A Dynamo game can be a fun experience. Victor Araiza
So you want to jump on the Dynamo bandwagon or simply enjoy an affordable game for once? Look no more, a Dynamo match (that’s soccer speak for "game") is your best choice.
But you clearly want to get the most out of the experience. That’s why SportsMap is hooking you up with the complete guide.
How to buy tickets
Tickets to Dynamo matches are available at HoustonDynamo.com, BBVACompassStadium.com, AXS.com, or the BBVA Compass Stadium box office at 2200 Texas Ave.
If you’re looking for a hookup, you can call the Houston Dynamo ticket office at 713-276-7556 and speak with a ticket representative. In most cases, they’ll wave the extra ticket fees that you would normally be charged.
You can also purchase tickets on secondary market online platforms like StubHub, SeatGeek and Flash Seats. Lower profile games will give you a better bang for your buck on tickets during the season.
As far as location inside the stadium, it’s really up to your discretion, as everyone has different tastes. Some fans like to be in the second level to appreciate the tactical patterns while others enjoy being closer to the action on the sideline seats. Aside from your preference, there really isn’t a bad seat in the house in this intimate stadium.
Parking
There are several lots around BBVA Compass Stadium, ranging from $5-$25, depending on proximity to the stadium. The most expensive lots are B and C on the north side of the stadium (the lots adjacent to Minute Maid Park), but they are also the ones that provide the most parking space.
There is also street parking available near the stadium, subject to availability. Street parking is free every day after 6 pm and all day on Sundays.
Eat and drink
Located in EaDo, there are many bars around BBVA Compass Stadium to do some pre and post game drinking.
King’s Court, opposite of the southwest gate, is the official home bar of the “El Batallón” supporters group.
Lucky’s Pub and Little Woodrow’s are located immediately to the west of the stadium.
Neil's Bahr is located a few blocks west from the south end of the stadium on Walker Street.
8th Wonder Brewery is located a few blocks down the south end of the stadium.
Huynh Restaurant, located in the shopping center on St. Emanuel between McKinney and Walker, is a good stop for Vietnamese food.
Sigma Brewing Company is another local brewery located down the road on Harrisburg Boulevard
What games to go to
The answer to this question depends on what you’re looking for. If you want to go see big names and former European stars, your best bet is to hit up the matches against the big money clubs (New York, LA, Atlanta, Orlando, Seattle and Toronto).
If you just want to enjoy a soccer game, and prefer to get the best value, consider the lower profile teams like Columbus, Colorado, Real Salt Lake and San Jose.
Additionally, if you want a rivalry atmosphere the best case for that is any match against FC Dallas (also known as the Texas Derby). Sporting KC is also another rival of the Dynamo.
What time to be in your seats
Ideally, you would want to be in your seat by kickoff. If you are inside the stadium 30 minutes before kickoff you can witness all the players (starters and bench) warm up.
Autographs and photo opportunities
There are no guaranteed autographs and photo ops, but the best chance of securing one of these is immediately after the match as the players are heading toward the tunnel to the locker rooms. The best way to achieve this is to position yourself near the front rows of sections 137 and 138, on the side of 135, or in The Vault bar inside the tunnel.
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It's no secret to Astros fans that the ascension of Hunter Brown is one of the primary reasons the team was able to rebound from a disastrous start to the season.
Astros manager Joe Espada has seen enough from Brown to start throwing around the word “ace” when talking about him.
Joe Espada on Hunter Brown: "He's having that ace feeling to him. We are expecting him to go out there and deliver what he just did. We knew all along that is in him and now he's starting to turn the corner. He's starting to have that swag where he knows 'my team needs a win.'"
— Chandler Rome (@Chandler_Rome) July 24, 2024
And it appears the biggest key to Brown's turnaround was mixing in a two-seam fastball to keep right-handed hitters honest. Brown needed a pitch that could command the inside of the plate, which allows his other pitches to be more effective.
We learned just recently, from Chandler Rome of The Athletic, that Alex Bregman was the one that suggested the addition of the two-seam fastball to Brown's arsenal.
Come to find out, Bregman often shares advice on how to attack hitters. Or he'll ask pitchers why they chose a certain pitch in a specific situation.
This just goes to show that veteran leadership can make a big difference. Especially on a team with so many young pitchers and catchers. Bregman was able to help Brown when no pitching coach could.
For Brown, this small tweak could be the catalyst that changes the course of his career. And the Astros season for that matter.
However, some will say the difference in Brown is more about confidence than anything else. But confidence only builds after repeated success. Nobody knows where Brown would be without the two-seam fastball.
Looking ahead
If the Astros do make the playoffs, where will Espada slot Brown in the playoff rotation? Framber Valdez has the playoff experience, so he'll probably be penciled in as the number one starter.
Justin Verlander (neck) still isn't facing live batters, so it's hard to count on him. Ronel Blanco has been an All-Star level pitcher this season, but he doesn't have any experience pitching playoff games for the Astros.
So it wouldn't be surprising at all if Brown is the team's number two starter. In all likelihood, whoever is pitching the best at the end of the season may get the nod. But it's fun to discuss in the meantime.
Finally, how does Hunter Brown's arrival impact the Astros' plans at the trade deadline? And how could that affect Justin Verlander's future with the club?
Be sure to check out the video above for the full conversation!
Catch our weekly Stone Cold ‘Stros podcast. Brandon Strange, Josh Jordan, and Charlie Pallilo discuss varied Astros topics. The first post for the week generally goes up Monday afternoon (second part released Tuesday) via The SportsMap HOU YouTube channel or listen to episodes in their entirety at Apple, Spotify or wherever you get your podcasts.