Featured image credit: Houston Astros
Daikin Comfort Technologies North America has acquired naming rights to the home stadium of Major League Baseball’s Houston Astros.
The 15-year naming-rights deal officially rebrands the Astros’ stadium as Daikin Park. The agreement begins on January 1 and will run until the end of the 2039 season.
Daikin replaces US beverage brand Minute Maid as the stadium’s naming-rights sponsor. Minute Maid, a subsidiary of Coca-Cola, had held naming rights since 2002.
The stadium opened in 2000 as Enron Field. Houston-based energy company Enron filed for bankruptcy in 2001, with Minute Maid stepping in to assume naming rights a year later. Minute Maid will continue to be a partner of the Astros until 2029.
Daikin Industries has over 98,000 employees around the world, and over 22,000 across its companies in the US. It provides jobs for around 10,000 people in the Greater Houston area.
As well as stadium naming rights, Daikin’s deal with the Astros includes community initiatives.
Jim Crane, owner and chairman of the Astros, said: “We are excited to be partnering with Daikin for our ballpark’s naming rights. Daikin is an international company that proudly calls the Greater Houston area its North American home.
“The Houston Astros and Daikin share the same values, a commitment to excellence and a desire to give back to our local community. As we celebrate the 25th anniversary of this ballpark in 2025, I am proud to have Daikin alongside us to create even more special memories for our fans now and in the future.”
Satoru Akama, president and chief executive of Daikin Comfort Technologies North America, added: “Daikin is a well-known brand all over the world and enjoys a reputation for innovative quality products and outstanding customer service. We are thrilled to partner with the Houston Astros in building a premier position based on our shared values of excellence, in both sports and community leadership.”
The first game at the newly branded Daikin Park will be on March 24 when the Astros host Triple-A affiliate Sugar Land in an exhibition game. The Astros will then open the 2025 regular season on March 27 against the New York Mets.
Share this