As we close out another season of non-playoffs contention, we look back at the tourists and local fans, who’ve shown their appreciation of Busch Stadium and our beloved Cardinals.
Image from Ball Park Chasers
With just nine games left and Sunday marking the last home game for our beloved Cardinals, facing off against playoff-bound Cleveland Guardians, there is still hope for the team to regain the love and trust of their die-hard fans. This includes those tourists who travel more than 100 miles to witness the glory of Busch Stadium.
As a longtime fan since my childhood in St. Louis, I recall the days when we could easily catch games on channels like KPLR or KSDK, and watch our team dominate in playoffs and World Series games. Unfortunately, the past two seasons have been a struggle for the Cardinals, unable to secure a top spot in the Central Division standings.
In 2023, they finished with a dismal record of 71-91, landing them in last place. This year, they may be able to secure second place, with the division-cinching Milwaukee Brewers in first. However, they will have tough competition against the struggling Chicago Cubs who are fighting for second place.
Despite the team’s struggles, we cannot forget about the passionate fans who travel great distances to experience the storied Busch Stadium and its rich history. As a member of the Baseball Chasers group on Facebook, which boasts a massive membership of 27,000 fans, I have seen firsthand the dedication and love these fans have for both baseball and the stadiums they visit.
With that being said, I urge those who may be angry with management or players to continue supporting the team. In Baseball Chasers, there is a love-hate relationship with Busch Stadium, and as the hot topic of discussion, it is evident that the owner of the group is a Cardinals fan.
It’s truly impressive to see fans from hundreds of miles away inquiring about hotels, restaurants, and things to do in St. Louis just to experience the magic of Busch Stadium. So, as we approach the end of the season, let’s remember the love and passion for our team and continue to support them through thick and thin.
To attend the Cardinals final weekend of play click here for tickets.
Here is what the Top visitors and fans,who have shared the good and the bad of visiting Busch Stadium:
This is my favorite of the season:
Peter Black/Facebook-Ozark, Missouri
Busch Stadium – Home of the St. Louis Cardinals
I am going to begin my post with a warning. This will probably be my longest post I have typed on Ballpark Chasers. Busch Stadium will always have a special place in my heart because of the Home Run Race of 1998. Following that year as a McGwire fan, made me a lifelong fan of the greatest sport on planet Earth. I even had a baseball of Busch Stadium on my shelf as a kid. Being able to visit this stadium in person was a dream come true.
Here we go!!!! Buckle up, sit back, relax, and enjoy my observations of this historic franchise’s stadium!
Busch Stadium was built in 2005 and opened its gates to its first fans in 2006. They have a big brick at the Third Base Gates that highlights that year–2006!
Although it’s not super old, the stadium has a historical feel to it. They have done a good job at creating a ballpark that celebrates and preserves its history.
Here are some of my favorite things about Busch Stadium!
The Arch! Most people know St. Louis’ giant Arch! Even people that don’t know how to find St. Louis on a map will recognize the city by that national monument. It’s not the cheapest attraction, but everyone should ride up the arch once in their lifetime. Worth the view, even if it is just to take an aerial peek at this beautiful ballpark! The stadium design creates a beautiful backdrop highlighting various buildings and the infamous arch. There is a lot to observe while sitting behind home plate, but it’s glorious. Honestly, I am kind of reminded of a classy old lady who has all her momentos and trinkets lining the wall with shelves and photos and more. It’s a beautiful and chaotic backdrop with lots of red and fun!
This city takes pride in its championship history with tons of flags, banners, drapes, statues and signs reminding us all of the years they won World Series championships! They even put the largest Commissioners Trophy I have ever seen right outside their stadium. It’s humongous and is a traffic hazard because everyone wants a photo with that beast of a trophy! I witnessed an old man almost get hit by a car as he approached the trophy with eyes fixated on the shiny flags like a bug about to get zapped to death. Be careful!
I probably got a little too excited about Big Mac Land! Someone around me chuckled as I talked about how cool it was. He said, “Yeah! It’s always been there!” in a sarcastic tone. I didn’t care because the 11 year old me would have given me a high five for taking a picture and visiting the section!
The red seats are cool. Everything is red in this stadium which is their color and they take pride in that. I grew up with Dodger Stadium that has the classic red, blue, orange, and yellow seats so seeing any stadium with one color dominating their seat selection is always interesting to me.
I enjoyed exploring outside the stadium and visited all the entrances. I probably would have picked third base entrance solely because it was Dodgers dugout side, but after seeing them all, I would tell others to go through that entrance. This entrance has the largest statue of the ballpark honoring the great Stan “The Man” Musial. Even with the large cylinder-shaped, brick entrances of Right field and home plate, this was the prettiest. There is also some good shade to sit in as you wait for gates to open!
Right field upper concourse vs left field lower concourse. Before first pitch, fans congregate up to the upper most section of the ballpark (Budweiser Terrace) around the right field foul pole. It’s a gathering not just for the view, but for the cheap beer. I don’t drink, but I have 5-6 fans suggest this to me today. Must be popular! Rumor has it you can get $5 beer before the first pitch. I went up to see the area and it seems like this is a fun adult gathering spot. Almost comical, as the opposite side of the stadium has family fun with a large Coca Cola gathering spot complete with Hi Chews Family Pavilion area. I didn’t explore too much, but they had some fun photo ops around this area.
As I have visited various ballparks over the last 2 years, I have paid close attention to their MLB authentics shops. It’s fun to peruse around and look at all of the items they have for sale. These particular items never fit in my budget, but it’s always fun to look through. I think I’ve mentioned this in a few of my posts, but I repent in making this new statement: Busch Stadium has got to be the best MLB authentics shop out of all ballparks! I have never seen so many items organized in such clean and fun ways. I noticed baseballs, bases, bats, jerseys, hats, flags, posters, and even baseball pants! They had a little bit of everything for all types of fans.
I loved the left field pictures of great Cardinals from the past! I loved that you could stand on your seats along third and first base line and stare directly down the foul line. It was a cool effect that almost made you feel like you were in the game. I felt like they needed to upgrade the deep Centerfield batter’s eye. It was pretty blah with just some green grass. I feel like that could be enhanced a little. Nevertheless, I loved the score boards. They had two boards running right near each other which kept your attention! I also felt like the sound system was good as I could hear the videos clearly.
Ballpark Village is awesome. From my first post, I heard a lot of fans discuss this feature. I wish I knew more about it but some explained that this is located where the original Busch Stadium was located. I was impressed by their shops, their bars, and their restaurants. All businesses were decked out with Cardinals memorabilia and merchandise. Not only did they have these things and places, but the fans all congregated to these areas making them even more fun to visit. It was crowded before the game and there was a lot to do and see. If you want some cool photos, stop by this area before, after or during the game. As I was getting ready to head out, I noticed Cardinals Nation (see photo) with people sitting in seats that were located above the businesses. Supposedly they are rooftop seats and you have a perfect view across the street into the stadium. That would probably be a fun experience and I’m sure some members of this group have done it. Fun area and a must-see destination for anyone visiting this ballpark.
Okay! Okay! I promise that I’m almost getting to the end of this post! Haha…
Many ballparks are located and situated in bigger cities. Busch Stadium felt unique because it really is smack dab in the middle of the city. As you drive around St. Louis, you will catch glimpses of the stadium. Through the buildings, from the freeway, from your hotel window, as you cross the bridge into Missouri, and more… Views are easy to come by because it’s right there in the action of the city. You ever have a main two lane freeway that is almost within touching distance of the stadium. I saw the freeway as I walked around the stadium and went up to the right field upper terrace to see it from the stadium. That’s crazy and unique and kinda cool.
Lastly, the souvenir shop. This was a first class team shop with items for everyone. I’m not even a Cardinals fan and I left with a bag full of goodies. They had discount items and so much to see. They even were selling Dodgers baseball caps at the game which I thought was very classy. People said I would be treated well while visiting and seeing the Dodgers hat was the cherry on top of a lot of nice interactions while visiting.
In closing, I also want to point out how kind the staff was. I really loved each and every interaction I had with the ballpark staff. They were fun, kind, and friendly. Many of them were passionate baseball fans which made those interactions even better.
Busch Stadium was a lot of fun and I will definitely be back… Maybe even before the season ends!
2. Vinny Valentino/Facebook-Peekskill, NY
Busch Stadium- St Louis
Last Sunday I caught a game at Busch. 2nd time at Busch III. Only made it to Busch II once but that was in the midst of the ‘98 season. Found a parking spot using the Spot hero site for only $11. About 1.1 miles away from the park. Closer was $30-40 so you can save enough to get in & eat!! Decent ballpark. Nice view of the arch over the centerfield wall. The Cards aren’t playing too well this season. Couple pretty good promotions to get you into the ballpark. At the box office I asked for “specials”. The agent told me that on Sundays they have a 400 level ticket for $12 with fees. This ticket comes with a hot dog & a soda. Ballpark prices would be about $15-16 for this combo. So they’re “paying” you to attend a game?? Another deal I heard on a local radio station was “1st beer Friday”. Sponsored by Budweiser. A $20 ticket comes with the price of your 1st beer loaded onto the ticket. That’s just under $14 there plus tax. So a Friday game for $5?? (I later heard an ad saying you could get a soft drink instead of a beer).
The outside of the ballpark with its red brick looked impressive. Inside, under the grandstands kinda gives off that warehouse look 
. Thinking that this is acceptable because of the change of weather in these northern, outdoor stadiums. Got the same vibe at Nats park last season. The old scoreboards are up in the rafters here. Signage says the scores on the scoreboards were current when the final game at Busch II ended. No need to update them any further at that point. Few pictures here some with descriptions.
When I travel to see a game from Tampa I plan a multi-purpose trip. Booked a flight into Springfield, Illinois. On this trip of 4 days I saw quite a bit. Some of those places are pictured here. I went to way more than are here. Highlights are the Lincoln tomb. Then I went up into Iowa to visit a few casinos. Saw a show at one. Then to Hannibal Missouri to see Mark Twains home. Sunday morning I went up into the Gateway Arch. Then the ballgame. After that a look around the Ballpark Village. Walk up to Union Station for a snack. Then the 90 mile drive to the Uranus Fudge Factory.
Monday morning I stopped for a look at the Chess Hall Of Fame. Then I had lunch in The Hill neighborhood. That’s where Yogi Berra & Joe Garigiola grew up. Jack Buck too. From there to Forrest Park, site of the 1904 Worlds Fair & the 1904 summer Olympics. A short tour and stop at the Anhauser Busch brewery. Cohokia Mounds site was next. Then back to Springfield.
This meant quite a bit of miles driven. 910!! But I don’t just visit ballparks. I look at a few sites and I plan an itinerary. 99% of the time I don’t ask for advice on these trips since MY trips cater to MY interests. Just out to enjoy life!! And, add to my collection of refrigerator magnets!!
3. Mike Thomas/Facebook-Suffolk, Virginia
Busch Stadium was amazing one of my favorites so far. Zia’s on the hill was excellent! They had great food. Salt and smoke was the most overrated BBQ I’ve ever had. The pulled pork was actually okay but you get less than a scoop of ice cream size portion on the sandwich. the Ribs were the worst I’ve ever had took 2 bites and couldn’t even finish them. Everything else besides salt and smoke in St. Louis was amazing including their fans. Thanks St. Louis for a great time.
4. Scotty and Missy Jenkins/Facebook-Wheelerberg, Ohio
Had a great time at Busch Stadium. Our first trip back since 2014, we really enjoyed visiting the Hall of Fame and Ballpark Village. We both thought that Busch was one of the top MLB ballparks and is a great place to catch a game!
We stayed at Berra’s Beginnings- an Airbnb at Yogi Berra’s boyhood home. We definitely recommend it! Yogi’s niece is the host and she went out of her way to provide a top- notch experience! As well as telling a few Yogi stories.
4. Bill Gould/Facebook-
Well, Jeney and I got to check off ballpark number 7 together. Busch stadium is an absolutely fantastic ballpark, and the surrounding area of St Louis is great!
We will definitely be back 
On to the arch this morning..
5. Matt George/Facebook
Ballpark number 8 of the #30in35challenge was Busch Stadium, home of the St Louis Cardinals.— at Busch Stadium.
They call it baseball heaven, and they may well be right. Loved ballpark village and how they’ve made the stadium part of downtown. Really cool how they’ve incorporated the old scoreboard into the concourse too. View of the city was great, as was the food.— at Busch Stadium.
Well worth the 6am flight. Definitely want to come back in the future!— at Busch Stadium.
6. Dean Gillespie/Facebook-Oceanside, California
#17 (current) and #23 (overall) MLB stadium. Also the 10th current stadium to chase my Pads. Got to be touristy and visit the Gateway Arch, had BBQ at Salt + Smoke, and got to visit the Cardinals museum courtesy of fellow chaser, Erin Gimar (thanks!). What an exciting game this could have been if these two teams had played up to their potential, this season. The fans seemed pretty demoralized… which I could relate to. I had a great time, though, and met a lot of very nice people. I love going to games in the Midwest. Busch is a beautiful stadium.— at Busch Stadium.
In closing, I want all the local fans to know, we heard you loud and clear. The attendance at Busch Stadium heard you loud and clear. But please be aware, there are other fans that attend the game and they are special too. Good luck Cardinals, and we will see you in 2025!
And there is more:
Charles Precht lll/Facebook-
Hi Chasers! I had the privilege of making my first visit to St Louis this week, to Busch Stadium! I had a great time and really loved the stadium. I had posted some pictures in the group from the Arch on Wednesday, as I was waiting that night at the airport. I ended up with way too many pictures, so actually have them in an album on this site. Will just post a few here.
This is a quick one day, same day trip from Texas, for me to knock out current stadium number 19. Its number 29 total, and the 20 “baseball city” I have been to (my own personal category).
I arrive to Lambert Airport that morning, and took the train into the city. Five bucks for an all day pass. The ticket kiosk at Terminal 2 was not working, so went to Terminal 1 to buy it. Later found out I could have downloaded the app.
Got off 8th and Pine, and found my way to the Arch. $17 to head to top; only have 8-10 minutes up there, and snaped as many pictures as I could.
Took the 10 minute walk to the stadium, for the afternoon game, first pitch 1:15. Got a behind home plate ticket on Vivid Seats. While I was doing the transfer outside the third base gate, Fredbird walked by! Got a picture with him, and he was goofing around and actually took my phone and took a picture of me and another fan!
I had my backpack with me, and needed a spot to store it. I had heard about the truck near the ballpark, and stored it there, 5 bucks (credit card only) for a spot in a locker in the truck. Cool feature!
Walked around the stadium a bit, and then found my seats in 152 (Home Field Box), row 6. Was a pretty good seat! Just a bit hot (no shade) for this day game.
Had found this on the Cards web site, they recognize birthdays in the 4th inning on the message board. I submitted “Congrats Charles, #19”, and it was cool to see that flash by a few times!
In the middle of the sixth, decided to walk around and explore other parts of the stadium. They had some neat general admission seating areas in RF, and the breeze was nice up there.
The game: The Padres were up early, Cards tied it with a three run HR. San Diego took a late lead, but St Louis won on a ninth inning two run homer.
Took in an early dinner at Salt + Smoke, was just okay in my opinion. Did not get pizza (Imo’s???) and I guess I will have to try Provel cheese next time.
Met two others Chasers in the Southwest boarding line at the airport; looks like were all in section 152. What a small world!
Enjoyed my brief one day visit! Had never done a quick one day “Business Trip” visit like this, but I would recommend. Easy to get to the stadium from the airport on the train, and everything is within walking distance. Give it a try!
HUgo Lopez/Facebook-Mesquite Texas
Another stadium checked off the list!
Busch Stadium – St. Louis Cardinals
It was a great experience seeing the Rangers play on the road! Bush stadium did not disappoint—a beautiful ballpark with a fantastic baseball atmosphere!#ballparkchasers
Dylan Seaton/Facebook-Los Angeles, California
Busch Stadium was stop #3 on the baseball road trip my brother and I are doing in honor of our late father. Dad was a die hard Cardinals fan from central Illinois and we first visited Busch with him 5 years ago for his 70th birthday. Tomorrow would have been his 75th, so we got a birthday message for him on the scoreboard.
With Pujols 2 away from 700 and it being his bobblehead day, the place was jam-packed with almost 48k strong and the pre-game atmosphere was insane. Unfortunately, the Cards didn’t give the crowd a whole lot to cheer about today during the game.
Busch is among the league’s best parks, no doubt. Reminds me of my home park, Petco Park, in some ways. And they’ve added to the ballpark district, improved the craft beer selection, and made the place even better since I last saw it in 2017.
Proudly, the last one, I promise:
Teddy Dehler/Facebook-Buckman, Minnesota
There you have it, some of the kind words from fans and tourists who enjoyed their experience at Busch Stadium and St. Louis. And we truly appreciate them and wish them a safe return back to the Gateway to the West, and Baseball Heavens.
#CardinalsNation, #STLvsCLE, #MLBPlayoffs, #BuschStadium, #baseballlove, #lasthomegame #tourists #praise #Facebook #BallparkChasers
Image by Boyd Hoffman:
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