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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 45-60 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 (gate times are subject to change).
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 Time
Can 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 45-60 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.
Other Things to do Besides Watching Batting Practice 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 Info
This 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:
- Minute Maid Park – View Stadium Information
- Houston Astros – View Contact Information
- How to Get a Minute Maid Park Parking Pass