Everything Astros fans need to know about home opener today
HOUSTON, Texas (KTRK) -- The Astros' big home opener at Minute Maid Park is tonight and fans are gearing up!
The boys are playing the Oakland A's with a first pitch set for 7:10 p.m. after a big road trip this week. They're now 5-1 to start the season. So, what can fans expect as the Astros settle into another season played during the pandemic? Here's what the team has announced.
Will there be fans in the stands?
Yes! At Minute Maid Park, the max capacity is 50%. This is the first time this season fans will get to experience seeing the 'Stros in person. According to team officials, as of Wednesday afternoon, tickets are close to selling out! To keep guests physically distanced while in the stadium, Astros games will not exceed 50% capacity during the month of April.
Single-game tickets for home games in April are on sale and can be purchased through the Astros website or by calling 1-877-9ASTROS (927-8767).
SEE ALSO: Houston Astros welcome fans back to Minute Maid Park in 2021
What tickets are on sale?
Tickets are available in all sections, including some sections with physically distanced seating pods.
Seats adjacent to the field will be sold, as they have for a standard season. Seats adjacent to the dugouts and bullpens will be separated from the field by plexiglass.
What matchups are on sale?
The Home Opener is the first game of a three-game series between the division rival Astros and A's (April 8-10). Houston will also host the Tigers for three (April 12-14), Angels for four (April 22-25) and the Mariners for four (April 26-29) in the month.
Are masks required?
Masks are required at all times within Minute Maid Park unless actively eating or drinking. Eating and drinking is only permitted at your ticketed seat (not the general concourse).
What about bags? Can I bring them in?
Bags will not be allowed in the venue.
Exceptions are manufacturer designed diaper bags, when accompanied by an infant or small child, medical bags, and gallon bags used for bringing food or water into the building.
This policy applies to all guests and 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.
What can I expect when entering?
All fans will be subject to a verbal health screening upon arrival. Guests will be asked to physically distance 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 better facilitate physical distancing while performing security screening.
All entry gates will be open two hours prior to the start of the game.
Plus, there will be a staging area off the field for live performances since no one can be on the field except for players.
Can I pay for purchases using cash?
Concessions have gone cashless at all points of sale. To help customers who arrive with cash only, the Astros will have reverse ATMs in the stadium which will change cash into an Astros themed debit card.
Will the roof be open more often for safety concerns?
The Minute Maid Park roof will be open for the pregame. The stadium's air conditioning system cools outside air, rather than recirculating air from inside the stadium. For this reason, the Astros can operate the roof as we would for a standard season.
SEE ALSO: Texas Rangers in line to be 1st team back to full capacity
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
