The Astros and the City of Houston celebrated the grand
opening of $248M Enron Field last night, as 40,624 fans
turned out for an exhibition game against the Yankees. In
Houston, Eric Berger writes "the fans took the city's newest
convertible for a spin [last night], enjoying the wind in
their hair as outdoor professional baseball returned to
Houston." Most fans "effused superlatives when describing
the ballpark." Astros Owner Drayton McLane, explaining the
empty seats at the beginning of the game: "The people won't
come out of the concourses. They have never seen anything
like this before and they want to see it all" (HOUSTON
CHRONICLE, 3/31). McLane: "There was some anxiety whether
this place would be acceptable for the public today. I
think that's been easily achieved" (HOUSTON CHRONICLE,
3/31). In Dallas, Bruce Nichols: "Fans liked the outdoor
feel, with the skyline visible from the stands" (DALLAS
MORNING NEWS, 3/31). In Houston, David Barron writes that
baseball in the city "will never be the same." Barron: "As
the fans return, they will likely spend much of their time
marveling at a building that is equal parts tourist
attraction and athletics compound." Barron called the
opening a success except for a "few traffic problems and
some last-minute cosmetic touches by construction workers,"
(HOUSTON CHRONICLE, 3/31). In Dallas, Ken Daley: "While no
one was attempting to declare Enron Field an official Wonder
of the World, as many did the Astrodome in 1965, its ...
debut was an unquestionable step forward" (DALLAS MORNING
NEWS, 3/31). In Houston, Dale Robertson, on Enron: "Based
on what it is, what it offers in the way of sight lines,
interesting amenities and neat finishing touches, then
factor in what it cost, it's simply the finest baseball
stadium tethered to Mother Earth" (HOUSTON CHRONICLE, 3/31).
