Astros confirm center field renovation before the 2017 season

During the 2015 season, the Astros laid out a plan to renovate the Minute Maid Park's center field area including the removal of Tal's Hil. The plan was delayed by the Astros making the playoffs in 2015 and Minute Maid Park hosting a cricket match in November.

The team confirmed on Thursday that the Astros are going ahead with their plan to changed the center field and remove Tal's Hill in the process. Construction will begin the moment the Astros' 2016 season comes to an end and be finished in time for the 2017 season. The renovation will include improved seating options, new food and beverage options, and the addition of escalators to improve fan access and revisions to the playing field.

Astros President of Business Operations Reid Ryan said of the changes:

"We are very pleased to be moving forward with our plans to renovate the center field area of our ballpark and continue to improve the fan experience," said Ryan. "This project is our latest effort to make Minute Maid Park one of the most modern and comfortable venues in Houston. Whether fans are taking in an Astros game or attending one of our many special events, we are confident the updated center field area will provide a new and unique view of the action."

The design was done in partnership with MSA Sport.

The nuts and bolts changes will include the centerfield dimensions. The center field wall will move in from the deepest in baseball at 436 feet to 409 feet -- the sixth farthest in the league. The area will create three new bar locations, four additional food locations, and a premium group seating area at field level.