Houston Astros

The fajita nachos from El Tiempo are the best deal for food inside Minute Maid. Centerfield area first and second level is a great hangout spot. Check out 8th Wonder Brewery before the game - about a 10-15 minute walk from the park.

I usually get between rows 3 and 5 right at first base. You can peer inside the Astros dugout from there. Good Tex-Mex and margs at the nearby restaurants plus you don't have to pay for parking if you eat there.

The best part of the game-day tour is sitting out in right field after the tour watching Astros batting practice. Totally worth doing once if you have never been to Minute Maid before.

The roof means the ballpark is air-conditioned when closed. For a summer day game that matters more than which section you pick.

The Honda Club Level concourse keeps a clear view of the field from several points, so you can queue for food without missing an at-bat.

All Astros-owned lots are cashless; single-game passes come from Lot C, bought with your ticket.

The Crawford Boxes in left field sit only 19 feet above the playing surface — the closest outfield seating in baseball, and the reason short porch home runs land in laps.

Daikin Park is tight to the play everywhere: five feet from the foul lines, 43 feet at the nearest base-line seats.

Gates open two hours out with full access, so arriving early means going inside rather than waiting outside.

There is no tailgate here — the club bars tailgate parties on every facility lot.