welcome back, carlos

Houston Astros celebrate former All Star's return, teachers, and dog day afternoon at fun-filled homestand

Catch José Altuve and the Astros at an event-filled home series.

When Houston Astros All Star Carlos Correaleft his World Series-winning team in March and headed not for New York or Detroit, but Minnesota, some surprised fans — locally and nationally — wondered if it might signal the end of the Astros’ winning ways.

But that was March. Fast forward to August, and our men in orange and blue are atop the American League, while Correa’s aforementioned Twins sit second in their AL Central division.

Fans will get a chance to say thank you to Correa when the $105 million shortstop returns to Houston as part of a six-game homestand, starting Tuesday, August 23. The ‘Stros take on the Twins from August 23-25, then face off against the Baltimore Orioles for three additional games, August 26-28. Tickets for all games are available here.

Aside from a warm welcome for Correa, the homestand fun includes Peanuts Night, a chance to score Jose Altuve AL Champion Replica Ring and Lance McCullers Jr. Sunday Replica Jersey, and a furry fan fave, Dog Day. Here’s a breakdown of the action, courtesy of your Houston Astros.

Tuesday, August 23, Astros vs. Minnesota Twins: 7:10 pm
As the team opens the Twins series, fans can enjoy Peanuts Night at the ballpark, which celebrates one of the most iconic comic strips of all time. Fans can enjoy Peanuts-themed activations around the ballpark; look for some fun Charlie Brown, Snoopy, and other selfie opportunities. Game grub includes Dollar Dog Night (presented by Texas Chili Company) with unlimited $1 dogs all night.

A pregame ceremony will recognize Correa and his World Series win and his seven cherished seasons with the team. Also, the Astros and Correa’s nonprofit organization, the Correa Family Foundation, will host Mayah Nicole Zamora, a survivor of the Robb Elementary school shooting in Uvalde, for Tuesday’s game. Zamora will throw out a ceremonial first pitch and will stay for the game.

Thursday, August 25 – Astros vs. Minnesota Twins, 7:10 pm
As the Astros close out the series with the Twins, fans will receive a Jose Altuve American League Champion Replica Ring, presented by Gallery Furniture. One lucky fan will score a personalized ALCS Elite Fan Ring, replete with real diamonds and 10k white gold. Get more information on Astros rings here.

In a nod to back to school, Thursday also marks Teacher Appreciation Night; teachers will toss a ceremonial first pitch and more.

Friday, August 26 – Astros vs. Baltimore Orioles, 7:10 pm
In what marks the first meeting of the two ball clubs in 2022, the Astros open the series against Baltimore; the first 10,000 fans will receive a Lance McCullers Jr. Sunday Replica Jersey, presented by StubHub. Standout kids get a shout as the Astros Foundation toast the Reliant Readers Slide into Summer Reading program. The event honors more than 1,000 kids who read more 140,000 minutes over the summer as a part of the program.

More Friday fun includes Pregame Happy Hour (5 pm-7 pm) and Friday Night Fireworks.

Saturday, August 27 – Astros vs. Baltimore Orioles: 6:10 pm
A fan favorite gets his due as the first 10,000 fans will receive a Michael Brantley “Dr. Smooth” Bobblehead, presented by Veritex Community Bank.

Sunday, August 28 – Astros vs. Baltimore Orioles: 1:10 pm
As the team closes out the Orioles series, the always popular Dog Day returns for some four-legged fun. The first 500 dogs will receive a special Orbit Dog Toy. Furry friends (and their parents) are invited to a series of vendor booths, including Houston BARC Foundation, Three Dog Bakery, Lance McCullers Jr. Foundation, Raisin’ Canes PetSuites, and more.

Notably, human fans must purchase a ticket for themselves and their dog; dogs are only admitted with proof purchase of Dog Day tickets.

The team will also salute Army veteran Jodie and his service dog, Donna, both represent K9 for Warriors, a non-profit organization that rescues dogs and trains them to be Service Dogs for veterans suffering from PTSD.

Get more information on Dog Day here.

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chill out

Houston Astros ballpark gets cool new name for the next 15 years

Courtesy of the Houston Astros

The Astros' stadium will have a new name in 2025.

The Houston Astros are about to have the coolest ballpark in Major League Baseball. The team announced on Monday, November 18 that its has reached a naming rights agreement HVAC manufacturer Daikin Comfort Technologies North America, Inc.

Beginning on January 1, 2025, the stadium will be known as Daikin Park (die-kin). Scheduled to run through the 2039 season, the new name replaces Minute Maid Park, which has been the stadium’s name since 2002. It opened in 1999 as Enron Field.

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Astros fans online are already calling the new stadium “The Ice Box,” replacing its informal “The Juice Box” moniker. That name feels likely to stick.

Japan-based Daikin Industries is a leading manufacturer of HVAC systems. It sells air conditioning units and other products under brand names such as Daikin, Goodman, Amana® and Quietflex. Critically, it operates Daikin Texas Technology Park in nearby Waller, which is the largest HVAC manufacturing facility in North America. The company employs approximately 10,000 people in Greater Houston, according to a release.

“We are excited to be partnering with Daikin for our ballpark’s naming rights,” Astros owner Jim said. “Daikin is an international company that proudly calls the Greater Houston area its North American home. The Houston Astros and Daikin share the same values, a commitment to excellence and a desire to give back to our local community. As we celebrate the 25th anniversary of this ballpark in 2025, I am proud to have Daikin alongside us to create even more special memories for our fans now and in the future.”

The Astros will use the revenue for new stadium amenities and other upgrades. It will also continue the team’s various community initiatives. Terms of the deal were not disclosed. the Houston Chronicle notes that naming rights deals may be worth anywhere from $3.5 million per year (T-Mobile park in Seattle) to $11 million per year for the Texas Rangers’ Globe Life Field.

The team’s first game in Daikin Park will take place on Monday, March 24, which it plays an exhibition against its Triple-A affiliate, the Sugar Land Space Cowboys. It will open the regular season on Thursday, March 27 against the New York Mets.

“Daikin fit all of the criteria we set out to find in a naming rights partner,” Astros senior vice president Matt Brand added. “Their name and reputation fit our iconic downtown Houston home, and their values mesh perfectly with those of the Astros. We are grateful to partner with the entire Daikin team and to help them succeed in their business goals. Daikin Park will be a special place for our fans for many years to come.”

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