/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/56396453/840193306.0.jpg)
The Houston Astros are in need of a temporary home ballpark as Texas has been pounded by Hurricane Harvey, and that home will now officially be Tropicana Field.
The Texas Rangers and Houston Astros were scheduled to play Tuesday at Minute Maid Park, but Houston and its surrounding areas are heavily flooded, making safe passage to and from the ballpark almost impossible.
Instead, major league baseball has moved the series, with Tropicana Field offering to house the three-game set. MLB had asked the Rays if they’d be willing to allow Tropicana Field to be used, to which they responded with an emphatic yes noting they’re ready to help when needed.
The Rays are no strangers to hurricane related scheduling changes as they have had several hurricanes and tropical storms in years past lead to postponements and cancellations.
The Houston Astros are currently leading the American League West and are almost locked into the playoffs as they have built over a 13 game lead in the division. The Texas Rangers meanwhile are battling for the second Wild Card spot as they’re actually tied with the Rays, three games back from playoff contention.
Should flooding not recede in time for the following series against the Mets, the Trop will be made available to the Astros for the weekend series as well.
The Astros will play this week’s scheduled three-game series vs. the Texas Rangers at Tropicana Field in St Petersburg, Florida.
— Houston Astros (@astros) August 28, 2017
While there is no confirmation on ticket pricing just yet, we’ve heard rumors it will be a flat rate, with an option to donate extra to hurricane relief. If true, this is a really great opportunity for the community to help give back to Houston in their hour of need.
Hearing talk on tickets for #Astros-#Rangers would be $10 (open seating) with option to donate $5 more to relief fund
— Marc Topkin (@TBTimes_Rays) August 28, 2017
If you would like to help contribute to the relief of Houston and Texas in general, there are several organizations to which you can donate.