Astros introduce new fan-friendly initiatives

The Houston Astros have announced several new, fan-friendly initiatives, including a reduction in ticket prices, rebates for season ticket holders and a revised policy on bringing food and beverages into Minute Maid Park.

Astros Owner & Chairman Jim Crane made the announcement today at a 4 p.m. press conference at Minute Maid Park.  

"We feel this is the right thing to do," Crane said. "It is one way for us to let our fans know how vital they are to our success, and to let them know we've been listening to them."

NEW FOOD & BEVERAGE POLICY

Fans are now allowed to bring food and water into Minute Maid Park for Astros games. Food must be transported in a small, clear (see-through) plastic bag, and water must be in a sealed, plastic bottle, being one liter or less in size. One bottle of water per person is allowed. The Astros new policy now mirrors that of most Major League ballparks.

Additionally, the Astros have expanded the $5 beer special to include every permanent concession stand and permanent bar at Minute Maid Park where domestic beer is sold.  

SEASON TICKET REBATES

As a special thank you for their loyalty and commitment, the Astros will issue five percent rebates to full-season and 27-game season ticket accounts that are renewed by January 31, 2012. Those rebates will be distributed in the form of a gift card that can be used to purchase food, merchandise or individual game tickets at Minute Maid Park.

REDUCTION IN TICKET PRICING

The 2012 season will bring a reduction in the cost of over 5,000 seats at Minute Maid Park, in comparison to the start of the 2011 season.

The Astros low-priced, Outfield Deck seats have been reduced even lower, now costing $5 for adults and $1 for children ages 3-14 (adult tickets were $7 in 2011). With this reduction, a family of four can now attend an Astros game for $12, which is the best everyday value in the Houston sports market and less than a single movie theater ticket in some instances.

In August, with the consultation of Crane, the Astros made a significant reduction in the price of a large number of Field and Club Level seats at Minute Maid Park for 2012. Seats in the newly-created Field Box II sections are now priced at $29, down from $41 in 2011. And, with the creation of the new Power Club, located on the exclusive Club Level, fans have the opportunity to purchase a $35 ticket that includes a $15 credit for food, beverage and retail items. Those same seats were $46 in 2011, with no added credit.

VALUE TICKET OPTIONS RETURN

The Astros will also continue to offer several of the popular ticket specials that have been available in recent years in an effort to make Astros games affordable to all fans.

Price Matters Days presented by H-E-B
This offer, which is available for every Monday through Thursday Astros game, includes one View Deck II ticket, one hot dog, a bag of H-E-B chips and one soda for just $10, which represents a savings of over 50%. Also, for $10 more, fans can purchase a lower level seat in the Bullpen Boxes.

All You Can Eat
For $30, this deal includes a Mezzanine game ticket and unlimited hot dogs, popcorn, peanuts, nachos, soda and water  and is available for every home game. Groups of 20 or more are eligible to purchase this package for just $25.

Coca-Cola Value Zone
This offer, which is available for every Friday, Saturday and Sunday game, includes a Mezzanine ticket and Astros cap, as well as a hot dog and Coke product beverage for $20.  

POWERADE Double Play Tuesdays
This popular offer, which is available every Tuesday, features two Outfield Deck tickets for just $2. Additionally on Tuesdays, fans can now also purchase two Field Box II tickets for just $40, which is new in 2012.

9-Inning Lunch Break
This package is offered for weekday, 1:05 p.m. games and includes a Field Box ticket and $20 in Minute Maid Park food and beverage vouchers, which is a $61 value, for just $45, a savings of $16 per ticket.

Dynamic Pricing
This offer is available for every Astros home game for select seats. Prices, which fluctuate based on demand, can represent up to 50% in savings per ticket.

Special Fundraising Pricing
The Astros offer special fundraising opportunities to charities and community organizations, which can earn up to $10 per ticket by selling discounted Astros tickets.

Group Ticket Specials
With the Astros Group Ticket Program, groups of 20 or more can purchase discounted tickets. Group discounts can be as high as 50% per ticket, depending on the size of the group.