houston astros 2018
Here are 8 parties in Houston to catch the Astros home opener
As nearly everyone in Houston knows, April 2 is the first home game of the new season for the World Series-winning Houston Astros — and fans are psyched.
Tickets for their home matchup between the Baltimore Orioles at Minute Maid Park have been predictably selling like throwback jerseys. However, if you haven’t snagged any seats, you can always head over to these get-togethers, watch the game, and cheer our home team on with fellow proud Houstonians:
Astros Opening Day Street Fest
A Major League Baseball-sanctioned, Budweiser-sponsored street fest will be happening all afternoon. The music headliners for this event are none other than Grammy-winning R&B group The Emotions (“Best of My Love”). There’s also the usual stuff — games, food trucks, and activities for the whole fam. It starts at 1 p.m. Note: A game ticket is required to enter into the fest.
ESPN 97.5 Opening Day live broadcast
While you take part in the official downtown Street Fest, stop by the luxurious new 500 Crawford luxury apartments, directly across from Minute Maid Park. Hosts from ESPN 97.5 will broadcast live all day; you can nosh on kolaches from the Kolache Shoppe in the morning, or some 'cue in the afternoon, courtesy of Rudy's Counry Store and Bar-B-Q. Enjoy the shows, grab some free swag, and register to win free Astros tickets, courtesy of Gulf Coast Chevrolet.
Astros Opening Day happy hour at Conservatory
The multi-faceted, NoDo underground spot is out to bring in fans who will be attending the game by reminding them of their daily, happy-hour special: all of the 60 draft beers are $4. And after some cheap imbibing, people can take a short stroll to the game, since it’s only four blocks away. It starts at 4 pm. No cover.
Astros Opening Day Party at The Barking Pig
Watch the game and have an artery-clogging good time at this eatery/patio bar, located in The Heights. There will be $2 chili cheese hot dogs, $6 wing baskets, and $10 domestic beer buckets. There is also the Monday-night special: a $12 pork chop plate. It starts at 7 pm. No cover.
Astros Opening Day 2018 Block Party at Lucky’s Pub
EaDo hangout Lucky’s Pub is turning opening day into a day-long shindig with this block party. Among the goodies that’ll be offered: free koozies to the first 500 people, live music, food trucks including The Burger Joint & Sticky’s Chicken, autographed memorabilia, and Astros-inspired clothing. And, of course, the game will be shown on the JumboTron. It starts at 11 am. No cover.
Astros Home Opener & NCAA Tournament Final at Lincoln Bar Houston
Opening day coincidentally falls on this bar’s weekly industry night, “Mutha Effen Mondaze.” Not only will this place show the home opener, but the NCAA Finals. Six-dollar “effen” cocktails and other beverages will be served by special guest bartender Wendy, while DJ Playboy will dish out the music. It starts at 8 pm. No cover.
Astros Home Opener at Whatever Sports Bar
This one deserves a shout-out because, hey, the name of the place is Whatever Sports Bar. The bar is offering up Astros Jello shots (we’re assuming they’re orange), along with $4 Astro bombs, $3 you-call-its and $1.25 domestic drafts. Patrons will also get the chance to win four tickets to an Astros game (wear your Astros gear for an extra raffle ticket). It starts at 4 pm. No cover.
Houston Astros vs. Baltimore Orioles at Minute Maid Park
Of course, you can just skip all of this and go straight to the game. Tickets start at $175, but you might find cheaper or better seats at TicketNetwork’s online resale market. Good luck, and be ready to scream for your home team. Things kick off at 6:10 pm.