Ever wonder why the faces behind home plate in Minute Maid Park look so familiar? It's because many of Houston's most notable residents sit in the Phillips66 Diamond Club.
Look closely, you're likely to recognize Landry's CEO and Rockets owner Tilman Fertitta often seated with sons Michael Fertitta, Patrick Fertitta or Blake Fertitta. Astros owner Jim Crane and wife Whitney hold court there, too. When philanthropist Lynn Wyatt is in the mood for baseball, she usually joins Tenenbaum Jewelers owner Tony Bradfield a few rows behind the Cranes.
The Diamond Club isn't exactly private, though it is exclusive and comes with some serious perks — for a price.
There are no single-game tickets. Diamond Club access is a full-season purchase and start at $49,000. And, playoff season and World Series tickets cost extra.
With only 300 seats split between sections 118 and 120, it's a relatively intimate experience, compared to Minute Maid Park's total capacity: 40,963.
And while the view is top-notch — fans have a clear view of home plate and the pitchers mound — the amenities also draw in VIPs.
The Diamond Club lounge, a large dining space behind the stands, can accommodate up to 500 guests. Chef Dominic Soucie serves a rotating menu at various gourmet food stations, including a few cook-to-order stations. Fried chicken, hot dogs and build-your-own tacos are crowd favorites with a fine dining twist. There's an ice cream sundae buffet and candy jars scattered throughout.
Some Diamond Club guests never leave the lounge area. Why would they? The dining room features a 30-foot projection screen. There's a full bar, too — sorry, beverages are not complimentary — though the highly experienced servers will happily take drink orders from the stands via "in-seat wait service."
Though its worth mentioning, the Diamond Club seats are wider and more plush than other sections of the stadium. Plus, there are grab-and-go snacks like popcorn and boxed candy as you enter and exit via a tunnel.
Perhaps the greatest perk of all is Diamond Club's parking. Simply pull directly into your designated spot and walk right into Minute Maid, after a quick security check, of course.
The bad news is Diamond Club season tickets are almost always sold out. Businesses and families tend to renew their seats each season, so the waiting list can be competitive.
There's an unofficial fashion rule that seasoned Diamond Club-goers don't wear sports gear. Should you score an invite, business casual or upscale separates in orange, white or blue are best.
Just don't forget to smile from your seats in the stands. There's a great chance you'll be caught on camera.
amber.elliott@chron.com
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Inside Minute Maid's exclusive Diamond Club behind home plate - Houston Chronicle
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