subject: Houston Astros Tickets And A Day At Minute Maid Park [print this page] Joining the National League in 1962, when they were first established, the Houston Astros are also Central Division members but did not join the Central Division until 1994. Established as the Houston Colt .45s in 1962, the team kept the name for three years before changing it and moving their team to the Astrodome; recognized as the world's first domed sports venue. Donning black, brick red and sand, the Astros have affectionately been known as The 'Stros. Although the Astros have not won any World Series titles to date, they do have one National League Pennant to their credit from 2005, 4 Central Division titles earned in 1997, 1998, 1999 and 2001, 2 West Division titles earned in 1980 and 1986 and 2 Wild card berths earned in 2004 and 2005.
As the Houston Colt .45s, the team didn't get off to a fantastic start. The move to the Astrodome and the name change to the Astros. During this time, the Astros revolutionized the ballpark playing surface because grass would not grow inside the Astrodome, "Astroturf" was created. This artificial playing turf was responsible for a true change to the way the game was played and is still used today.
Retired numbers for the Astros include the honorary retirement of number 42 for Jackie Robinson. Other players numbers taken into retirement include Jeff Bagwell (5), Craig Biggio (7), Jimmy Wynn (24), Jose Cruz (25), Jim Umbricht (32), Mike Scott (33), Nolan Ryan (34), Don Wilson (40) and Larry Dierker (49). The number 57 has not been officially retired but the Astros have not opted to reissue this number because former pitcher Darryl Kile passed away as an active member of the St. Louis Cardinals in 2002.
The Astros began their playing history in Colt Stadium from 1962 to 1964. In 1965, they moved to the Astrodome which was also known as the Harris County Domed Stadium and The Dome. The occupied this venue until 1999 and the end of that season. The following year, in 2000, the Astros made another move to a new ballpark known as Minute Maid Park where they have been since that time.
Minute Maid Park has not always had the name it holds now. Previously it was known as The Ballpark at Union Station in 2000, Enron Field from 2000 to 2002 and Astros Field from February 2002 to July 2002. Located at 501 Crawford Street in Houston, Texas, this $250 million dollar facility was first opened for an exhibition game on March 30, 2000. Minute Maid Park has been the location for many major events including the longest World Series game which lasted 5 hours and 41 minutes when the Astros took on the Chicago White Sox. In 2007, Craig Biggio hammered out his 3000th career hit.
Minute Maid Park features excellent views of downtown Houston and has the famed Conoco Home Run Porch for fans who choose the location to enjoy a game. From the Crawford Boxes to Tal's Hill and famous flagpole, Minute Maid Park has many exciting features and amenities.
