Astros unveil plans for new center-field area at Minute Maid Park

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The Astros released their conceptual plans Thursday for the proposed renovation of the center-field area at Minute Maid Park following this season.

Construction is slated to begin immediately following the end of the 2016 season and would be ready for the start of the 2017 campaign. The renovation will include improved seating options, new food and beverage options, and adding escalators to improve fan access.

ALSO SEE: Tal Smith on Minute Maid Park without the hill

It also includes the removal of Tal's Hill, which has been a ballpark staple since the venue opened in 2000.

The changes originally were to take place after the 2015 season, but were delayed because the team made the playoffs, altering the construction timeline.

According to the team, the design of the new center-field area was in partnership with MSA Sport and influenced by feedback from fans, current and former players and front-office personnel. Astros executives also visited more than 20 MLB parks as part of the process.

"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," Astros president of business operations Reid Ryan said.

"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."

What center field at Minute Maid Park currently looks like with Tal's Hill. What center field at Minute Maid Park currently looks like with Tal's Hill. Photo: Houston Astros, Minute Maid Park Changes Photo: Houston Astros, Minute Maid Park Changes Image 1 of / 65 Caption Close Astros unveil plans for new center-field area at Minute Maid Park 1 / 65 Back to Gallery

Facts about the revisions:

The current center field distance of 436 feet would move to 409 feet, moving Minute Maid Park from the deepest center distance to the sixth-farthest in the league.

The seating capacity of Minute Maid Park would remain essentially the same.

The renovation of center field would include three new bar locations, four additional food locations and a premium group seating area at field level, creating the first field-level seating area available in the ballpark.

Click through the photos above to see the before-and-after renderings for the new center-field area.