HOUSTON – The Astros unveiled Thursday the proposed renovation of the center field area of Minute Maid Park, including the removal of Tal's Hill.
Construction on the new center field area would begin after the 2015 season and would be ready for the start of the 2016 season. Improved seating, new food and beverage items and escalators are also included in the renovation.
The renovation is expected to cost around $15 million.
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The team said the design of the new center field area was influenced by feedback from fans, players and front office personnel, including executives who visited more than 20 MLB parks.
"We are extremely excited about our plans for center field, and are confident that our fans will be as well," Astros President of Business Operations Reid Ryan said in a press release. "Our goal will be to create a unique and entertaining atmosphere for our fans that will include great happy hour spots and spectacular views. It will also be visual, giving the ballpark an exciting, new look."
"The renovation of center field represents a significant improvement of the fan experience while maintaining the integrity of the game," Astros General Manager Jeff Luhnow said in a press release. "The new center field will not only be great for fans, but will make Minute Maid Park an attractive ballpark for current and future players as well."
"A lot of thought went into the planning and design of the new center field," Astros legend and Hall of Famer Craig Biggio said in a press release. "I am confident that the Astros had the best interests of the fans and the players in mind at each step of the way."
FUN FACTS (from Astros press release)
- The current center field distance of 436 feet would move to 409 feet, moving Minute Maid Park from the deepest center distance to the sixth-farthest in the league.
- The seating capacity of Minute Maid Park would remain essentially the same, with improved visibility for fans to enjoy the game from center field.
- The renovation of center field would result in a total of three new bar locations, four additional food locations and a premium group seating area at field level, creating the first and only field-level seating area available at Minute Maid Park.