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Video: Houston Astros Reveal Daikin Park After Changing Name from Minute Maid Park

Joseph Zucker

The Houston Astros announced Monday they're changing the name of the stadium after agreeing to a sponsorship deal with Japanese company Daikin.

The venue initially opened as Enron Field in 2000 but had to remove the company's name in 2002 after its infamous bankruptcy. Minute Maid became the primary sponsor midway through the 2002 season.

During the brief Enron Field era, the stadium was colloquially known as "Ten-Run Field" because it proved to be friendly confines for hitters. It then became "The Juice Box" thanks to Minute Maid making its name with orange juice and lemonade.

Considering air conditioners are a large part of Daikin's business, it might be a matter of time before Houston's home venue gets some moniker like "The Ice Box."

The name on the stadium may not be the only notable change for the Astros in 2025. Alex Bregman has remained one of the constants during the franchise's eight-year playoff streak, a run that includes two World Series titles and another two American League pennants.

The two-time All-Star is headed for free agency. The Athletic's Ken Rosenthal wrote Monday he might be looking to sign for something similar to Manny Machado's 11-year $350 million extension with the San Diego Padres.

There's no guarantee Bregman sticks around in Houston, and his departure would further underline how the franchise's dominance in the AL can't go on forever.

   

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