so arrive early and see the facility in all its glory.
Lucky’s PubVoted Houston’s best sports bar, Lucky’s is only a few blocks away from Minute Maid Park and has a free shuttle service to and from the park. Choose from more than 100 beers and enjoy some good food prior to the first pitch at Lucky’s Pub.
Home PlateDirectly across from Minute Maid Park, Home Plate is a three story bar that keeps the drinks flowing before Astros games. The bar is always packed before, during, and after the game so if you feel like keeping the party going, this is the place for you.
Astros Stadium Guide
In Game
Minute Maid Park may be going on two decades old now, but that doesn’t mean it isn’t still a great place to take in a ball game. The ballpark features countless amenities including a retractable roof and much-needed air conditioning, which allows fans to beat the Texas summer heat.
The stadium is also home to several tributes to the Astros past both inside and outside the park. Before entering the park make sure to check out The Plaza on Crawford Place, which is home to statues honoring Astros legends Craig Biggio and Jeff Bagwell. Then once inside the Union Station Lobby is filled with tons of Astros memorabilia.
If that’s not enough to keep you entertained, the action on the field and the scoreboard will. The ‘Stros pull out all the stops to keep fans engaged including a variety of between inning promotions including the Kiss Cam and Missile Cam.
Finally, even if you’re a fan of the visiting team hope the Astros hit at least one home run so you can see the Minute Maid Train in action.
A steam engine filled with Minute Maid oranges adorns the left field wall and moves down its track when the Astros hit a home run or win. Don’t miss the train after every Astros home run as it’s a must-see aspect of any game played at Minute Maid Park.
The Union State Lobby is home to many historical mementos from the Astros past. Come check out the displays rotating displays that always have something new to offer.
On the main concourse in left field is the Home Run Gas Pump, which has been counting home runs hit in Minute Park since the park opened 2000. Stop by the Home Run Gas Pump on the Home Run Porch and see how many homers have been hit.
This restaurant dedicated to Craig Biggio and Jeff Bagwell serves upscale food and cocktails before, during, and after the game. Reservations can be made for two hours before game time, but seating is first to come first serve once the gates open. The restaurant also has a loft upstairs with a tequila bar and pool tables, so stop by and check it out.
Two Astros greats are immortalized in this plaza: Jeff Bagwell and Craig Biggio. The design of the statues captures Biggio completing a double play to a stretched out Bagwell. Be sure to take your picture with the statues as many Astros fans do
Every Friday home game at Minute Maid Park features a firework show. If you want to see some fireworks then make sure to get tickets for a Friday night game.
In the middle of the fifth inning, the Astros entertainment crew breaks out the kiss cam. Get ready to pucker up during the fifth inning as you wouldn’t want to disappoint your fellow fans.
On the other end of the spectrum, the missile cam tries to “target” fans wearing the opposing team colors and displays them on the video board. Make sure to wear orange and navy if you want to avoid being on the Missile Cam.
The Astros mascot wanders throughout the stadium giving high fives and doing his signature “bobble-belly” dance or the iconic moonwalk. Astros fans young and old love Orbit, so keep an eye out for him when attending a game at Minute Maid Park.
These yellow right and left field “fowl” poles each have three renegade cows wearing Astros hats and containing the message to “Eat Mor Fowl.” If an Astros player hits one of the poles, cows included, then Chik-Fil-A will give every fan in attendance a free chicken sandwich.
Fight Songs
Deep in the Heart of Texas
This Texas favorite is played during the seventh inning stretch
The stars at night – are big and bright
Deep in the heart of texas.
The prairie sky – is wide and high
Deep in the heart of texas.
The sage in bloom – is like perfume
Deep in the heart of texas.
Reminds me of – the one I love
Deep in the heart of texas.
The cowboys cry – ki-yip-pie-yi
Deep in the heart of texas.
The rabbits rush – around the brush
Deep in the heart of texas.
The coyotes wail – along the trail
Deep in the heart of texas.
The doggies bawl – and bawl and bawl
Deep in the heart of texas.
Won't Be Fooled Again
Played with fireworks after every long ball that lands in the seats
We’ll be fighting in the streets
With our children at our feet
And the morals that they worship will be gone
And the men who spurred us on
Sit in judgement of all wrong
They decide and the shotgun sings the song
I’ll tip my hat to the new constitution
Take a bow for the new revolution
Smile and grin at the change all around
Pick up my guitar and play
Just like yesterday
Then I’ll get on my knees and pray
We don’t get fooled again
The change, it had to come
We knew it all along
We were liberated from the fold, that’s all
And the world looks just the same
And history ain’t changed
‘Cause the banners, they are flown in the next war
I’ll tip my hat to the new constitution
Take a bow for the new revolution
Smile and grin at the change all around
Pick up my guitar and play
Just like yesterday
Then I’ll get on my knees and pray
We don’t get fooled again
No, no!
I’ll move myself and my family aside
If we happen to be left half alive
I’ll get all my papers and smile at the sky
Though I know that the hypnotized never lie
Do ya?
There’s nothing in the streets
Looks any different to me
And the slogans are replaced, by-the-bye
And the parting on the left
Are now parting on the right
And the beards have all grown longer overnight
I’ll tip my hat to the new constitution
Take a bow for the new revolution
Smile and grin at the change all around
Pick up my guitar and play
Just like yesterday
Then I’ll get on my knees and pray
We don’t get fooled again
Don’t get fooled again
No, no!
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