The Houston Astros' 2019 season featured an extensive lineup of promotional giveaways and fan engagement events at Minute Maid Park. These promotions were designed to reward ticketed fans with a variety of collectible items, apparel, and experiences throughout the regular season. The giveaways ranged from limited-quantity bobbleheads and replica jerseys to items distributed to all fans attending specific games. Key promotional partners included brands such as Coca-Cola, H-E-B, Bank of America, Topps, Gallery Furniture, and Veritex Community Bank. All giveaways were subject to availability and specific distribution policies outlined by the team.
Overview of 2019 Promotional Schedule
The Astros' promotional calendar for 2019 was detailed across multiple sources, including the team's official website and local news reports. The season's promotions were categorized into two main types: limited-quantity giveaways (available to the first specified number of fans) and "all fans" giveaways (distributed to every ticketed guest). The schedule also included recurring weekly promotions like "T-Shirt Tuesday," Dollar Dog Night, Friday Night Fireworks, and Kids Run the Bases Sundays.
Limited-Quantity Giveaways
These items were available while supplies lasted at guest entry points. The following is a list of confirmed limited-quantity promotions from the 2019 season:
- April 22 vs. Minnesota Twins: George Springer orange replica jersey (presented by Coca-Cola), available to the first 10,000 fans.
- April 26 vs. Cleveland Indians: Alex Bregman 'Stare' bobblehead (presented by H-E-B), available to the first 10,000 fans.
- May 6 vs. Kansas City Royals: 'Hugs for Homers' dual bobblehead of Jose Altuve and Tony Kemp (presented by Bank of America), available to the first 15,000 fans.
- May 11 vs. Los Angeles Angels: Justin Verlander replica white jersey (presented by Houston Methodist), available to the first 15,000 fans.
- May 12 vs. Los Angeles Angels: Astros clutch bag, available to the first 10,000 fans.
- May 22 vs. Seattle Mariners: Yuli Gurriel 'swing' bobblehead, available to the first 10,000 fans.
- June 8 vs. Los Angeles Angels: Jose Altuve replica navy batting practice jersey, available to the first 15,000 fans.
- June 26 vs. Pittsburgh Pirates: Jose Altuve 'Sliding' bobblehead (presented by Coca-Cola), available to all fans (noted as an "all fans" promotion in one source, but listed here with its original limited-quantity context from the schedule).
- June 29 vs. Seattle Mariners: Michael Brantley orange replica jersey (presented by AT&T), available to the first 10,000 fans.
- July 6 vs. Los Angeles Angels: Gerrit 'Cole Train' pitching bobblehead (presented by Nolan Ryan Beef), available to the first 15,000 fans.
- July 7 vs. Los Angeles Angels: Carlos Correa navy youth replica jersey (presented by Exclusive Furniture), available to the first 10,000 kids 12 and under.
- August 2 vs. Seattle Mariners: Nolan Ryan replica rainbow shoulder jersey (presented by Houston Methodist), available to the first 10,000 fans.
- August 3 vs. Seattle Mariners: Astros HOF Plaque Monument (presented by Houston Methodist), available to the first 10,000 fans.
- August 21 vs. Detroit Tigers: Josh Reddick 'On-Base' bobblehead (presented by Veritex Community Bank), available to the first 10,000 fans.
- September 22 vs. Los Angeles Angels: Team poster and 2020 schedule, available to the first 10,000 fans.
All Fans Giveaways
These items were distributed to every ticketed fan attending the specified game. The distribution times and policies were standardized.
- April 5 vs. Oakland Athletics: 2019 Schedule Magnet (presented by United Airlines).
- August 6 vs. Colorado Rockies: Topps baseball cards (presented by Topps) and Zack Greinke "Welcome to Houston" T-shirt.
- August 19 vs. Detroit Tigers: Craig Biggio 2005 NL Championship replica rings (presented by Gallery Furniture).
- September 7 vs. Seattle Mariners: Justin Verlander bobblehead.
- September 9 vs. Oakland Athletics: Jeff Bagwell 2005 NL Championship replica rings (presented by Gallery Furniture).
- September 18 vs. Texas Rangers: Michael Brantley bobblehead.
- September 21 vs. Los Angeles Angels: Carlos Correa 'Puerto Rico Flag' bobblehead (in honor of Hispanic Heritage Month).
Key Promotional Partners and Themed Events
The 2019 promotions featured significant partnerships with local and national brands, adding value and context to the giveaways. These collaborations often tied the items to specific themes or community initiatives.
- Coca-Cola: Presented the George Springer orange replica jersey on April 22 and the Jose Altuve 'Sliding' bobblehead on June 26.
- H-E-B: Presented the Alex Bregman 'Stare' bobblehead on April 26.
- Bank of America: Presented the 'Hugs for Homers' dual bobblehead on May 6.
- Houston Methodist: Presented multiple promotions, including the Justin Verlander replica white jersey (May 11), Nolan Ryan replica rainbow shoulder jersey (August 2), and the Astros HOF Plaque Monument (August 3).
- Gallery Furniture: Presented the Craig Biggio and Jeff Bagwell 2005 NL Championship replica rings on August 19 and September 9, respectively.
- Veritex Community Bank: Presented the Josh Reddick 'On-Base' bobblehead on August 21.
- Nolan Ryan Beef: Presented the Gerrit 'Cole Train' pitching bobblehead on July 6.
- Topps: Presented the Topps baseball cards on August 6.
- AT&T: Presented the Michael Brantley orange replica jersey on June 29.
- Exclusive Furniture: Presented the Carlos Correa navy youth replica jersey on July 7.
- United Airlines: Presented the 2019 Schedule Magnet on April 5.
Several promotions were tied to specific themes or calendar events: * Hispanic Heritage Month: The Carlos Correa 'Puerto Rico Flag' bobblehead on September 21 was specifically noted as being in honor of this celebration. * Astros Hall of Fame: The Astros HOF Plaque Monument giveaway on August 3 coincided with the opening weekend of the Hall of Fame. * Apollo 50th Anniversary: A promotion on July 19 (specific item not fully detailed in the source data) celebrated the 50th anniversary of the Apollo moon landing. * Mother's Day and Father's Day: While not explicitly labeled as themed giveaways in the provided data, the Mother's Day weekend promotions (May 11-12) included a clutch bag and a Verlander jersey. The data does not specify a distinct Father's Day giveaway.
Recurring and Weekly Promotions
Beyond the special giveaway games, the Astros offered several recurring promotions throughout the 2019 season. These provided consistent value for fans attending games on specific days.
- T-Shirt Tuesday: A new promotion for 2019, offering an exclusive designed t-shirt for sale (not free) during home games on Tuesdays.
- Dollar Dog Night: Occurred on Tuesdays, offering hot dogs for a discounted price.
- Friday Night Fireworks: A post-game fireworks show following Friday home games.
- Friday Pregame Happy Hour: A pre-game happy hour promotion on Fridays.
- Kids Run the Bases: A post-game activity for children on Sundays.
Giveaway Policies and Eligibility
The distribution of promotional items was governed by specific policies to ensure fairness and manage inventory. These policies are critical for fans to understand before attending a giveaway game.
- Eligibility: Gate giveaways were exclusively for ticketed fans only. Each promotional item was limited to one per ticketed fan, and the ticket holder must be present to receive the item.
- Age Restrictions: For age-sensitive items (e.g., kids' items), guests must meet the specified age qualifications to be eligible. For example, the Carlos Correa youth replica jersey was available only to kids 12 and under.
- Distribution Timing:
- For "all fans" giveaways, items were distributed at the entry gates starting 2 hours prior to first pitch and continuing until 1 hour and 30 minutes after first pitch.
- For limited-quantity giveaways, distribution began when gates opened (typically 2 hours prior to first pitch) and continued while supplies lasted at each point of entry.
- Supply Limitations: All giveaways were subject to availability. Limited-quantity items were distributed "while supplies last," meaning not all attendees were guaranteed to receive them, especially for high-demand items like bobbleheads. "All fans" items were guaranteed for every ticketed guest, provided they arrived at the gate within the distribution window.
Conclusion
The 2019 Houston Astros promotional schedule provided a diverse array of free collectibles and fan experiences, leveraging partnerships with prominent local and national brands. The strategy combined high-demand, limited-quantity items like player bobbleheads and replica jerseys with guaranteed giveaways for all attendees, such as schedule magnets and championship replica rings. Understanding the specific policies—particularly the "while supplies last" condition for limited items and the age requirements for certain promotions—was essential for fans aiming to secure these promotional items. The season's promotions also reflected broader themes, including community partnerships, historical milestones, and cultural celebrations. For detailed and up-to-date information, fans were directed to consult the official Astros website.