A more subdued Houston Astros' home opener: When Opening Day carries little buzz
Although nearly 200 people showed up to celebrate. Whether it was home opener orsimply Friday, we can't be sure.Photo by Caroline Gallay
Only a handful of folks at Saint Arnold Friday were in Astros gear.Photo by Caroline Gallay
In preparation for the Houston Astros' 2011 home opener, we headed to Saint Arnold's yearly pre-game fete to get a sampling of the fan's expectations.
There were 169 people sipping away in the main hall just 30 minutes after the doors opened at 3 p.m., but only around 20 more seeped in before the taps closed at 4. It was a lively crowd, and a gregarious one, but not even half the Friday afternoon attendees were in Astros gear.
One group said they had seen enough of the season to forgo finagling home opener tickets, and instead headed to Saint Arnold for one simple reason: It's Friday.
Those who were in jerseys were largely in throwbacks, (think Biggio, Bagwell or Berkman) — the type of fans who attend the home opener whatever the forecast.
Tell us: Do you feel the buzz this year? Did you even know it was Opening Day?
