History of Daikin Park in Timeline

Daikin Park is a retractable roof stadium in Houston, Texas, serving as the home ballpark for the Houston Astros of MLB since its opening in 2000. With a seating capacity of 41,168, including club seats and luxury suites, it features a natural grass playing field. Daikin Park replaced the Astrodome, which was the first domed baseball/football stadium.

1909: New Union Station Design Commissioned

In 1909, the Houston Belt and Terminal Railway Company commissioned Warren and Wetmore to design a new union station, necessitating the demolition of prominent structures including Horace Baldwin Rice's residence and Adath Yeshurun Congregation's synagogue.

March 1, 1911: Union Station Opens

On March 1, 1911, Union Station in Houston opened, constructed by the American Construction Company. Houston was considered a main railroad hub with 17 railways.

1965: The Astrodome Opens

In 1965, the Astrodome, the first domed baseball/football stadium, opened. It was later replaced by Daikin Park.

1966: Introduction of Chemgrass at the Astrodome

In 1966, the Houston Astrodome introduced Chemgrass, later known as AstroTurf.

July 31, 1974: Lone Star Train Service Moves

On July 31, 1974, the Lone Star, the last regularly scheduled train, moved its service to Houston's current Amtrak station, leading the Union Station building to become office space.

November 10, 1977: Union Station Added to National Register of Historic Places

On November 10, 1977, the National Park Service added Union Station to the National Register of Historic Places.

August 1995: Astros Owner Comments on New Ballpark

In August 1995, Astros owner Drayton McLane commented he was not in the market for a new ballpark, referencing other stadiums built in the 1970s and the need for more than just a new stadium for success.

1995: Houston Oilers Leaving for New Stadium

In 1995, Houston's NFL franchise, the Houston Oilers, announced they were leaving for Nashville to have a new stadium built. Astros vice-president Bob McClaren suggested Astrodome renovations to increase revenue.

June 1996: Discussion on Future of Astrodome and New Ballpark

In June 1996, John J. Moores met with officials regarding the future of a football-only Astrodome and a new baseball-only ballpark in downtown Houston. Judge Robert Eckels pieced together a plan to build a new ballpark next to the Astrodome.

August 1996: Union Station Receives Renovation Grant

In August 1996, Houston's Union Station received a US$2 million grant from the Texas Transportation Commission for renovation. Plans changed for the new ballpark's location due to Enron Chairman Kenneth Lay's input and pledge to contribute to funding if placed downtown.

October 11, 1996: Early Stadium Sketches Released

On October 11, 1996, early stadium sketches from HOK Sport were released, using the working title "The Ballpark at Union Station".

November 5, 1996: Harris County Referendum Passes

On November 5, 1996, the Harris County referendum to help fund the new ballpark passed by a narrow margin.

June 2, 1997: Authorization for Creation of Sports Authority Approved

On June 2, 1997, Governor George W. Bush signed into law the authorization for the creation of the Harris County-Houston Sports Authority, which would assist in financing the new ballpark.

June 1997: Establishment of Harris County-Houston Sports Authority

In June 1997, votes established the Harris County-Houston Sports Authority, effective September 1, 1997.

September 1, 1997: Harris County-Houston Sports Authority established

The Harris County-Houston Sports Authority was established on September 1, 1997.

October 30, 1997: Groundbreaking for Enron Field

On October 30, 1997, the groundbreaking for Enron Field occurred, attended by various officials.

1997: Construction Management and Design Announced

In 1997, it was announced that Brown & Root would manage construction of the stadium, while Populous with Walter P. Moore would design it. VAHLE, Inc. developed the electrification of the park's retractable roof.

April 7, 1999: Ballpark Named "Enron Field"

On April 7, 1999, the ballpark was named "Enron Field" after a $100 million naming rights deal was made with Enron.

March 30, 2000: Ballpark Inauguration

On March 30, 2000, the ballpark was inaugurated with a preseason game against the New York Yankees. Naming rights were sold to Enron.

2000: Daikin Park Opens

In 2000, the stadium now known as Daikin Park opened in Houston, Texas, serving as the home ballpark for the Houston Astros, replacing the Astrodome.

2001: Enron Bankruptcy

In 2001, the Enron scandal and subsequent bankruptcy led to a public relations problem for the Astros, who sought to end their naming rights deal.

2001: The Enron Scandal

In 2001, the Enron scandal resulted in the Astros management facing a public relations problem.

February 5, 2002: Astros File Motion Regarding Naming Rights

On February 5, 2002, Astros ownership filed a motion to force Enron to decide on the naming rights matter amidst Enron's bankruptcy.

February 2002: Deal with Enron Ends, Stadium Renamed

In February 2002, the Astros and the now-bankrupt Enron came to an agreement to end the naming rights deal due to the Enron scandal. The stadium was renamed.

2002: Stadium Renamed Minute Maid Park

In 2002, the Astros sold naming rights to Minute Maid, and the ballpark was officially renamed "Minute Maid Park".

2003: Landry's Buys Naming Rights to the Crawford Boxes

In 2003, Landry's, a restaurant group, bought the naming rights to the Crawford Boxes, running various promotions for its restaurants there.

2004: Wi-Fi and Closed Captioning Introduced

In 2004, the Astros launched Wi-Fi throughout the ballpark and introduced a separate video board for closed captioning.

2006: Daikin Park Debut as Soccer Venue

In 2006, Daikin Park debuted as a soccer venue during the CONCACAF Champions Cup, hosting the quarterfinal first leg between Portmore United and Club América.

2006: Chick-fil-A Cows Unveiled

In 2006, the Chick-fil-A cows were unveiled on the foul poles at the ballpark.

September 16, 2007: Ty Wigginton Hits Left Field Pole

On September 16, 2007, Ty Wigginton became the third Astro to hit the left field pole.

November 21, 2008: Rachael Ray Hosts Mass Wedding at the Park

On November 21, 2008, the nationally syndicated TV talk show Rachael Ray held a mass wedding at Daikin Park for 40 couples who were unable to get married after a company they paid went bankrupt. The ceremony was aired as a special episode.

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2008: New Turfgrass Installed

After the 2008 season, the Astros' groundskeepers began installing a new turfgrass playing surface at Minute Maid Park.

April 8, 2009: Portion of Ballpark District Renamed

On April 8, 2009, the City of Houston renamed a portion of the Ballpark District to the "Hall of Fame District" and a portion of Hamilton Avenue to "Milo Hamilton Way" in honor of Milo Hamilton.

August 3, 2009: Kazuo Matsui Hits Right Field Pole

On August 3, 2009, Kazuo Matsui hit the right field foul pole with a two-run homer, securing a win against the Giants.

July 28, 2010: Carlos Lee Hits Left Field Pole

On July 28, 2010, Carlos Lee hit the left field pole, giving the Astros an 8–1 win against the Cubs.

2011: New Daktronics HD Screen Installed

For the 2011 season, the park added a large Daktronics HD screen nicknamed "El Grande" replacing the original one.

2012: BBVA Compass Stadium opening impacts Daikin Park soccer use

In 2012, the opening of BBVA Compass Stadium for MLS's Houston Dynamo effectively made Daikin Park's use for future soccer games moot.

2013: Repainting and Sign Replacement

In 2013, after the Astros reverted to their original colors and logo, much of Minute Maid Park was repainted to navy and orange from brick red, and signs were replaced.

May 9, 2015: Alvarez vs. Kirkland Boxing Match

On May 9, 2015, Canelo Alvarez defeated James Kirkland via knockout in the third round in the first boxing match held at Daikin Park.

June 4, 2015: Announcement of Tal's Hill Removal

On June 4, 2015, the Astros announced the removal of Tal's Hill as part of a $15 million renovation project for the 2016 season. The center field fence was to be moved in from 436 feet to 409 feet.

June 2015: Tal's Hill Removal Announced

In June 2015, the Astros announced a major renovation project that would remove Tal's Hill and replace it with additional seating, concessions, and escalators. The center field dimensions would be reduced from 436 feet to 409 feet.

November 11, 2015: Cricket All-Stars Match at Minute Maid Park

On November 11, 2015, Minute Maid Park hosted a cricket match, the second in a series of three Cricket All-Stars matches. Shane Warne's Warne's Warriors clinched the series 2–0. The ends were named after Nolan Ryan and José Cruz.

2016: "Tal's Hill" Removed

In 2016, "Tal's Hill", a signature feature of the ballpark, was removed.

January 30, 2017: Super Bowl Opening Night Hosted at the Stadium

On January 30, 2017, Daikin Park hosted Super Bowl Opening Night for Super Bowl LI, which took place at the nearby NRG Stadium.

2017: Roof Closed for Postseason Games

From 2017, the Astros played all home postseason games with the roof closed.

2017: FIRST Championship Hosted at the Park

From 2017, the park hosted the final rounds of the Houston leg of the FIRST Championship. To protect the field, the competition fields were built on a stage over the infield dirt.

2017: Hurricane Harvey's Impact on Minute Maid Park

In 2017, Hurricane Harvey caused significant flooding in Houston. Despite water entering the service levels of the stadium, Minute Maid Park remained in "good condition." The Astros had to move their series against the Texas Rangers to Tropicana Field due to the storm. The park hosted the city's first post-Harvey sporting event on September 2017.

2017: Tal's Hill Removal

Until 2017, Daikin Park featured Tal's Hill, a 90-foot wide incline in center field, along with a flagpole in play. This design was inspired by similar features in old ballparks. The hill was removed after the 2016 season.

2020: Minute Maid Park Hosts 2020 Royal Rumble

In 2020, Minute Maid Park hosted the Royal Rumble on January 26, marking the first time the stadium hosted a WWE pay-per-view event.

April 2022: Daikin Park incorporates Amazon's "Just Walk Out" technology

In April 2022, Daikin Park, formerly Minute Maid Park, became the first MLB stadium to incorporate Amazon's "Just Walk Out" technology for two of its concession stands, enabling cashierless stores.

2023: Yordan Alvarez Home Run

In the 2023 Major League Baseball postseason on October 7th, 2023, Yordan Alvarez hit a solo home run to the right field pole.

January 1, 2025: Stadium Renamed to Daikin Park

On January 1, 2025, the stadium was renamed to Daikin Park after Daikin acquired the naming rights.

2025: Minute Maid train changes to Daikin

In 2025, the train at Daikin park which is an upscaled replica of the General 4-4-0 changed it's giant oranges in reference to Minute Maid's most famous product, orange juice, to giant baseballs when Daikin's naming rights started