I went to the May 27 Astros game against the Atlanta Braves. That was the first game played with the roof all the way closed (it was almost 100 degrees outside). We lost 6-5, but that's what happens most of the time (about 2 out of 3) these days, anyway. The highlight of the game was, since the Braves were winning in the 9th, when John Rocker came out to pitch. The way the booing and jeering cascaded down onto the field was something I have never heard the likes of before.

My dad's office gave us free tickets in the club level (206, I think) over in foul territory toward the left field corner. These were nice seats, but I would probably never buy these seats because they were around $25 a pop. That's because you can order refreshments from a menu from your seat (you're waited on) and you have access to a separate bar, lounge, and bathrooms that only other club level ticket holders can get to. I don't think it's worth the extra money.

I highly recommend sitting either behind home plate, behind third base, or toward left field. This is because the huge, vivid scoreboard is way up on the right field side. You won't want to turn around to see the scoreboard. I think the best seats for the buck are in the low 300s, the front part of the upper deck on the third base side. You have a great view of the field and the scoreboard from there and the tickets are less than $15.

The game I went to was on a Saturday afternoon. We got there about 30 minutes before game time and parallel parked on the street for free about 6 blocks away. There are many closer lots, but you pay as much as $10 for the convenience. You might want to consider the closer lots for night games. Also, there are shuttles from Enron Field to Bayou Place, but I don't know whether they cost to ride or what their running times are.

Food at the stadium is decent, but expensive. Plan to eat lunch or dinner before or after the game. I had to have a couple of hot dogs at the stadium and they were ok. The free seats we had also came with a ticket for $10 of refreshments. The hot dogs probably wouldn't have tasted as good if I paid for them out of my own wallet.

Enron Field is a nice ballpark. It's so nice to see a game in Houston played on real grass. This ballpark has a lot of character - the retractable roof, the assymetrical layout, the short porch in left field, the hill in center field, and the train out in left field make the games fun.

I can't wait until September when the weather cools off enough to truly enjoy an OUTDOOR game in Houston. Too bad the Astros are so horrible this year that they won't be playing in October.




Recommended: Yes

Parking Availability: Better Get There Early
Seat Location: Mid Level