Minute Maid Park

OWNER

Houston Harris County Sports Authority

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

Seats: 42,000

Architect: Populous / Molina & Associates

Minute Maid Park

Houston
Texas

Super Bowl LI (2017) — Minute Maid Park hosted the NFL Opening Night on January 30, 2017. Opening Night, which debuted at Super Bowl 50, is the first time the players and coaches meet with the media. Thousands of fans attend to watch media interview players and experience other activities such as live musical performances, special appearances and autographs by NFL Legends, cheerleaders and team mascots, and a Red Carpet fan photo opportunity.

Minute Maid Park established a new worldwide standard for modern retractable-roof ballpark design with regards to economy and delivery schedule, opening under budget and on time for the 2000 season, a rarity among retractable roof ballparks before Walter P Moore designed this, our first. The venue provides an intimate natural grass home venue for the American League Houston (originally National) and hosted the 2004 Major League All-Star game to rave reviews.

The ballpark’s 580-ft-span retractable roof allows the Astros to play outdoors on nice days, but also protects fans from rain, humidity, and oppressive heat during the dog days of Houston’s summer. A 115-ft-tall moving glass left field wall opens to create the most open of major league retractable roof ballparks. 

Walter P Moore also provided all civil engineering, traffic engineering, and parking for the project, which became a keystone in the redevelopment of a robust and vibrant downtown environment.

The first-ever retractable-roof MLB stadium, Minute Maid Park also marked the first of six retractable roof stadiums structurally designed by Walter P Moore.