Categories: Everything you should know about Astros Opening Day 2024

Everything you should know about Astros Opening Day 2024

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Everything you should know about Astros Opening Day

Ahead of the MLB Opening Day 2024, fans can expect ABC13 Sports to provide comprehensive coverage, setting the stage for what promises to be an exciting season for the Astros. This coverage will likely include insights into new additions to the team, such as players or coaching staff, as well as any changes or developments within the organization.

As for Minute Maid Park, fans can anticipate the familiar buzz and excitement that comes with attending a game there. The atmosphere is likely to be electric as supporters rally behind their team for what could be another successful season. With the Astros aiming for postseason baseball once again, every game, especially the opener against a formidable opponent like the Yankees, will carry significant importance.

Overall, the stage is set for an action-packed season, and fans can look forward to following every inning of Astros baseball as they embark on their journey towards October.

Everything you should know about Astros Opening Day 2024

What time is first pitch?

The Astros will toss the season’s first pitch at approximately 3:10 p.m. CT. The club offers a free street fest for all ticketed fans for that day’s game from noon to 3 p.m. before the game, featuring live music, face painters and caricature artists, photo booths, giveaways, and more.

The team also urges fans to arrive early for a special pregame ceremony, including retired former Astro, Michael Brantley, throwing the ceremonial first pitch and rapper 50 Cent making the Play Ball call.

What will traffic and weather be like in downtown Houston?

Everything you should know about Astros Opening Day 2024

The Astros are just one of the shows in town. Seven blocks down from Minute Maid Park, Toyota Center is hosting pop legend Madonna in concert, with doors open at 7:30 p.m.

ABC13 traffic anchor Elissa Rivas also pointed out that the Co-Cathedral of the Sacred Heart on St. Joseph Parkway is holding its Holy Thursday service at 7 p.m.

Fans should be aware of congestion after the game. In addition, Rivas offered her periodic reminder that street parking is free after 7 p.m., so here’s a gentle reminder to plan out a parking strategy if that applies to you.

ABC13 chief meteorologist Travis Herzog forecasts sunshine and dry air in Houston, predicting sunny and 73 degrees at first pitch and by game’s end.

The club has yet to say whether the roof will be open or closed.

Everything you should know about Astros Opening Day 2024

Are tickets still available?

Opening Day tickets traditionally are among the most sought-after during the season, and the Astros are no different from that trend.

On Wednesday, a search of the team’s ticketing website showed available sections in the 100s behind the dugouts and down the foul lines. A cluster of open seats in Section 134 in the right field cost $290 each.

Standing Room Only tickets are also available for $64 each.

Also on Wednesday, StubHub, the team’s official ticket reseller, showed the least expensive seats for $71 each in Section 414 behind the third-base side.

Who’s new on the Astros?

Houston Astros Manager Joe Espada, left, and general manager Dana Brown pose for a photograph during a press conference with general Manager Dana Brown on Monday, Nov. 13, 2023 at Minute Maid Park in Houston.

The Astros promoted Joe Espada, a familiar face in the clubhouse, to field manager, succeeding retiring legend, Dusty Baker Jr.

General manager Dana Brown also pulled the trigger on the team’s biggest offseason move: the free-agent signing of top relief pitcher Josh Hader as the new closer.

Outside of Hader, Houston acquired role players to the active roster, including backup catcher Victor Caratini, and reloaded the bullpen after the losses of Hector Neris, Phil Maton, and Ryne Stanek. Pitchers Shawn Dubin, Parker Mushinski, and Ronel Blanco – all with sporadic appearances last season – will be on the Opening Day roster.

What does the road ahead look for the Astros?

Houston will end March with the Yankees. Cristian Javier is the starting pitcher on Friday and Hunter Brown on Saturday. A Sunday starter was not immediately announced.

Then, the Astros host the Toronto Blue Jays for a three-game series starting Monday, April 1.

After a Thursday off-day, Houston heads up to Arlington for a four-game rematch of the 2023 American League Championship Series against World Series titleholders, the Texas Rangers. The series is from Friday, April 5 through Monday, April 8.