Minute Maid Park visitor guide: everything you need to know

The home of the multiple World Series-winning Houston Astros, Minute Maid Park is one of the most iconic and distinctive ballparks in the country. Its location in downtown Houston makes it an accessible place to see a game or show, and it’s well integrated into daily life in Houston. If you’re traveling into the city for a game, you’ll have plenty of access to Houston’s other cultural attractions along with the city’s best nightlife and dining. 

At the time it was built in 2000, the stadium’s cutting-edge design and retractable roof made it one of the most architecturally advanced in the world. The retractable roof opens and closes in just minutes, making it an all-weather and year-round venue for baseball and concerts. The iconic left-field train, which is an actual working train, carts passengers back and forth when the Astros hit a home run, which makes Minute Maid Park one of the most family-friendly ballparks in baseball. 

If you’re in town for a ball game or decided to catch a few innings last minute, you’ll need to be aware of what you can and can’t bring into the stadium. With the Minute Maid Park bag policy in place, you’ll need to stash your luggage somewhere outside the stadium. 

When you need luggage storage in Houston, Bounce is the answer. We’re Houston’s premier luggage storage service, with locations all around the city. It’s easy to find a location, book online, and drop the bag off in minutes. You won’t miss an inning!

Minute Maid Park bag policy 

Minute Maid Park’s official clear bag policy limits bag sizes to 16″ x 16″ x 8″ or smaller. Backpacks, with the exception of diaper bags and baby carriers, aren’t allowed in the stadium. You can purchase official drawstring bags called Astros Buddies at the stadium, which are allowed. 

Because the Minute Maid Park bag policy puts size limits on bags, it’s highly advisable that you find a place to store any luggage or larger belongings elsewhere. Bounce has multiple locations within walking distance of Minute Maid Park, including the nearby Civic Center and Toyota Center luggage storage locations.

Minute Maid Park food policy

The Minute Maid Park food policy states that guests may bring their own food into the park so long as it's kept in a clear, plastic bag that holds a gallon or less. One bag is permitted per fan. An empty, clear water bottle smaller than a liter may also be brought in to fill at water fountains. 

Iconic ballpark favorites are served around Minute Maid Park, but the local favorite Slovacek’s Sausages are available at the popular Home & Away stands. There are also some healthy options available at the Beyond Burger H-Town Grill, with meatless versions of ballpark staples along with salads and hummus. 

The Karbach Brewery has a bar and beer garden serving Houston’s finest craft beers. This is Minute Maid Park’s most popular destination for the brewery’s premium beers, including ones brewed specifically for the ballpark. 

Minute Maid Park is located right in downtown Houston, so if you’re looking for a dining experience before or after the game, you will absolutely not be short of options.

Minute Maid Park Transportation 

Car

If you’re driving, the stadium is easily accessible via Interstate 45 and Interstate 10. There are a few parking lots and garages around the stadium for game-day parking. You can also find parking downtown and explore the city before and after the game to avoid traffic (which is inevitable).  

Public transportation

Houston's METRORail is a very convenient and inexpensive option for getting around the city. Preston Station is located just a short walk away and is a popular option for getting to the ballpark. 

Taxi and rideshare

Minute Maid Park has designated ride-share pickup and drop-off points available right outside the stadium, although traffic can make it difficult to get dropped off or picked up quickly during game days. 

Walking

If you’re staying in a downtown hotel, walking will be a very quick way to get to the ballpark as you won’t have to deal with traffic. It can be pleasant as well, especially on less humid days. 

Biking

Houston's B-Cycle bike-sharing program is not only a great way to get around during your trip to Houston but also an easy way to get to the stadium. There are plenty of B-Cycle stations near the stadium, as well as bike parking racks.

Minute Maid Park camera policy 

The Minute Maid Park camera policy is pretty reasonable. Fans are allowed to bring video and still cameras into the stadium so long as the lenses don’t exceed 8”. Tripods aren’t allowed in the park, but selfie sticks are allowed inside. 

Minute Maid Park rules 

Rain or shine

Thanks to the retractable roof, the stadium will operate rain or shine for games as well as concerts 

Banners

Banners are allowed at Minute Maid Park so long as they are 3’ x 2’ and do not contain language or signage that ballpark officials deem inappropriate or offensive. 

Entering Minute Maid Park

On game days, all entrances to Minute Maid Park are open to fans beginning two hours prior to the scheduled first pitch. Concerts have different rules that are published on tickets and the promoter's website, but gates generally open at least an hour before the start of the show. 

Ticketing and box office

All tickets must be purchased online and downloaded via the app. Will Call will not be available for buying tickets on-site. Official ticket transfers must be completed via the MLB Ballpark app or through a MyTickets account. Don't get scammed by scalpers!

You can access and use your tickets with the MLB Ballpark app. You’ll want to download the app, sign in, and download the tickets before heading to the ballpark to ensure a smooth entry. 

Payments

In recent years, Minute Maid Park has gone completely cashless at all merchandise and concession stands. However, cash is still accepted by the vendors walking around the stands, so you can still buy hot dogs, peanuts, and beer. 

Conclusion

Not only have the Astros been dominating the American League and MLB in recent years, their games are a prominent fixture in Houston and one of the most fun things to do while visiting the city. Like any stadium, there are ins and outs for visiting Minute Maid Park, but it’s absolutely worth a visit if you’re a baseball fan. 

If you have a layover in Houston or have a full weekend to explore the city, Bounce has you covered for all your luggage storage needs.