Astros FanFest Looks to be Without Current Players due to Lockout

The Houston Astros sent emails to recent ticket holders about their FanFest for 2022, while also promoting the event on social media. The event is being promoted without current major-league baseball players due to the lockout.

FanFest returns to Minute Maid Park on Jan. 22, after it was mainly virtual in 2021 in part to the COVID-19 pandemic. This year, the advertisements promote appearances from fans’ “favorite coaches, alumni, and broadcasters.”

All major-league teams have to refrain from the usage of current players in advertisements due to there being no Collective Bargaining Agreement.

The H-E-B sponsored event has more information to come, while a new CBA could change the plans with the addition of current players attending.

The 2022 Houston Astros FanFest is anticipating to be held without current Major League Baseball players due to the lockout.

Although a little over a month away, the Astros and other major-league teams look to be planning their offseasons events without contributions from their current players. If the lockout persists, then no current players can be at the event.

FanFest will be open from 11:00 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturday, Jan. 22. The event will include autograph sessions, photo opportunities, games and more, according to the Astros.

“Games and more” include running the bases, swings in the batting cages, bullpen throwing sessions, a family fun zone, fan forums, photo booths, face painters and caricature artists.

Admission vouchers are not on sale yet, but the team’s website says they will be soon. Admission is free, though, but each fan that looks to attend needs to acquire one from the team’s website before attending. There will be other activity vouchers on sale, too, that will be required for certain activities.

FanFest has been postponed as of Wednesday, Jan. 5.