Astros on extended concessions sales: 'Alcohol cut-off will be four hours after first pitch or at building management discretion'

With the recent institution of the pitch clock during all Major League Baseball (MLB) games, the Houston Astros have joined their fellow ball clubs in extending the amount of time fans can purchase food and beverages. 

An Astros-issued press release said that certain concession stands will continue to tend to customers through after the final out.

An Associated Press (AP) article that was run by Houston CBS affiliate KHOU said that approximately 40% of the locations at Minute Maid Park will be open the whole span of a game. 

"The Astros will continue to reserve the right to not serve a fan at its discretion," officials with the incumbent World Series champions said in a statement, per the report. "Alcohol cut-off will be four hours after first pitch or at building management discretion." 

The AP reported that seat vendors will work through the end of the bottom of the seventh inning.

Citing the Texas Comptroller’s Office, the AP reported that Minute Maid Park generated the most alcohol sales in Harris County last year to the tune of over $28 million.

Ballpark beer and liquor sales raked in about $13 million each while wine sales took in less than $2 million. MLB has used the pitch clock, which is a common sight in the minor leagues, since spring training.

The hurler has 15 seconds to pitch when no one is on base and 20 with a runner on.

Per the AP, the pitch clock has trimmed about half an hour off the total game time since its implementation.

The Astros’ quest to win a second consecutive Fall Classic and a third in seven years is off to a rough start, with the team languishing near the bottom of the American League (AL) West at 7-9 as of Monday.

They dropped the first series of the intrastate showdown against the Texas Rangers – and as of press time – were preparing for a three-game tussle with the Toronto Blue Jays.