Regional Matchups Highlight 2015 Houston College Classic Field
Tournament returns to Minute Maid Park, March 6-8; Field includes two of top three teams in country
HOUSTON, TX — The 15th annual Houston College Classic returns to Minute Maid Park, home of the Houston Astros, from March 6-8 with regional matchups highlighting the three-day, six-team, nine-game tournament. The University of Houston will be making its yearly appearance in the Classic and will be joined by Baylor, Texas A&M and LSU, which is making its first appearance in the tournament. Nebraska, which is coached by former Astro Darin Erstad, and Hawaii, round out the tournament field.
The Houston College Classic once again boasts a strong lineup led by No. 2 LSU and No. 3 Houston, as ranked by Baseball America in their preseason poll. This marks the first time in tournament history that it will host two of the top three teams in the country. This event is regarded as one of the top collegiate baseball tournaments in the nation, as it continues to draw fans, top-ranked programs and scouts from every Major League organization on a yearly basis.
Last year’s Classic, which featured three teams ranked in the preseason top 25, eventually had all six participants make an NCAA Regional. Historically, the Houston College Classic has hosted the No. 1 team in preseason polls six times in tournament history and has hosted two eventual College World Series Champions. Several current Major League players have played in the Classic, including David Price, Michael Bourn, Gerrit Cole, Mike Leake and Anthony Rendon, to name a few.
For local fans or alumni, this year’s tournament represents the only time that Hawaii, LSU and Nebraska will play in the state of Texas this season, while the Houston College Classic will be the only stop in Houston for Baylor and Texas A&M in 2015.
“The Astros are extremely proud to host the Houston College Classic,” said Houston Astros President Reid Ryan. “It’s one of the best preseason college baseball tournaments in the country and represents a great kickoff to our 2015 season.”
Select student and adult daily tickets and three-day tournament passes are now available for purchase online at www.Astros.com/CollegeClassic. Tickets can also be purchased at the Minute Maid Park Box Office (during regular business hours), by calling Ticketmaster at 1-877-9ASTROS, or by visiting any of the Astros regular Houston-area Ticketmaster outlets.
Adult tickets purchased in advance are available for a $16 daily admission, as well as a $36 three-day tournament pass. Tickets for high school and college students, with a valid student ID, and children (ages 4-14) are available now for $10 daily and $24 for a tournament pass.
Season ticket holders (27-game packages and up) are offered a $10 daily ticket and a $24 tournament pass. To purchase general admission group tickets for groups of 20 or more, please call 713-259-8381. Luxury suites can be purchased for the entire tournament or on a daily basis by calling 713-259-8843. Diamond Club tickets are available for purchase by calling 713-259-8333.
Select parking in the Astros controlled lots will be sold for $15 (Diamond Lot) and $10 (Lot A, B).
2015 Houston College Classic Schedule*
Fri., March 6 Baylor vs. Hawaii 12:05 p.m.
Nebraska vs. Texas A&M 3:35 p.m.
Houston (#3) vs. LSU (#2) 7:05 p.m.
Sat., March 7 Hawaii vs. Nebraska 12:05 p.m.
LSU (#2) vs. Baylor 3:35 p.m.
Texas A&M vs. Houston (#3) 7:05 p.m.
Sun., March 8 Nebraska vs. LSU (#2) 11:05 a.m.
Baylor vs. Texas A&M 2:35 p.m.
Hawaii vs. Houston (#3) 6:05 p.m.
(home teams listed second)
* - times subject to change
-ASTROS-