Busch Stadium - St Louis Cardinals

Photos by Marc Viquez, Chris Green, and Dan Will Stadium Journey

Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 4.00

Busch Stadium 700 Clark St St Louis, MO 63102

St Louis Cardinals website Busch Stadium website

Year Opened: 2006 Capacity: 50,345

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Blending Cardinals History with Ballpark Charm

Busch Stadium is the home of the St Louis Cardinals and is the third stadium with this name. It was built for the 2006 season and gave Cardinal Nation a “retro-classic” baseball stadium. The stadium does not break new ground in design or features. However, it provides fans with spectacular views of the Gateway Arch, has some of the best fans in baseball, and is next to Ballpark Village, which stretches across the street from the outfield.

The stadium has a capacity of 44,494 and includes 3,7606 club seats and 61 luxury seats. Red brick facades and exposed steel give the ballpark a classic feel, which was missing from its former venue, Busch Memorial Stadium. That previous stadium was a cookie-cutter multi-purpose venue that housed the team from 1966 to 2005. However, it was always considered perhaps the best of its kind. Busch Stadium III has everything fans want in a ballpark. It has already hosted two World Series championships in 2006 and 2011.

Food & Beverage 5

Busch Stadium offers plenty of menu options that will blow your mind. There is everything from basic hot dogs and stadium nachos to Coca-Cola street tacos, bacon-wrapped hot dogs, and mini donuts. The mini donuts are served in a helmet and topped with chocolate drizzle and sprinkles. I can't do this section justice, so you'll probably be better off clicking this link to see everything available at a St Louis Cardinals game.

Fan favorites include hot dogs, burgers, nachos, brats, fries, popcorn, and ice cream. There is also a selection of Budweiser products, including hard seltzers, as well as several local microbreweries in the area: Urban Chestnut, Schlafly, and 4 Hands Brewing Company. If you have a sweet tooth, the ballpark features soft-served ice cream, frozen custard, churros, donuts, and milkshakes.

Photo by Chris Green, Stadium Journey

For the more adventurous fans, there is a wide spectrum of items to choose from at the game. The Outfield Grill features brisket dogs, bacon cheddar dogs, and bacon-wrapped hot dogs. Big Chicken’s menu includes chicken tenders and Nashville chicken sandwiches. Stuie’s offers pastrami sandwiches and tops them on a hot dog, and Broadway BBQ slices smoked turkey, brisket, and pulled pork with all the fixings.

A few local eateries have locations at the ballpark. Session Taco brings a West Coast vibe to St. Louis. Options include the SoCal street dog, West Coast nacho fries, vegan soft tacos, and mango shrimp soft tacos. Mayo Ketchup by Plantain Girl delivers specialties from Cuba, Puerto Rico, and the Dominican Republic. Menu items include arepas, Cuban sandwiches, and maduros —sweet, fried plantains.

Atmosphere 4

The atmosphere starts before the game, with fans gathering at Ballpark Village, outside the stadium, and at nearby bars, all decked out in Cardinal red or throwback colors. The festive environment is among the best in Major League Baseball.

The Budweiser Terrace bar opens before the game and features adult games and beer specials, encouraging fans to arrive early and socialize. Similar specials are available at the Budweiser Skyline Terrace Bar.

If you're with the little ones, the Hi-Chew Family Pavilion located on Level 1 between Gates 5 and 6 is an ideal way for the kids to get entertained. It is open 90 minutes before the first pitch. Kids can test their arm strength with the Speed Pitch, a virtual reality experience, and a play structure. You might even see the team's official mascot, Fredbird, roaming around the area offering hugs and photo ops.

Once you get to your seat to view the game, the focus is on the diamond. You can enjoy views of The Arch and Skyline from the back of home plate, take in festivities on the rooftops at the Ballpark Village, or simply enjoy the pleasant surroundings at the ballpark.

Neighborhood 4

The Ballpark Village is across Clark Street from the stadium and offers various forms of entertainment for fans of all ages. The Dining and Entertainment District encompasses 150,000 square feet of retail, restaurants, and entertainment venues. Fans can also take games for many rooftop seating areas in the neighborhood, I find a more friendly feel.

The Ballpark Village houses the Cardinals Hall of Fame and Museum, Cardinals Restaurant, Rooftop & Bar, FanDuel Sports Network Live!, Budweiser Brew House, and PBR. St Louis. Salt + Smoke BBQ is two stories high and overlooks Busch Stadium from our upstairs patio. 

​Photo by Marc Viquez, Stadium Journey

The area is buzzing before and after the game, and it is a perfect way to cap off your night watching a Cardinals game. The Hall of Fame is also a must-see, perhaps before or the following day of a game; it highlights everything from the introduction of the famous “birds on bat logo”, World Series championships, and everything else in between.

The downtown vicinity also includes tourist attractions that include the Gateway Arch, Laclede's Landing, the Budweiser Brewery tour, and happening districts that include Wash Ave. and the landing, where Italian cuisine is among the best she'll have in the area. The City Museum is an interesting place to spend a few hours and is geared towards more adults than children.

Fans 4

You might not find a more dedicated fanbase than in St Louis. The hometown Cardinals have been a staple since 1891, and there has been a collection of both Hall of Fame and All-Star players, 11 World Series titles, and magical moments that have made St. Louis one of the best baseball cities. The attendance ranks at the top of the major leagues and is well above the average for the past 20 seasons. The fans wear the “two birds on the bat logo” with pride on both shirts and jerseys. They support their team through both winning and lean years. Luckily for them, there have been a lot more winning seasons this century.

Photo by Chris Green, Stadium Journey

Access 4

Busch Stadium is located downtown, but is directly off I-64, creating easy access by motorists to and from the ballpark. There are various public lots and garages within blocks of the stadium, and prices range from as high as $40 to as low as $20 for game night. There are 720 parking spots at the Ballpark Village, there is free meter parking after 7 p.m. on the streets, and fans can take the MetroLink light rail train for $3 a ride.

Once inside the stadium, fans have easy access to various concourses, but remember this is not the type of ballpark where you can buy a ticket and sit anywhere you want. Some ramps take fans to multiple levels of the stadium with ease, and bathroom exits and gift shop stores are easily marked throughout the concourses.

Return on Investment 4

The Ballpark Village deserves a point for a very entertaining and meaningful experience before or after the game for all Cardinals fans. The Cardinals Hall of Fame and Museum is a must for any type of sporting fan, and the little kids can enjoy playing on the miniature grass field a few steps away from the actual Stadium. Even if you don't want to dance or drink, the place is perfect for people-watching and enjoying the ambiance of a baseball game.

The 10 statues outside the main entrance of the stadium are worth viewing and taking photographs of. They include Stan Musial, Dizzy Dean, Ozzie Smith, Lou Brock, and Bob Gibson, to name a few. There is even a statue of former St. Louis Browns Hall of Famer George Sisler.

Photo by Chris Green, Stadium Journey

The ballpark offers a wonderful view of the Gateway Arch from behind home plate. The higher your seat is, the better the view of the skyline and iconic structures you'll have. There are many great downtown ballparks, and all of them include vivid imagery of the surrounding Skyline.

The final point is for the Budweiser Terrace. It is open to all fans and features a multi-level social space that includes two-service bars, lounge areas, and cabana seating. There is also an open-air barbecue grill, outdoor games for adults, and great views of the field and surroundings.

Extras 4

The stadium features a viewing binocular stand in left field on the main concourse, allowing you to get a closer look at the other side of the stadium. The Cardinals also feature numerous giveaways and theme nights. In addition, outside the Gate 4 area, several statues of former players greet fans, making for a great photo spot. Finally, you can check out the St. Louis Cardinals Hall of Fame and Museum.

Final Thoughts

Whatever Busch Stadium lacks in design and aesthetics, it makes up for it in atmosphere. It is your typical. The classic “retro-classic” design borrows all the elements from everything built after Camden Yards, but you are guaranteed to view baseball with the major league’s most adoring fanbase. Cardinal Nation will show you a fantastic time, and with reasonable ticket pricing, downtown vicinity, and Ballpark Village, it is easy to see why.