HOUSTON -- The Astros are planning to unveil their 2017 World Series championship banner at Minute Maid Park prior to their April 2 home opener against the Orioles, president of business operations Reid Ryan said Thursday. The championship rings will be unveiled on April 3 when they're given to the players and coaching staff, Ryan added.
Ryan said the Astros will relocate the division title and Wild Card banners that are currently below the lights in left field to another part of the park, keeping only the 2005 National League championship pennant and '17 World Series championship banner in that spot.
"We're also in the process of working on a [Commissioner's] Trophy tour that will come out the first of January," he said. "That will be something really, really special for everybody. Obviously, lots of promotions next year around being World Series champs. It's just been kind of a whirlwind this year."
Ryan said the team is in the process of working on the championship rings and won't reveal the design until they are presented on the field. He also said one authentic ring will be auctioned off throughout the season, with all the money going to the Astros Foundation.
Meanwhile, Ryan said the team's annual Caravan will be held Jan. 10-13 at Minute Maid Park, with FanFest set for Jan. 13, featuring player appearances and many other promotions. The team's annual Diamond Dreams Gala charity event will be held Jan. 19 at Minute Maid Park and headlined by Gladys Knight. Proceeds from that event benefit the Astros Foundation and New Hope Housing, an organization combatting homelessness by providing housing and support services for those in need.
"That 10 days is when a lot our players are going to be in town and out visiting with people," Ryan said.
Fans will have the opportunity to take photos with the trophy at the team store from 2 p.m. to 6 p.m. CT Friday and 9 a.m. to noon Saturday at Minute Maid Park. Trophy photo tickets are $35 and are on sale starting at 9 a.m. Friday at the team store at Minute Maid Park, and proceeds go to the Astros Foundation.
Ryan is taking the trophy to his hometown of Alvin, Texas, on Jan. 18 for the joint meeting of the Alvin Lions and Rotary Club. He'll take it that night to another event Round Rock, Texas, where he helps run the Triple-A Round Rock Express.
"My group is in charge of the trophy so every time it goes out I want to make sure it gets back in one piece," Ryan joked. "I'm going to hauling it around in January."