Upcoming homestand to feature several special fan attractions

HOUSTON, TX - The Astros' upcoming five-game homestand is jam-packed with special events and fan attractions at Minute Maid Park as the Astros host the Arizona Diamondbacks for two games (June 11-12) and the Tampa Bay Rays for a three-game set (June 13-15). The Astros have won 12 of their last 16 games, which is tied for the best record in the Majors since May 24.

HOUSTON APPRECIATION NIGHT HOSTED BY DRAKE

On Thursday, June 12, Grammy Award-winning artist Drake will host Houston Appreciation Night at Minute Maid Park to kick off his first annual Houston Appreciation Weekend event.

Prior to the Astros 7:10pm game vs. the Arizona Diamondbacks, Drake will host over 50 children from the Astros Urban Youth Academy and RBI program for a special pregame meet and greet where he will provide the children with dinner and tickets to the game, beginning at 6:00pm in the Astros press conference room. Media interested in covering this event should arrive no later than 5:45pm, and standard credentialing procedures apply. Drake will also personally kick off the Astros on-field pregame festivities beginning at approximately 6:45pm.

There are also a limited number of tickets available for the Drake Section (section 132) at Minute Maid Park, where fans will receive exclusive Houston Appreciation Night t-shirts, with a portion of each ticket sale benefitting a local charity of Drake's choosing. Additionally, Drake will be raffling off five different autographed Astros gift packs in section 132, with all proceeds going towards the Astros Foundation. Raffle tickets are priced at $5 for one raffle ticket, $10 for three. Tickets for the Drake Section are available at www.astros.com/Drake.

DOLLAR HOT DOG THURSDAY

Every Thursday home game this season is a Dollar Hot Dog Thursday, where fans can purchase an unlimited number of Nolan Ryan Beef hot dogs at $1.00 each while supplies last (limit of four per person per concession visit).

BIG AND BRIGHT FRIDAY NIGHT

Big and Bright Friday Night returns this Friday, June 13, with a postgame fireworks show, presented by Marathon Oil Corporation, following the game vs. the Tampa Bay Rays. This Friday's show will have a "Superhero" theme.

FAITH AND FAMILY NIGHT

The Astros are pleased to announce the return of Faith and Family Night presented by Houston Methodist at Minute Maid Park on Saturday, June 14. Join churches from all over for this night of fellowship, outreach, and celebration. Stick around after the game for player testimonies and a concert by MercyMe immediately following the 3:10pm contest vs. the Tampa Bay Rays. To purchase tickets today contact the Astros group line now at 713-259-8500 or email [email protected]. For more information, visit www.astros.com/faith.

PICNIC IN THE PARK

This Father's Day, June 15, the Astros Foundation will hold its second annual Picnic in the Park fundraising event in the outfield of Minute Maid Park. This special event will feature 2014 Astros players, alumni and members of the Astros front office. All proceeds from the charitable event will benefit the Astros Foundation's cornerstone youth baseball programs in the Greater Houston Area.

Fans will once again be treated to an hour-long autograph session with Astros players, activities for families and children and a picnic buffet. Additionally, each fan will receive a complimentary picnic mat.

Picnic in the Park admission includes a ticket to the Astros 1:10pm game vs. the Tampa Bay Rays, and will begin approximately 45 minutes after the conclusion of the game. Children five years of age or younger are admitted free with a ticketed adult. Adult tickets (fans 15 and over) are $100, and child tickets (fans 6-14) are $25. Tickets are limited and must be purchased in advance.

SPECIAL FATHER'S DAY GIVEAWAY

On Sunday, June 15, 10,000 fans will receive an Astros Father's Day BBQ Grill Set presented by Houston Methodist when arriving at the ballpark prior to the 1:10 p.m. game vs. the Tampa Bay Rays.