HOUSTON – The Houston Astros are making some changes in order to get more fans to the games. But one idea is hitting a sour note with some.
New Astros owner Jim Crane had a lot to unveil Monday, including a potential uniform change and the possibility of renaming the team.
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Crane told reporters a name change was under consideration but not a sure thing.
"There's a lot of expense to it," said Crane. "We've got signs here. And if we do change it, it's going to be expensive. Like I said, it's under consideration. We haven't said we're going to do that, so don't jump to any conclusions."
"I think that would be a big mistake. When people think of baseball and Texas, the first team that ever came here was the Astros. It goes back to the space industry. So the Astros are synonymous with Houston," fan Dana Willis said.
"It's always been the Astros. It should always stay the Astros," fan Tom LeClare said.
Crane also said a change in uniforms could come as early as 2013.
"We would go see the old ugly Astros uniforms. Bring those back. Bring the rainbows back. I'm good with that. But changing the name -- big mistake," fan Mark Lowman said.
Crane decided to make the game more accessible to Houstonians who want to watch it live at Minute Maid Park.
The team is reducing prices for 5,000 seats. The Outfield Deck seats will cost $5 for adults and $1 for children. Seats in the Field Box II level were $41 in the 2011 season, but they will cost $29 in the 2012 season. Tickets for the Power Club, on the club level, will cost $35 with a $15 credit for food, beverages and retail items.
Food and beverages can cost more than tickets, but the Astros have a solution for that. Fans will be allowed to bring food and water to the games. Food must be transported in a small, clear plastic bag and water must be in a sealed 1-liter or smaller plastic bottle. One bottle per person is allowed.
Season ticket holders will get a rebate for their loyalty. A 5 percent rebate will be issued to full season and 27-game season ticket holders who renew their accounts by Jan. 31. The rebate will be issued in the form of a gift card that can be used to buy food, merchandise and individual game tickets.