Houston Astros 2016 promotional calendar, new stadium food, Minute Maid upgrades announced

New Food: "The Flying Pig" A deep fried pork shank in peanut curry ranch, served with a sweet chili apple slaw. New Food: "The Flying Pig" A deep fried pork shank in peanut curry ranch, served with a sweet chili apple slaw. Photo: John Boyd Photo: John Boyd Image 1 of / 59 Caption Close Houston Astros 2016 promotional calendar, new stadium food, Minute Maid upgrades announced 1 / 59 Back to Gallery

With the Spring Training equipment trucks loading up just a block away, the Houston Astros offered a sneak peak Friday at what new amenities, foods and promotions fans can expect at Minute Maid Ballpark once the regular season begins.

Of course, the Astros hope the bigger attraction will continue to be on the field, where the team aims for its first back-to-back playoff seasons since 2004-05.

But for fans who prefer their baseball with bobble heads ....

PROMOTIONS

The Astros have divided its 2016 bobble head giveaways into two lineups.

First, the "Award Series" honors 2015 AL Cy Young and Gold Glove winner Dallas Keuchel; 2015 AL Rookie of the Year Carlos Correa; and Gold Glove and Silver Slugger winner Jose Altuve.

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Secondly, a themed series recognizes two beloved players' most famous moments from the 2015: a gravity-defying catch against the left field wall by outfielder George Springer, and outfielder Colby Rasmus' booze-soaked celebration after the Astros clinched their first postseason birth since 2005 (see above for bobblehead giveaway dates).

TOP 20: Astros' best moments of 2015

A fedora giveaway, honoring Correa's hat of choice, as well as an Orbit-themed giveaway are also planned for 2016. A complete lineup of gameday giveaways will be announced in the weeks to come.

Recurring promotions returning in 2016 include Big & Bright Friday Night fireworks after Friday evening home games and $1 Hot Dog Wednesdays during Wednesday evening home games.

Finally, Keuchel's Korner ticketing and specialty T-shirts will again return to the third base-line for all projected Dallas Keuchel home starts.

NEW FOODS

For the first time at Minute Maid, the Astros will offer self-order food kiosks in the main concourse level. The kiosks will allow fans to pay by credit card, and potentially reduce long lines and food wait times at ballpark food vendors.

As for the food itself, here's what's new to the menu in 2016:

"The Flying Pig:" A deep fried pork shank in peanut curry ranch, served with a sweet chili apple slaw.

Hawaiian Pulled Pork: Served on a tortilla with Hawaiian barbecue sauce and grilled pineapple slaw.

Chipotle Pescado: Coffee-rubbed salmon on a tortilla, served with mango-jalapeño ranch and a chipotle aioli.

Hand-dipped Full Size Corn Dog: Just what it sounds like.

Irish Nachos: Kettle chips covered with jalapeño queso, roasted tomatoes and the usual nacho toppings.

Goat cheese gnocchi: Served with lamb bacon, goat cheese, heirloom tomatoes and basil.

STADIUM IMPROVEMENTS

The Astros currently are installing new 400 SportsCluster Green LED lights, which the team claims will reduce energy use by 62 percent at the ballpark while improving lighting conditions for both players and video broadcasts.

One of the biggest offseason improvements at Minute Maid is one fans won't see, but will surely notice - at least as soon as they pull out their cellphones.

The Astros have upgraded the WiFi and mobile access for fans at Minute Maid with 600 high-density access points.

OTHER

The Astros on Friday also announced a multi-year partnership with La Nueva 94.1 FM for Spanish-language radio broadcasts. The station will carry all 162 regular season games.