A Hometown Home Run
In 2007, the City of Sugar Land launched a plan to drive economic growth by investing in local entertainment and amenities. As part of this vision, the City and local developers worked together to build Constellation Field, home of the Space Cowboys, with $36 million of public-private funding organized by Sugar Land’s Office of Economic Development. Vying to one day serve a Minor League baseball team, that dream became a reality in 2021 after the team was officially acquired by the Houston Astros and named the Triple-A affiliate of the Major League franchise. The City of Sugar Land’s professionalism as well as the ease of doing business in Sugar Land were major selling points in the Astros’ decision. As part of the Astros partnership, the MLB organization will make a significant investment in Constellation Field to elevate the stadium into a first-class venue for players and fans. Formerly known as the Sugar Land Skeeters, the team rebranded to the Sugar Land Space Cowboys in 2022, solidifying their affiliation with the Astros with a clear nod to their interstellar name.
Elevated Recreation Drives Economic Growth
The partnership between the Space Cowboys and the Astros is a major victory for the city of Sugar Land. The move from independent to Triple-A baseball is estimated to generate over $10 million in economic impact per year. Sugar Land restaurants, hotels and retail shops have experienced a major uptick in business as baseball-goers seek additional leisure activities on gameday. The Triple-A affiliation brings an additional $2 million in economic impact every season compared to the economic benefit of the independent league. This has lead to increased interest from local developers in properties adjacent to Constellation Field. Projects currently in the works include experiential food and beverage and entertainment uses.