The planned renovations will result in a reduction to Minute Maid Park's total seating capacity of 41,168getty images
Harris County Houston Sports Authority directors "approved plans Thursday" for a $25M renovation at Minute Maid Park, to be "paid for by the Astros," according to David Barron of the HOUSTON CHRONICLE. The renovation will "include a new club" for season-ticket holders on the ballpark's suite level and "changes in the right field corner resembling the recent center field renovations, including another open-access staircase" between ballpark levels. Astros President of Business Operations Reid Ryan said that the renovations will "take place alongside previously announced plans to renovate the suite level, which has not been substantially changed" since the ballpark opened in '00. Ryan added that the renovations will "result in a reduction to Minute Maid’s total seating capacity" of 41,168, as the right field upgrades will "result in the removal of some second deck seats." Meanwhile, the season ticket membership club will be "located in an area now occupied by six suites on the third base side of the ballpark near the scoreboard control room." It initially will be "open to season ticket holders who purchase a membership and will include table and high top seating with food and drink service" (HOUSTON CHRONICLE, 8/1).
