a refreshing change

Houston Astros go extra innings with major beverage and food rule change at Minute Maid Park

Minute maid Park Houston flag world series champions

Beer and bites will now be served through the end of Minute Maid Park games.

Photo courtesy of Houston Astros

The World Series champion Houston Astros have just eliminated that familiar, frantic beer run rush at Minute Maid Park during the seventh inning stretch.

Fans can now buy beer, alcoholic beverages, and food at limited locations through the end of games, with some 40 percent of refreshment outposts remaining open for the entire game.

Notably, the friendly, roaming beer men and ladies will still stop selling by the end of the seventh inning, according to press materials. For those keeping (beer) score, alcohol cutoff will be four hours after first pitch — or at the facility management's discretion.

As always, Minute Maid Park staff can and will reserve the right to refuse service to fans they deem over-served.

Astros reps didn't have an official reason for the change when CultureMap inquired, but speculation is that the move comes as the new pitch clock instilled by Major League Baseball has noticeably shortened games.

Houston joins several other MLB franchises in the extension, including the Texas Rangers and — apropos — the Milwaukee Brewers.

So take heart, Astros fans. Now there's no need to miss a 3-run Breggy Bomb, Yordan going yard with walk-off blast, or Abreu going triple digits — all in the pursuit of a refreshing brew or Dollar Dog. Call this one a public service.

pat saddles up

Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo makes history with election of first female chairman of the board

Photo courtesy of the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo

Pat Mann Phillips saddles up in 2024.

In 2022, the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo made history by making local rap icon Bun B the first Black headliner from Houston. Now, the venerable institution has made history again with the appointment of its first female chairman of the board.

Pat Mann Phillips, a rodeo life member since 2001, will begin her three-year tenure as chairman of the board starting with the 2024 Rodeo, according to an announcement. She takes over for departing chairman Brady Carruth.

“As the newly elected Chairman of the Board, I am humbled and honored to lead the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo and our amazing team of dedicated volunteers,” Phillips tells CultureMap. "Together, we embark on a transformative endeavor to propel our organization to its fullest potential. By breaking new ground and pushing boundaries, we will elevate the rodeo experience to unprecedented heights, capturing the essence of our vibrant community and its unwavering spirit.”

Her first objective, according to the rodeo, will be to collaborate with the executive committee to lead the Rodeo, focusing on its core mission of promoting agriculture and supporting Texas youth and education.

Heralded by peers and staff for her high-energy, positive, genuine, compassionate, and humble nature, Phillips has served on myriad rodeo committees, various committees, including the Corral Club – Suites, Directions & Assistance, Jr. Rodeo, and Special Children's committees.

She was elected to the board of directors in 2012 and rodeo vice president from 2016 to 2018. During her tenure, she oversaw the Transportation, Magazine, Special Children's, Agricultural Education (formerly Ladies' Go Texan), Souvenir Program, and Communications & Special Services committees. She joined the rodeos executive committee in 2018.

Consummately Houston and rodeo, Phillips holds a BBA in Petroleum Land Management and a BBA in Finance from Texas Tech University and boasts more than 30 years of experience in the energy industry. She is currently the executive director of Energy Services for Revenade, a global management consulting firm.

Rodeo is a family affair: She and her husband, Tim Phillips have contributed financially through auction buying groups, season tickets, and donations to the Rodeo's Educational Fund. Tim Phillips, a former chair of the Jr. Rodeo Committee, continues to serve on the Special Children's Committee, per the rodeo.

Pat and Tim Phillips also walk the walk: they own Trinity Spirit Ranch in Field Store, Texas and manage their family ranch in Johnson County, Texas. Pat is also a charter member of Texas Women Venture Fund and a member and former director of Ladies of Texas Tradition, per her bio. She is a mentor and board member in organizations including Amigas Para Niños and the American Association of Professional Landmen.

“Our rich traditions serve as the cornerstone of our mission, and it is my hope that through our collective efforts, we not only preserve these traditions but also ignite a flame of inspiration within others,” Par Phillips says. “I am thrilled to saddle up for this exhilarating journey ahead. Together, we will leave a lasting legacy, inspiring generations to come and making a profound difference in the lives of those we touch.”