Houston Astros FanFest 2016 Experience

A Look at the Event the Houston Astros Call FanFest

The Houston Astros FanFest was a great experience that I suggest all fans of the team participate in the future.  It allowed you to visit parts of the stadium not normally open to fans, such as walking around the bases, as well as to see and talk to the players face-to-face. The sales on older merchandise were nice too, as I was able to pick up a Keuchel’s Korner shirt. According to Alyson Footer, more than 11,000 Astros fans showed up to Minute Maid Park in high 40-degree weather in January.

I was able to get tickets for what FanFest called “batting practice,” which was essentially getting some pitches in the batting cage. The experience was cool, but what was cooler happened while waiting in line.  George Springer nonchalantly walked by everyone, and the line was star-struck. I saw George a couple of other times throughout the day, but that was the closest he got to me.

The players, for the most part, were very normal and cool people who would walk right by fans to get to their signing or picture taking area. I got some pictures with a few players, Jon Singleton and Josh Fields, and the former was very talkative and funny.

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The local bloggers also got to participate in something called the Bloggers’ Round Table, where they got to sit down in a small group setting and interview Quinton McCraken, Mike Elias, and Reid Ryan. CTH Editor Eric Huysman, Brandon DelCastillo, and Cody Poage got to attend that event, so keep an eye out for a future post from what was said there. Season ticket holders and a select few others were able to attend Fan Forums, where I hear that the Springer, Colby Rasmus, and Evan Gattis forum was hilarious.

Another major event happened at FanFest: the announcement of the new alternate jersey.  While I was unable to go to the live announcement, TVs around the stadium were playing it as well as team stores were selling them.  I’m looking forward to seeing the jerseys in use next season. These Jerseys will be used for Sunday home games and various other times throughout the year. Cody is working on a post with more details, but enjoy the Tweet above with the closeup.

Need more Astros? Listen to the recent talking Astros where we interviewed Chris Devenski and Brady Rodgers.

Next: Astros Rumors: Team Considering Doug Fister for Rotation

The Astros FanFest experience was one to remember, and I will definitely be returning next year.  I can’t wait to see what the ‘Stros have on deck for next year’s event.