Houston Astros' stadium to get new name Jan. 1

Nov. 18 (UPI) -- The Houston Astros' home field will be renamed as Daikin Park starting Jan. 1, the MLB franchise announced Monday.

Daikin Comfort Technologies North America and the Astros agreed to a 15-year naming-rights partnership, which will run through the 2039 season.

"We are excited to be partnering with Daikin for our ballpark's naming rights," Astros owner Jim Crane said in a news release. "Daikin is an international company that proudly calls the Greater Houston area its North American home.

"The Houston Astros and Daikin share the same values, a commitment to excellence and a desire to give back to our local community.

Daikin, the world's largest air conditioner manufacturer, was founded in Japan in 1924. The Astros' home field has been named Minute Maid Park since 2002. Minute Maid will remain a partner of the Astros through 2029.

The Astros will host the Sugar Land Space Cowboys, their Triple-A affiliate, in the first game at Daikin Park on March 24 in Houston.

They will start the regular season in the newly renamed park against the New York Mets on March 27.