For most games, the roof at Minute Maid Park is closed and the Astros get to play in a climate-controlled environment filled with fan noise. It makes sense during the sweltering Houston summers; however, the Fall Classic is another story.
A cool front has moved in just ahead of Game 2 of the World Series, and the roof will be open Wednesday night according to the Houston Astros.
Long time Astros fans know the team prefers that the retractable roof remains shut. Players have been quoted as saying it’s part of their home field advantage. A closed ballpark is louder.
In 2005, MLB Commissioner Bud Selig ruled the roof had to be open during the World Series games in Houston. After the Astros dropped two games in Chicago, they lost two more against the White Sox at home. Weather conditions were mild and perhaps didn’t really impact play, but still some players and fans were frustrated.
MLB writer Brian McTaggert explained the roof situation in an article earlier this year. He noted that for the entire playoff runs in 2017 through 2019, the Astros organization kept Minute Maid Park covered. The roof was also closed for the entire, shortened 2020 season.
What do you think? Do you think having the roof closed improves how the Astros play? Let us know in the comments section below.
FALL CLASSIC FLASHBACK
Back in 2019 when the Astros were in the World Series last, KPRC 2 spoke with Astros historian Mike Acosta about the Minute Maid Park roof.
He reflected on the use of the roof when the park first opened and how it CAN be opened mid-game -- but not during play.
Acosta also explained the mechanics of the roof opening and closing.
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