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Houston Astros extend stay at Minute Maid Park

The Houston Astros, last year’s winners of Major League Baseball’s World Series, have signed a 20-year extension to a lease agreement to play at Minute Maid Park stadium.

The Astros have played at the ballpark since 2000. The team’s previous deal was due to run until March 2030, but the new agreement runs until 2050.

From this year, the Astros’ rent at Minute Maid Park will increase by $1m, and by a further $1m for the 20-year extension. The team said these funds would be set aside for stadium maintenance and capital repairs

“The Sports Authority’s Board of Directors has worked very hard to be a good landlord to the team, as well as to protect the community’s investment and ensure that the stadium remains state-of-the-art,” Harris County – Houston Sports Authority chairman J. Kent Friedman said.

“The venue has been a great addition to the downtown landscape for fans and players alike. The Sports Authority is proud to support our reigning world champions, and this lease extension furthers the commitment to maintaining Minute Maid Park for many years to come.”

Astros owner and chairman Jim Crane added: “The Astros look forward to furthering our investment in downtown Houston and calling Minute Maid Park our home through 2050.

“We appreciate the commitment of the Harris County – Houston Sports Authority to keep the Astros in the heart of downtown, and we remain committed to making the fan experience at Minute Maid Park first class.”

Minute Maid Park has a capacity of 41,000 and it has served as the Astros’ home since opening in 2000.

Image: Brian Reading