Opening in 2000, Daikin Park became the third home of the Houston Astros. Prior to this, the team played at the iconic Astrodome, often referred to as the “Eighth Wonder of the World” when it opened in 1965. The Astrodome, a domed multipurpose stadium, provided fans with a refuge from the scorching summer heat, offering an indoor setting for baseball. However, by the 1990s, the Astrodome’s aging infrastructure, Astroturf field, and distant seating became outdated compared to the new generation of retro-style ballparks. As the Astros struggled to secure support for a new stadium, the team’s future in Houston was uncertain. Astros owner Drayton McLane even threatened to sell the franchise to Bill Collins, who planned to relocate the team to Northern Virginia.

In November 1996, a pivotal referendum was passed by voters to fund the construction of a new stadium for the Astros in downtown Houston. A 25-acre site near Union Station, a historic former rail terminal, was chosen for the new ballpark. Construction began on October 30, 1997, with the design drawing heavily from the surrounding area, including the 1911-era Union Station, which would serve as the main entrance in left field. The stadium’s most notable feature is its retractable roof, designed to protect fans from Houston’s intense summer heat while still allowing for outdoor baseball during cooler months. The roof, consisting of three panels, can open or close in 20 minutes, and features a massive 50,000 square-foot sliding glass door that opens and closes along with the roof, providing fans with views of the Houston skyline whether the roof is open or closed.

On April 7, 2000, the Astros played their inaugural game at the new stadium in front of over 41,000 fans. Originally named Enron Field, the ballpark’s name changed in 2002 to Astros Field after Enron’s bankruptcy, and later became Minute Maid Park when the Minute Maid Company secured the naming rights. Ahead of the 2025 season, the park was renamed Daikin Park after Daikin Comfort Technologies purchased the naming rights for 15 years.

The ballpark’s seating arrangement includes four levels of green seats, extending from the left-field foul pole to home plate and around to the right-field foul pole. There are also two levels of seats beyond the right-field fence, with a video/scoreboard positioned above these seats. One of the most notable features of Daikin Park is the Crawford Boxes in left field—more than 2,500 seats that extend into the outfield, bringing the left-field foul pole to just 315 feet from home plate. In addition, a 57-foot, 24-ton full-size replica of a 19th-century Wild West steam locomotive chugs along an 800-foot track located above left field, offering a unique visual centerpiece for fans.

For 16 seasons, Daikin Park featured one of the most unusual in-play areas of any MLB stadium: Tal’s Hill in center field. This 20-degree angled hill, measuring 90 feet wide at its widest point, was a quirky homage to old ballparks like Crosley Field. The hill also featured a flagpole in play, adding a unique challenge to outfielders. However, in June 2015, the Astros announced plans to remove Tal’s Hill and bring the center-field fence in from 436 feet to 409 feet. The project, which started after the 2016 season, was completed by 2017. The renovation also included the addition of a premium group seating area at field level, three new bar locations, and four additional food stands.

Daikin Park boasts a variety of fan-friendly attractions, including the Phillips 66 Homerun Alley behind left field. This area features memorabilia from notable moments in Astros history and offers fans a chance to catch home run balls or take photos with an old-fashioned gas pump that tracks the number of homers hit at the park. Fans can shop for Astros merchandise at The Shed, the team’s official store located in Union Station. For kids, the Squeeze Play area provides an interactive space with games and activities. Other attractions include the FiveSeven Grille, a bar and grill named in honor of Astros legends Jeff Bagwell and Craig Biggio.

A trip to Daikin Park is an unforgettable experience, whether you’re a lifelong baseball fan or a family looking for a fun day out. With its unique history, modern amenities, and vibrant atmosphere, the park has become an integral part of Houston’s sports culture.

Daikin Park Pictures