houstontexasjack Posted October 12, 2016 Share Posted October 12, 2016 No more 425' fly outs. Good riddance to Tal's Hill. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Nate99 Posted October 12, 2016 Share Posted October 12, 2016 For reference... Though, didn't Citgo already get the boot out of center field? http://swamplot.com/astros-ready-to-flatten-houstons-only-air-conditioned-hill-fill-space-with-bars-food-behind-the-fence-seating/2015-06-04/ The hill was an interesting quirk, but an unnecessary one. 409 to center is plenty deep. 3 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
thatguysly Posted October 12, 2016 Share Posted October 12, 2016 425 was the deepest center field, 409 is now 6th deepest. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BigFootsSocks Posted October 12, 2016 Share Posted October 12, 2016 Yeah I believe the sign now advertises Nabors Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
IronTiger Posted October 12, 2016 Share Posted October 12, 2016 I went to the game a few weeks ago. The big Citgo sign now has the Occidental Petroleum logo (OXY). Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
samagon Posted October 12, 2016 Share Posted October 12, 2016 (edited) being the field with the deepest center was an interesting feature. the hill made the park unique. Now it's going to be a little less special. Edited October 12, 2016 by samagon 8 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
HTXEdgarNDenver Posted October 12, 2016 Share Posted October 12, 2016 Day 2! 7 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
HannahX Posted October 19, 2016 Share Posted October 19, 2016 Well Tal's Hill will live to see another day. because they're running scared they won't have the ballpark ready in time for the 2016 season. Just as things were picking up and getting interesting ... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Nate99 Posted October 19, 2016 Share Posted October 19, 2016 (edited) 1 hour ago, HannahX said: Well Tal's Hill will live to see another day. because they're running scared they won't have the ballpark ready in time for the 2016 season. Just as things were picking up and getting interesting ... Edited October 19, 2016 by Nate99 3 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SirJac Posted October 20, 2016 Share Posted October 20, 2016 Change is a good thing. And the center field distance change doesn't bother me.....it was for bragging rights only. I don't know about you guys but I can't see a 19 foot difference from any vantage point in the park. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
samagon Posted October 21, 2016 Share Posted October 21, 2016 On 10/19/2016 at 2:44 PM, HannahX said: Well Tal's Hill will live to see another day. because they're running scared they won't have the ballpark ready in time for the 2016 season. Just as things were picking up and getting interesting ... not sure I am following, it looks like they've already got going pretty solid on the demo work. if they don't think they can complete by next year, why not just do all the work they can in the off season, then put a temp fence in, and then start again next off season? I mean, if they won't be able to complete anything this off season, how will they be able to complete anything during any off season? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Fringe Posted October 21, 2016 Share Posted October 21, 2016 45 minutes ago, samagon said: not sure I am following, it looks like they've already got going pretty solid on the demo work. if they don't think they can complete by next year, why not just do all the work they can in the off season, then put a temp fence in, and then start again next off season? I mean, if they won't be able to complete anything this off season, how will they be able to complete anything during any off season? They should at least be able to complete the field portion, then put up a temporary wall while they complete the rest. At least you would think. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
cspwal Posted October 21, 2016 Share Posted October 21, 2016 3 hours ago, samagon said: not sure I am following, it looks like they've already got going pretty solid on the demo work. if they don't think they can complete by next year, why not just do all the work they can in the off season, then put a temp fence in, and then start again next off season? I mean, if they won't be able to complete anything this off season, how will they be able to complete anything during any off season? Also next year will be the 2017 season unless we all very unfortunate and have to do 2016 again. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
HTXEdgarNDenver Posted October 27, 2016 Share Posted October 27, 2016 Looks full steam ahead to me! 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Fringe Posted October 28, 2016 Share Posted October 28, 2016 Wow. I did not realize this project required tearing down half the stadium. 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
brijonmang Posted October 28, 2016 Share Posted October 28, 2016 Tal's hill is even bigger now! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
cspwal Posted October 28, 2016 Share Posted October 28, 2016 Revenge of Tal's Hill! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
samagon Posted November 3, 2016 Share Posted November 3, 2016 *Tal's rubble pile! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
hindesky Posted December 22, 2016 Share Posted December 22, 2016 I assume they are replacing the sign with a newer one. 4 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Subdude Posted December 22, 2016 Share Posted December 22, 2016 Tal's hill was a bit gimmicky, and it was designed in as opposed to organic quirkiness, so I won't really miss it. 3 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
hindesky Posted December 23, 2016 Share Posted December 23, 2016 6 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
nate4l1f3 Posted December 23, 2016 Share Posted December 23, 2016 I've been hoping for years that they would put a power washer to the roof... it used to be bright white now it just makes they stadium look older 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
hindesky Posted February 11, 2017 Share Posted February 11, 2017 New Minute Maid sign is done on the north side. 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
placoors Posted February 16, 2017 Share Posted February 16, 2017 Astros to extend netting from dugout to dugout to protect more fans: http://www.chron.com/sports/astros/article/Astros-to-extend-Minute-Maid-Park-netting-from-10935215.php 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
cspwal Posted February 16, 2017 Share Posted February 16, 2017 My dreams of catching a pop up foul ball are ruined RUINED I tell you 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
hindesky Posted April 1, 2017 Share Posted April 1, 2017 3 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
tigereye Posted November 4, 2017 Share Posted November 4, 2017 (edited) 6 hours ago, CrockpotandGravel said: Jim Crane has a park in mind across from Minute Maid Park in downtown and building premium parking: Reminder that Crane owns 2 buildings on Texas south of Home Plate (probably the bars on block 161. With Nau Center for Heritage dead, could this be the spot? http://houston.culturemap.com/news/restaurants-bars/03-30-16-astros-owner-gives-the-inside-scoop-on-his-two-new-restaurants-near-minute-maid-park/#slide=0 With that kind of optimism for the neighborhood surrounding the baseball stadium, Crane has been securing properties to insure that the quality of development remains high. He already owns the two old buildings on Texas, "south of home plate," as he describes it, properties for later development. Edited November 4, 2017 by tigereye Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
H-Town Man Posted November 9, 2017 Share Posted November 9, 2017 You'd have to think the South Texas Intermediate halfway house on Crawford and Preston is something he wants gone, and it would be an ideal location for a park, as suddenly then all those blocks around it become hot spots for redevelopment. Back when the ballpark was first developed, Drayton Maclane tried to get the city to sell him the defunct World Trade Center building, which he was going to demolish and turn into a park. The city opted not to, then later it became Fertitta's Inn at the Ballpark and now the Westin. So the park idea is something they've wanted for awhile. Not exactly sure what the need is since they have Halliburton Plaza for statues and whatnot, but it would spur development around it. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Houston19514 Posted November 10, 2017 Share Posted November 10, 2017 (edited) 23 hours ago, H-Town Man said: You'd have to think the South Texas Intermediate halfway house on Crawford and Preston is something he wants gone, and it would be an ideal location for a park, as suddenly then all those blocks around it become hot spots for redevelopment. Back when the ballpark was first developed, Drayton Maclane tried to get the city to sell him the defunct World Trade Center building, which he was going to demolish and turn into a park. The city opted not to, then later it became Fertitta's Inn at the Ballpark and now the Westin. So the park idea is something they've wanted for awhile. Not exactly sure what the need is since they have Halliburton Plaza for statues and whatnot, but it would spur development around it. That's kinda sorta close to correct. Except as follows: I'm pretty sure the South Texas Intermediate Sanction Facility has already closed/been slated for closure. The City never owned the World Trade Center Building; it was owned by the Port of Houston Authority. It was not Drayton McClane pushing to turn it into a park; it was the Sports Authority. (They proposed leasing the land from the Port Authority for roughly nothing/year; instead the Port Authority sold it to Hakeem Olajuwon who in turn sold it to Landry's/Tilman Fertita. You pretty much answered your own question about the need; it would spur development. (And note that it's not just Crane's perceived needs; he's working with the city on this project.) Edited November 10, 2017 by Houston19514 1 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
H-Town Man Posted November 10, 2017 Share Posted November 10, 2017 2 hours ago, Houston19514 said: That's kinda sorta close to correct. Except as follows: I'm pretty sure the South Texas Intermediate Sanction Facility has already closed/been slated for closure. The City never owned the World Trade Center Building; it was owned by the Port of Houston Authority. It was not Drayton McClane pushing to turn it into a park; it was the Sports Authority. (They proposed leasing the land from the Port Authority for roughly nothing/year; instead the Port Authority sold it to Hakeem Olajuwon who in turn sold it to Landry's/Tilman Fertita. You pretty much answered your own question about the need; it would spur development. (And note that it's not just Crane's perceived needs; he's working with the city on this project.) Is Crane's interest in a park to spur development? That seems to be more why the city or the management district might want a park, not Crane. He probably likes to see a neighborhood grow up around his ballpark, but I can't imagine he would spend the $10 million or whatever a block of land there would cost just to spur development for surrounding landowners to capitalize on, unless he already owns a lot of those blocks. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
tigereye Posted December 12, 2017 Share Posted December 12, 2017 On 11/10/2017 at 1:51 PM, H-Town Man said: Is Crane's interest in a park to spur development? That seems to be more why the city or the management district might want a park, not Crane. He probably likes to see a neighborhood grow up around his ballpark, but I can't imagine he would spend the $10 million or whatever a block of land there would cost just to spur development for surrounding landowners to capitalize on, unless he already owns a lot of those blocks. I believe Crane’s end game is similar to the deal the Rockies just got. As part of a deal to extend their Coors Field lease for 30 years, they’ll get to develop a block across the street with a team HOF, restaurant, retail, entertainment & residential components. It’s similar to what the Cardinals have done with Ballpark Village, the Braves with The Battery, and what the Rangers will be doing with Texas Live. Note: The Rockies will be doing this all on one city block, which is similar in size to block 161 that Crane has here. 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
H-Town Man Posted December 12, 2017 Share Posted December 12, 2017 42 minutes ago, tigereye said: I believe Crane’s end game is similar to the deal the Rockies just got. As part of a deal to extend their Coors Field lease for 30 years, they’ll get to develop a block across the street with a team HOF, restaurant, retail, entertainment & residential components. It’s similar to what the Cardinals have done with Ballpark Village, the Braves with The Battery, and what the Rangers will be doing with Texas Live. Note: The Rockies will be doing this all on one city block, which is similar in size to block 161 that Crane has here. Very interesting. So what do you mean by "get to develop"? Do they want a tax abatement? Something else? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sunstar Posted December 13, 2017 Share Posted December 13, 2017 On 12/11/2017 at 8:00 PM, tigereye said: I believe Crane’s end game is similar to the deal the Rockies just got. As part of a deal to extend their Coors Field lease for 30 years, they’ll get to develop a block across the street with a team HOF, restaurant, retail, entertainment & residential components. It’s similar to what the Cardinals have done with Ballpark Village, the Braves with The Battery, and what the Rangers will be doing with Texas Live. The Rockies have a team HOF and need a new building for it? They've only been around for 15 years. 1 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
hindesky Posted January 7, 2018 Share Posted January 7, 2018 The Minute Maid signage on the southeast clock tower are being taken down for renovation I assume. 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
nate4l1f3 Posted January 9, 2018 Share Posted January 9, 2018 I'm gonna keep banging the "clean the damn roof" drum. 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
tigereye Posted February 8, 2018 Share Posted February 8, 2018 (edited) On 11/4/2017 at 4:24 AM, CrockpotandGravel said: Jim Crane has a park in mind across from Minute Maid Park in downtown and building premium parking: No surprise but here’s the expansion of the diamond lot (after demolition of New Hope). Edited February 8, 2018 by tigereye 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
cspwal Posted February 8, 2018 Share Posted February 8, 2018 I know they're building a new affordable housing building elsewhere, but there's just something that feels bad about demolishing affordable housing to make a parking lot for people who can afford diamond club tickets 3 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jgriff Posted February 9, 2018 Share Posted February 9, 2018 23 hours ago, cspwal said: I know they're building a new affordable housing building elsewhere, but there's just something that feels bad about demolishing affordable housing to make a parking lot for people who can afford diamond club tickets Money talks. If poor people want to live on that lot then they need to get rich. 3 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
tigereye Posted February 10, 2018 Share Posted February 10, 2018 On 2/8/2018 at 9:25 AM, cspwal said: I know they're building a new affordable housing building elsewhere, but there's just something that feels bad about demolishing affordable housing to make a parking lot for people who can afford diamond club tickets Unlike SEARCH, which may be forced out of its new home because the 45 reroute, New Hope didn’t get a bad deal. The Astros helped New Hope raise the funds needed for the new building, which is much bigger and probably will provide better hospitality services. In turn, New Hope sold the current property to the Astros. I’d say everyone is a winner here. The real point to bicker about is SEARCH and he rest of the businesses that will be displaced or impacted by a decade-long Highway widening project. I still think an above ground/below ground highway (59 below grade, local streets pass through at grade, 45 above grade) would’ve been better for everyone. 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
cspwal Posted February 10, 2018 Share Posted February 10, 2018 But then they wouldn't be able to sell it with the park cap that will never happen 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mattyt36 Posted February 10, 2018 Share Posted February 10, 2018 On 1/8/2018 at 10:40 PM, nate4l1f3 said: I'm gonna keep banging the "clean the damn roof" drum. The fact that they can't give MMP a nice clean coat of bold green is pretty depressing. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
j_cuevas713 Posted February 10, 2018 Share Posted February 10, 2018 1 hour ago, mattyt36 said: The fact that they can't give MMP a nice clean coat of bold green is pretty depressing. I thought it was always that washed out green industrial look Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
UtterlyUrban Posted February 11, 2018 Share Posted February 11, 2018 23 hours ago, j_cuevas713 said: I thought it was always that washed out green industrial look I did too. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mattyt36 Posted February 12, 2018 Share Posted February 12, 2018 On 2/10/2018 at 2:35 PM, j_cuevas713 said: I thought it was always that washed out green industrial look Time to go bold green, like the leaves on a (Minute Maid) orange tree. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
j_cuevas713 Posted February 12, 2018 Share Posted February 12, 2018 Just now, mattyt36 said: Time to go bold green, like the leaves on a (Minute Maid) orange tree. Not a bad idea Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
hindesky Posted March 18, 2018 Share Posted March 18, 2018 The affordable housing is now a surface lot. 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
tigereye Posted April 3, 2018 Share Posted April 3, 2018 Astros working on a lease extension at Minute Maid Park. 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
tigereye Posted July 7, 2018 Share Posted July 7, 2018 Astros & HCHSA to vote Monday on 20 year lease extension at Minute Maid Park. http://www.fox26houston.com/sports/astros-looking-for-20-year-extension-on-lease-at-minute-maid-park Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
UtterlyUrban Posted July 8, 2018 Share Posted July 8, 2018 The Astros must have a very good deal now (relative to other teams around the league). Otherwise, why extend so early and lose the optionality in the future? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
tigereye Posted July 10, 2018 Share Posted July 10, 2018 On 7/8/2018 at 2:52 PM, UtterlyUrban said: The Astros must have a very good deal now (relative to other teams around the league). Otherwise, why extend so early and lose the optionality in the future? One reason: Construction prices aren’t getting any cheaper. Considering the locations and ballpark designs (roof included), $250 million paid to construct Minute Maid in 97-00 looks like a bargain compared to the 1 billion dollar price tag Arlington will be footing for Globe Life Field. In addition to his restaurants and land owning nearby (block 161), Crane and the Astros say they have more renovations planned for Minute Maid Park. Jim Crane on potential future changes to Minute Maid Park https://twitter.com/markbermanfox26/status/1016409147510853632?s=21 Reid Ryan: "Our goal is every single year we try to add something substantial to the Minute Maid Park experience." https://twitter.com/markbermanfox26/status/1016420968863076353?s=21 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Recommended Posts
Join the conversation
You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.