MLB.com's Alyson Footer noted Minute Maid Park for '17 has "undergone another dramatic transformation, with a rebuilt center-field section offering a more comfortable, spacious area and improved food and drink options for fans." The Astros on Wednesday unveiled an $18M renovation that "includes new bars, patios and concessions, along with a restructured batter's eye, a redesigned Champions Pavilion and an additional elevator." The transformation also included removing Tal's Hill in straightaway center, which is now a "bar area and a field suite." The Astros also unveiled a "massive new graffiti mural in Home Run Alley." In terms of additions, no new feature received "more attention than the two new culinary tenants at Minute Maid Park -- Shake Shack and Torchy's Tacos" (MLB.com, 3/29).
UP CLOSE & PERSONAL: The D-backs have added the Cox Connects VR Bullpen at Chase Field. The D-backs and Cox Communications will develop VR content for fans, such as the view catching or hitting off an MLB pitcher, fielding ground balls, catching fly balls or unique behind-the-scene access (D-backs).
SPOT THE DIFFERENCE: In K.C., Pete Grathoff noted fans "may notice a few changes" at Kauffman Stadium this season. One of the "biggest changes is to the team store, and fans will notice that immediately." Where there had been just one door to enter, the Royals have "added a garage door that will serve as the entrance." Inside is "new flooring and LED lighting." The other major change is to the Diamond Club, where fans in the concourse can now "purchase food from" (K.C. STAR, 3/30).
ONE DOWN: In West Palm Beach, Dave George wrote the first year at the Nationals and Astros' Ballpark of the Palm Beaches "went ridiculously well." Ballpark of the Palm Beaches GM Brady Ballard estimated that there will be more people buying Spring Training season-tickets next year, now that "they’ve seen the place." Ballard said, "People wanted to see where they were sitting this year, but really, we were selling artist’s renderings." George noted it still "requires a little imagination to see how this place will be when fully developed" (PALM BEACH POST, 3/30).
