HOUSTON – The Houston Astros have returned to hold their Home Opener at Minute Maid Park for a 7:10 p.m. CT matchup vs. the Oakland Athletics.
The game will mark the return of fans to an Astros game at Minute Maid Park for the first time since Game 7 of the 2019 World Series.
Single-game tickets are still available for the Home Opener and all Astros home games in April and can be purchased online at Astros.com/Tickets or by phone at 1-877-9ASTROS (1-877-927-8767). Tickets are available in all sections, including some sections with physically distanced seating pods. Season tickets, group tickets, mini-plans, and suite rentals are also available.
There will also be pregame ceremonies beginning around 6:40 p.m. and player introductions beginning at around 6:45 p.m.
Singer and songwriter DeSz, a native Houstonian and a finalist on NBC’s The Voice, will perform the National Anthem. The Joint Forces Color Guard will present the colors. The 138th Fighter Wing, Detachment 1 out of Ellington Field Joint Reserve Base will conduct a flyover (if weather permits). Houston Police chief Troy Finner will throw the ceremonial first pitch to Astros team doctor Dr. David Lintner. A video montage of well-known Houstonians, including Mayor Sylvester Turner, Simone Biles, Mattress Mack and others will make the Play Ball call. The song “God Bless America” will be performed in the middle of the 7th by the Houston Methodist Singers from The Center for Performing Arts Medicine at Houston Methodist.
Additionally, 5,000 fans will receive a 2021 Houston Astros Schedule magnet, presented by United Airlines.
Here are COVID-19 guidelines for Minute Maid Park:
- Bag Policy: Bags are not allowed in the venue. Exceptions are manufacturer designed diaper bags when accompanied by an infant or small child, medical bags, gallon bags used for bringing food or water into the building, and single compartment clutches, wristlets, and hip/fanny packs that do not exceed 9″x 5″. This policy will allow for reduced touching of bag items in the entry process. Guests that bring a diaper or medical bag will be required to utilize one of the bag check lanes and may encounter delayed entry.
- Mask Policy: Masks are required at all times within Minute Maid Park unless actively eating or drinking. Eating and drinking are only permitted at your ticketed seat
- Entrances and Gates: Fans may enter the ballpark through all standard entrances, which will open two hours prior to game time, regardless of day or time of the game.
- What to expect when entering: All fans will be subject to a verbal health screening upon arrival. Guests will be asked to physically distance themselves while waiting in the gate queue line. The Astros will utilize screening equipment, such as walkthrough metal detectors and tables, at the entry gates in ways to help with physical distancing while performing security screening.
- Tickets: Mobile ticketing has been implemented for all games. The Minute Maid Park Box Office is going digital and will not be open for ticket sales. To purchase tickets on-site, fans can text the word “Buy” to 26099. All digital tickets will be accessed through the MLB Ballpark app. The Astros will have Ticket Resolution windows open at each gate on game days.
- Moving in the building: Physical distancing is required when moving throughout the ballpark. A 6′ distance between you and other parties is encouraged. To ensure proper hygiene, hand sanitizer dispensers have been positioned at over 500 locations inside the stadium.
- Restrooms: All restrooms around the concourse will be open. Capacity signage will be posted outside of the restrooms.
- Cashless sales: Concessions have gone cashless. To help customers who arrive with cash only, the Astros will have reverse ATMs in the stadium that will change cash into an Astros-themed debit card. The reverse ATMs will be placed near the existing ATMs at Sections 108, 218, 315, and near Center Field Gate.