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For a day game at Minute Maid Park, the behind home plate falls into shade first. The coolest seats are on that side, in the back rows under the upper-deck overhang, and in any fully covered or club-level sections. Evening games leave most of the park shaded by first pitch. See how we calculate this.
Sun: W · 23° above the horizon
Based on stadium orientation and historical data, these sections offer the most shade:
Guaranteed shade — fully covered seating
Guaranteed shade — fully covered seating
Guaranteed shade — fully covered seating
Guaranteed shade — fully covered seating
Guaranteed shade — fully covered seating
Shade in the back rows under the overhang; front rows exposed
Shade in the back rows under the overhang; front rows exposed
Shade in the back rows under the overhang; front rows exposed
Shade availability varies significantly throughout the baseball season:
Lower sun angle — more shade available, especially in afternoon games
Sun angle rising — shade coverage decreases, evening games best for comfort
Near summer solstice — fewest shaded seats, covered sections essential
Peak summer - maximum sun exposure
Late summer - intense afternoon sun
Early fall - decreasing sun angle
Playoff season - comfortable temperatures
Maximum sun exposure - shade essential
Afternoon sun on the first base side
Sunset glare possible in outfield sections
| Section | Level | Coverage | Shade Rating | Best Time | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Diamond Club 3 | field | — Exposed | Evening games | Exposed — little to no shade | |
| Diamond Club 4 | field | — Exposed | Evening games | Exposed — little to no shade | |
| Diamond Club 5 | field | — Exposed | Evening games | Exposed — little to no shade | |
| Field Box 103 | field | ◐ back rows | Day games (back rows) | Overhang shade in the back rows only; front rows exposed | |
| Field Box 104 | field | ◐ back rows | Day games (back rows) | Overhang shade in the back rows only; front rows exposed | |
| Field Box 105 | field | ◐ back rows | Day games (back rows) | Overhang shade in the back rows only; front rows exposed | |
| Field Box 106 | field | ◐ back rows | Day games (back rows) | Overhang shade in the back rows only; front rows exposed | |
| Field Box 107 | field | ◐ back rows | Day games (back rows) | Overhang shade in the back rows only; front rows exposed | |
| Field Box 108 | field | ◐ back rows | Day games (back rows) | Overhang shade in the back rows only; front rows exposed | |
| Field Box 109 | field | ◐ back rows | Day games (back rows) | Overhang shade in the back rows only; front rows exposed | |
| Field Box 110 | field | ◐ back rows | Day games (back rows) | Overhang shade in the back rows only; front rows exposed | |
| Field Box 125 | field | ◐ back rows | Day games (back rows) | Overhang shade in the back rows only; front rows exposed | |
| Field Box 126 | field | ◐ back rows | Day games (back rows) | Overhang shade in the back rows only; front rows exposed | |
| Field Box 127 | field | ◐ back rows | Day games (back rows) | Overhang shade in the back rows only; front rows exposed | |
| Field Box 128 | field | ◐ back rows | Day games (back rows) | Overhang shade in the back rows only; front rows exposed | |
| Field Box 129 | field | ◐ back rows | Day games (back rows) | Overhang shade in the back rows only; front rows exposed | |
| Field Box 130 | field | ◐ back rows | Day games (back rows) | Overhang shade in the back rows only; front rows exposed | |
| Field Box 131 | field | ◐ back rows | Day games (back rows) | Overhang shade in the back rows only; front rows exposed | |
| Field Box 132 | field | ◐ back rows | Day games (back rows) | Overhang shade in the back rows only; front rows exposed | |
| Crawford Boxes 436 | field | — Exposed | Evening games | Exposed — little to no shade | |
| Crawford Boxes 437 | field | — Exposed | Evening games | Exposed — little to no shade | |
| Crawford Boxes 438 | field | — Exposed | Evening games | Exposed — little to no shade | |
| Club Level 213 | club | ✓ Covered | All day | Guaranteed shade — fully covered | |
| Club Level 214 | club | ✓ Covered | All day | Guaranteed shade — fully covered | |
| Club Level 215 | club | ✓ Covered | All day | Guaranteed shade — fully covered | |
| Club Level 216 | club | ✓ Covered | All day | Guaranteed shade — fully covered | |
| Club Level 217 | club | ✓ Covered | All day | Guaranteed shade — fully covered | |
| Club Level 218 | club | ✓ Covered | All day | Guaranteed shade — fully covered | |
| Club Level 219 | club | ✓ Covered | All day | Guaranteed shade — fully covered | |
| Club Level 220 | club | ✓ Covered | All day | Guaranteed shade — fully covered | |
| Club Level 221 | club | ✓ Covered | All day | Guaranteed shade — fully covered | |
| Club Level 222 | club | ✓ Covered | All day | Guaranteed shade — fully covered | |
| Club Level 223 | club | ✓ Covered | All day | Guaranteed shade — fully covered | |
| Club Level 224 | club | ✓ Covered | All day | Guaranteed shade — fully covered | |
| Club Level 225 | club | ✓ Covered | All day | Guaranteed shade — fully covered | |
| Club Level 226 | club | ✓ Covered | All day | Guaranteed shade — fully covered | |
| Club Level 227 | club | ✓ Covered | All day | Guaranteed shade — fully covered | |
| Club Level 228 | club | ✓ Covered | All day | Guaranteed shade — fully covered | |
| Club Level 229 | club | ✓ Covered | All day | Guaranteed shade — fully covered | |
| Mezzanine 315 | lower | ◐ back rows | Day games (back rows) | Overhang shade in the back rows only; front rows exposed | |
| Mezzanine 316 | lower | ◐ back rows | Day games (back rows) | Overhang shade in the back rows only; front rows exposed | |
| Mezzanine 317 | lower | ◐ back rows | Day games (back rows) | Overhang shade in the back rows only; front rows exposed | |
| Mezzanine 318 | lower | ◐ back rows | Day games (back rows) | Overhang shade in the back rows only; front rows exposed | |
| Mezzanine 319 | lower | ◐ back rows | Day games (back rows) | Overhang shade in the back rows only; front rows exposed | |
| Mezzanine 320 | lower | ◐ back rows | Day games (back rows) | Overhang shade in the back rows only; front rows exposed | |
| Mezzanine 321 | lower | ◐ back rows | Day games (back rows) | Overhang shade in the back rows only; front rows exposed | |
| Mezzanine 322 | lower | ◐ back rows | Day games (back rows) | Overhang shade in the back rows only; front rows exposed | |
| Mezzanine 323 | lower | ◐ back rows | Day games (back rows) | Overhang shade in the back rows only; front rows exposed | |
| Mezzanine 324 | lower | ◐ back rows | Day games (back rows) | Overhang shade in the back rows only; front rows exposed | |
| Mezzanine 325 | lower | ◐ back rows | Day games (back rows) | Overhang shade in the back rows only; front rows exposed | |
| Mezzanine 326 | lower | ◐ back rows | Day games (back rows) | Overhang shade in the back rows only; front rows exposed | |
| Mezzanine 327 | lower | ◐ back rows | Day games (back rows) | Overhang shade in the back rows only; front rows exposed | |
| Mezzanine 328 | lower | ◐ back rows | Day games (back rows) | Overhang shade in the back rows only; front rows exposed | |
| Mezzanine 329 | lower | ◐ back rows | Day games (back rows) | Overhang shade in the back rows only; front rows exposed | |
| Mezzanine 330 | lower | ◐ back rows | Day games (back rows) | Overhang shade in the back rows only; front rows exposed | |
| Upper Deck 409 | upper | ◐ back rows | Day games (back rows) | Overhang shade in the back rows only; front rows exposed | |
| Upper Deck 410 | upper | ◐ back rows | Day games (back rows) | Overhang shade in the back rows only; front rows exposed | |
| Upper Deck 411 | upper | ◐ back rows | Day games (back rows) | Overhang shade in the back rows only; front rows exposed | |
| Upper Deck 412 | upper | ◐ back rows | Day games (back rows) | Overhang shade in the back rows only; front rows exposed | |
| Upper Deck 413 | upper | ◐ back rows | Day games (back rows) | Overhang shade in the back rows only; front rows exposed | |
| Upper Deck 414 | upper | ◐ back rows | Day games (back rows) | Overhang shade in the back rows only; front rows exposed | |
| Upper Deck 415 | upper | ◐ back rows | Day games (back rows) | Overhang shade in the back rows only; front rows exposed | |
| Upper Deck 416 | upper | ◐ back rows | Day games (back rows) | Overhang shade in the back rows only; front rows exposed | |
| Upper Deck 417 | upper | ◐ back rows | Day games (back rows) | Overhang shade in the back rows only; front rows exposed | |
| Upper Deck 418 | upper | ◐ back rows | Day games (back rows) | Overhang shade in the back rows only; front rows exposed | |
| Upper Deck 419 | upper | ◐ back rows | Day games (back rows) | Overhang shade in the back rows only; front rows exposed | |
| Upper Deck 420 | upper | ◐ back rows | Day games (back rows) | Overhang shade in the back rows only; front rows exposed | |
| Upper Deck 421 | upper | ◐ back rows | Day games (back rows) | Overhang shade in the back rows only; front rows exposed | |
| Upper Deck 422 | upper | ◐ back rows | Day games (back rows) | Overhang shade in the back rows only; front rows exposed | |
| Upper Deck 423 | upper | ◐ back rows | Day games (back rows) | Overhang shade in the back rows only; front rows exposed | |
| Upper Deck 424 | upper | ◐ back rows | Day games (back rows) | Overhang shade in the back rows only; front rows exposed | |
| Upper Deck 425 | upper | ◐ back rows | Day games (back rows) | Overhang shade in the back rows only; front rows exposed | |
| Upper Deck 426 | upper | ◐ back rows | Day games (back rows) | Overhang shade in the back rows only; front rows exposed | |
| Upper Deck 427 | upper | ◐ back rows | Day games (back rows) | Overhang shade in the back rows only; front rows exposed | |
| Upper Deck 428 | upper | ◐ back rows | Day games (back rows) | Overhang shade in the back rows only; front rows exposed | |
| Bleachers 436 | upper | — Exposed | Evening games | Exposed — some relief from self-shading late in the game | |
| Bleachers 437 | upper | — Exposed | Evening games | Exposed — some relief from self-shading late in the game | |
| Bleachers 438 | upper | — Exposed | Evening games | Exposed — some relief from self-shading late in the game |
Exposed — little to no shade
Exposed — little to no shade
Exposed — little to no shade
Overhang shade in the back rows only; front rows exposed
Overhang shade in the back rows only; front rows exposed
Overhang shade in the back rows only; front rows exposed
Overhang shade in the back rows only; front rows exposed
Overhang shade in the back rows only; front rows exposed
Overhang shade in the back rows only; front rows exposed
Overhang shade in the back rows only; front rows exposed
Overhang shade in the back rows only; front rows exposed
Overhang shade in the back rows only; front rows exposed
Overhang shade in the back rows only; front rows exposed
Overhang shade in the back rows only; front rows exposed
Overhang shade in the back rows only; front rows exposed
Overhang shade in the back rows only; front rows exposed
Overhang shade in the back rows only; front rows exposed
Overhang shade in the back rows only; front rows exposed
Overhang shade in the back rows only; front rows exposed
Exposed — little to no shade
Exposed — little to no shade
Exposed — little to no shade
Overhang shade in the back rows only; front rows exposed
Overhang shade in the back rows only; front rows exposed
Overhang shade in the back rows only; front rows exposed
Overhang shade in the back rows only; front rows exposed
Overhang shade in the back rows only; front rows exposed
Overhang shade in the back rows only; front rows exposed
Overhang shade in the back rows only; front rows exposed
Overhang shade in the back rows only; front rows exposed
Overhang shade in the back rows only; front rows exposed
Overhang shade in the back rows only; front rows exposed
Overhang shade in the back rows only; front rows exposed
Overhang shade in the back rows only; front rows exposed
Overhang shade in the back rows only; front rows exposed
Overhang shade in the back rows only; front rows exposed
Overhang shade in the back rows only; front rows exposed
Overhang shade in the back rows only; front rows exposed
Guaranteed shade — fully covered
Guaranteed shade — fully covered
Guaranteed shade — fully covered
Guaranteed shade — fully covered
Guaranteed shade — fully covered
Guaranteed shade — fully covered
Guaranteed shade — fully covered
Guaranteed shade — fully covered
Guaranteed shade — fully covered
Guaranteed shade — fully covered
Guaranteed shade — fully covered
Guaranteed shade — fully covered
Guaranteed shade — fully covered
Guaranteed shade — fully covered
Guaranteed shade — fully covered
Guaranteed shade — fully covered
Guaranteed shade — fully covered
Overhang shade in the back rows only; front rows exposed
Overhang shade in the back rows only; front rows exposed
Overhang shade in the back rows only; front rows exposed
Overhang shade in the back rows only; front rows exposed
Overhang shade in the back rows only; front rows exposed
Overhang shade in the back rows only; front rows exposed
Overhang shade in the back rows only; front rows exposed
Overhang shade in the back rows only; front rows exposed
Overhang shade in the back rows only; front rows exposed
Overhang shade in the back rows only; front rows exposed
Overhang shade in the back rows only; front rows exposed
Overhang shade in the back rows only; front rows exposed
Overhang shade in the back rows only; front rows exposed
Overhang shade in the back rows only; front rows exposed
Overhang shade in the back rows only; front rows exposed
Overhang shade in the back rows only; front rows exposed
Overhang shade in the back rows only; front rows exposed
Overhang shade in the back rows only; front rows exposed
Overhang shade in the back rows only; front rows exposed
Overhang shade in the back rows only; front rows exposed
Exposed — some relief from self-shading late in the game
Exposed — some relief from self-shading late in the game
Exposed — some relief from self-shading late in the game
The sun is strongest between 11 AM and 4 PM. Day games at Minute Maid Park will have maximum sun exposure during these hours.
Bring your own sunscreen - SPF 30+ recommended
Drink water regularly, especially during day games. Minute Maid Park has water fountains on each level.
For a 1 PM game, the behind home plate falls into shade first, so seats there and up in the back rows of the upper deck stay coolest. Fully covered sections like Club Level 213, Club Level 214, Club Level 215 offer guaranteed shade all day.
17 sections at Minute Maid Park are fully covered (all rows) — mostly indoor, suite, and club-level spaces, and 52 more are shaded in their back rows only, under the upper-deck overhang and roof. Field-level and open bleacher sections are exposed.
Fully covered (all rows): Club Level 213, Club Level 214, Club Level 215, Club Level 216, Club Level 217, Club Level 218, Club Level 219, Club Level 220, Club Level 221, Club Level 222, Club Level 223, Club Level 224, Club Level 225, Club Level 226, Club Level 227, Club Level 228, Club Level 229.
Back rows only (overhang/roof): Field Box 103, Field Box 104, Field Box 105, Field Box 106, Field Box 107, Field Box 108, Field Box 109, Field Box 110, Field Box 125, Field Box 126, Field Box 127, Field Box 128, Field Box 129, Field Box 130, Field Box 131, Field Box 132, Mezzanine 315, Mezzanine 316, Mezzanine 317, Mezzanine 318, Mezzanine 319, Mezzanine 320, Mezzanine 321, Mezzanine 322, Mezzanine 323, Mezzanine 324, Mezzanine 325, Mezzanine 326, Mezzanine 327, Mezzanine 328, Mezzanine 329, Mezzanine 330, Upper Deck 409, Upper Deck 410, Upper Deck 411, Upper Deck 412, Upper Deck 413, Upper Deck 414, Upper Deck 415, Upper Deck 416, Upper Deck 417, Upper Deck 418, Upper Deck 419, Upper Deck 420, Upper Deck 421, Upper Deck 422, Upper Deck 423, Upper Deck 424, Upper Deck 425, Upper Deck 426, Upper Deck 427, Upper Deck 428.
For day games, shade typically reaches the field level sections by the 5th-6th inning. Evening games (7 PM starts) usually have most of the stadium in shade by first pitch, except for outfield sections which may experience sunset glare.
Yes, the upper deck concourse and club level concourses offer shaded standing room areas with views of the field. These are great options for escaping the sun during day games.
Remember, shade patterns change throughout the season and even during the game. For the most accurate, real-time shade information for your specific game, use our interactive shade tracker.
Select a game above to see section-by-section shade recommendations for your specific first-pitch time.
Shade data last verified:
Minute Maid Park in downtown Houston features a retractable roof and the famous train that runs along the left field wall. This unique ballpark combines Houston's railroad history with modern amenities, including the iconic Tal's Hill (now removed) and distinctive architecture.
Mild, roof varies
Usually comfortable
Getting humid
Roof often closed
Hot and humid
AC essential
Peak heat
Roof always closed
Extremely humid
Indoor comfort crucial
Still hot
Roof provides relief
Behind home plate
Club level
Ultimate luxury with AC comfort
experienceBest value seats
valueUnique left field experience
experienceGreat views, always comfortable
viewLocal breweries: Saint Arnold, Karbach, 8th Wonder, Buffalo Bayou
501 Crawford Street, Houston, TX 77002
Closest to stadium
Good value
Covered options
Ride Share: Crawford Street designated zones
Gates open 90 minutes before first pitch
Bring sunscreen for day games
Try the stadium signature items
Leave early or stay late to avoid congestion
Urban center with restaurants, bars, and entertainment
Runs after home runs
Green alien mascot
7th inning stretch