A Guide to Busch Stadium
Opened in 2006, the current Busch Stadium is often referred to as "Baseball Heaven" by locals. It is a retro-classic ballpark designed specifically to frame the downtown skyline and the iconic Gateway Arch, creating one of the best backdrops in Major League Baseball. Summers in St. Louis are hot and Busch offers few shades seats for day games so be prepared to hydrate and seek shade in the concourse during the dog days
Getting to the Ballpark
- Public TransitThe Metrolink light rail has 2 lines that run roughly East-West across the city and suburbs (including stops on the Illinois side of the Mississippi River). Many of the Metrolink stops also have large, free parking lots making them a great option no matter where you're staying. The Stadium Station is located directly across the street from the ballpark. If you're heading west you can walk to the 8th & Pine station and board the train before it fills up at the stadium after the game. You can also use this trick headed east to avoid the long lines to board the train at the stadium, though these trains will be full and hard to board
- Soulard ShuttlesA number of bars in the Soulard neighborhood, southwest of the stadium, offer shuttles to the stadium for patrons. Grab a drink or appetizer at a participating bar (Big Daddy's, Molly's, Duke's, 1860s Saloon), and take their free shuttle to and from the game.
- Driving & ParkingBusch Stadium is located downtown, adjacent to the Mississippi River water front. Interstates 44, 55, 64, and 70 all converge downtown near the ballpark. Lots of parking garages exist around the stadium, both official Cardinals lots as well as other independent lots. Refer to this map for garage locations. You can also pre-pay for official All Star Lot parking; parking passes will be delivered via the MLB Ballpark app
- RideshareThe rideshare pick up zone is located on the east side of the stadium on Broadway, just south of Spruce Street, though this is not strictly enforced. The usual congestion and surge pricing considerations apply
Pregame Festivities
Ballpark Village
Directly across Clark Street from the stadium, Ballpark Village is a dining and entertainment hub developed in conjunction with the Cardinals. It houses multiple restaurants and bars anchored by 3 distinct venues and spread across multiple buildings. In addition to the dining and entertainment, the complex houses the Cardinals Hall of Fame (located in Cardinals Nation), a model infield of Busch II in its exact location (Together Credit Union Plaza), and a residential tower. On game days Clark Street shuts down and becomes a pedestrian walkway with direct access to the Busch Stadium gates.
- This is the central hub of the complex featuring a massive sports bar with a retractable glass roof and a 65-foot LED video wall
- The component most associated with the team, it features a Cardinals Authentics Store in addition to the Hall of Fame. It also has a 2 story bar and restaurant with 3 separate patios and 2 bars. It is also home to the Hoffman Brothers Rooftop, a Wrigley-like game experience with seats that look directly into the stadium from behind left-center
- Connected to the main complex that houses the FanDuel venue, this is a multi level venue dedicated to the eponymous beer. Featuring over 100 taps including exclusive Anheuser-Busch brews you can't find elsewhere it is also home to a beer garden and the Bud Deck Rooftop, a 3rd floor roof deck with free entry and views into the stadium.
- Other Bars and RestaurantsOther noteworthy bars and restaurants in Ballpark Village include Sports & Social (arcade bar next to the outdoor Together Credit Union Plaza), PBR St. Louis (cowboy bar with a mechanical bull), Katie's Pizza & Pasta Osteria (upscale, sit-down dining experience with wood-fired pizzas and homemade pasta), and Salt + Smoke BBQ joint in the base of the One Cardinal Way residential tower
Classic & Local Favorites
- Located just south of the stadium, this is a true St. Louis staple. It is a dedicated baseball pub with a large patio and a party atmosphere that kicks off hours before the first pitch. Unlike the polished Ballpark Village, it has a classic, gritty sports bar vibe.
- Located just south of the stadium, this is a dive bar famous for live jazz/blues and Cajun food.
- Located at the top of the Hilton at the Ballpark. This rooftop bar offers stunning, panoramic views directly into Busch Stadium. It's a sophisticated spot for a pregame cocktail and small plates with a bird's eye view of batting practice.
- A local craft brewery located south of the stadium known for excellent IPAs and stouts.
- As mentioned above a number of bars and restaurants in the Soulard neighborhood south of the statdium offer shuttles to the game making it a great spot to pregame. The area between Geyer & Ann, 7th & 12th has the highest concentration of places to eat and drink.
Neighborhood Attractions
- Just a short walk east of the stadium. You can stroll the park grounds for free or take the tram to the top for incredible views of the stadium from 630 feet up.
- Located between the stadium and the Arch. This historic structure is where the first two trials of the Dred Scott case were held. It provides a perfect photo op with the Arch rising behind it.
- Located just west of the Old Courthouse, this public park features the "Runner" statue and a splash pad. It is a popular pregame gathering spot for fans walking to the stadium and often hosts pregame events, particularly for playoffs and other big games.
- Located a few blocks north on Washington Avenue, this museum celebrates St. Louis' rich musical heritage. It's a great afternoon stop before a night game to explore the history of the blues and its impact on modern music. Pregame Bar & Restaurant Options
Monuments & Unique Features
Busch Stadium puts the Cardinals long history front and center in a number of ways. Some of these elements are outside of the gates, either in plazas right before gates or across Clark street in Ballpark Village
Statues & Monuments
- The Stan Musial StatueFor generations before the prevalence of cell phones, going back to Busch II, friends would say "Meet me at the Musial Statue" to find each other before a game. This statue of the greatest Cardinal of all time now resides outside of Gate 3 (left field).
- Gate 3 PlazaIn addition to Musial, the plaza in front of Gate 3 also includes statues of other Hall of Famers connected to St. Louis. Cardinal greats Bob Gibson, Ozzie Smith, Lou Brock, Rogers Hornsby, Red Schoendienst, Enos Slaughter, Ted Simmons and Dizzy Dean are all represented. Broadcaster Jack Buck is joined by non-Cardinals players George Sisler (former St. Louis Brown who was foundational to the Cardinals developmental system) and James "Cool Papa" Bell (Negro Leaguer who played for the St. Louis Stars).
- Ballpark Village StatuesAcross the street inside Ballpark Village, you will find a Giant Commissioner's Trophy (World Series Trophy) and a large, red industrial-style "STL" sign perfect for fan photos..
History on Display
- Retired NumbersLook to the Left Field Wall to see the retired numbers of Cardinals greats. The Cardinals have 14 retired numbers, one retired player who predates numbers in MLB (Rogers Hornsby) and a microphone for Hall of Fame broadcaster Jack Buck. This is good for the 2nd most in baseball behind the Yankees. The retired numbers are #1 Ozzie Smith, #2 Red Schoendienst, #6 Stan Musial, #9 Enos Slaughter, #10 Tony LaRussa, #14 Ken Boyer, #17 Dizzy Dean, #20 Lou Brock, #23 Ted Simmons, #24 Whitey Herzog, #42 Jackie Robinson (league wide) and Bruce Sutter, #45 Bob Gibson, #85 August Busch (owner). The only one of these not in the National baseball Hall of Fame (beyond Busch) is Ken Boyer.
- World Series BannersHigh atop the scoreboard/light trusses in right center field, flags fly representing the franchise's 11 World Series Championships, second only to the Yankees in MLB history.
- Greatest Moments BricksLocated throughout the concourses, primarily around the gates are a series of over 100 bricks inscribed with specific, significant moments in Cardinals history. Following them provides a chronological history tour of the franchise.
- Cardinals Hall of Fame & MuseumLocated in Ballpark Village, this team museum houses artifacts ranging from Stan Musial's harmonica to modern World Series rings.
- Nods to Old BuschIn addition to the old infield in Ballpark Village, New Busch has the old manual scoreboard from Busch II in the right field concourse which perpetually shows score from the old park's last game
Seating & Special Sections
- Big Mac LandOriginally located in Busch II to promote Mark McGwire this section (upper left field deck, section 272) no longer gets fans a free Big Mac with a homer into it but remains part of Cardinals lore and nostalgia
- Hi-Chew Family PavilionLocated in the Ford Plaza area of the main concourse (between gates 5 and 6 in centerfield) this area includes interactive games, a Soft-Play Area, a Play Structure, an Arcade, Virtual Reality experiences, and photo booths. It's also the most reliable place to catch the Cardinals mascot, Fredbird
- Sensory RoomAlso located in the Ford Plaza, this is a quiet, controlled space designed to accommodate guests (children or adults) who require a sensory break from the crowd, noise, and light.
- Budweiser Terrace (Right Field Upper Deck)A multi-level General Admission social area with bars and standing rails. Great for fans who prefer mingling over sitting
- All-Inclusive Tickets
- Freese's Landing (Center Field)Named after David Freese's legendary Game 6 walk-off home run in the 2011 World Series, which landed in this exact area, it is a reserved patio section with a standard ballpark food buffet
- Coca-Cola Scoreboard Patio & Rooftop DeckHigh above center field, flanking the main scoreboard this section has similar offerings as Freese's Landing but is slightly more affordable because it is a little further from home plate
- Budweiser 703 ClubA newer renovated club in left field, the 703 club honors Albert Pujols' 703 career home runs. It is a higher end suite with a climate-controlled indoor lounge with a glass exterior looking at the field. It also features an upgraded buffet and bar package
- UMB Champions ClubOf the numerous club level suits the Champions Club stands out as displays the Cardinals World Series trophies
Concessions
Specialty Food
- Mayo Ketchup(Section 168) A Caribbean concept that features Cuban sandwiches, empanadas, and arepas
- Session Taco(Section 150) West coast style street food featuring tacos, nachos and bacon wrapped tacos as well as churros and margaritas
- Broadway BBQ(Section 109) St. Louis Style BBQ serving turkey, brisket and pulled pork along with basic beers selections
- Intentional Wok(Section 103) Asian food stand featuring stir fry, egg rolls and pot stickers
- El Birdos Nachos(Sections 131, 152 and 452) Build your own nachos stand also serving basic beer
- Stuie's(Section 147) Kosher deli featuring pastrami and corned beef sandwiches, knockwurst and pastrami dog along with a basic beers selection
- Topp Dog(Section 132) Specialty sausage stand serving jumbo bratwurst, Italian sausage and hot dogs as well as the St. Louis Slinger Dog, a jumbo hot dog with hash browns, taco meat, nacho cheese and a fried egg. Basic beer also available
- Outfield Grill(Section 102) A grill style concept serving specialty items such as the Brisket Dog (hot dog w/ brisket, bbq sauce and onions), Bacon Cheddar Sausage (smoked sausage w/ bacon, cheddar, sauerkraut & onions), Red Hot Sausage (spicy sausage w/ kraut & onions) and chicken tenders
- Big Chicken(Sections 135, 358) Shaquille O'Neal's fried chicken concept featuring tenders, original and Nashville Hot chicken sandwiches, and the 314 Chicken Sandwich (Nashville Hot chicken sandwich with "Shaq Sauce" on a maple bacon donut) as well as a basic beer selection
- Nona's Italian Beef(Sections 193 and 440) Stand serving the namesake Italian beef sandwich and basic beer
- Freddy's Frozen Custard & Steakburgers(Section 432) Chain featuring steakburgers, chicken sandwiches and custard as well as a basic beer selection General Concession Stands
These locations serve the classic ballpark staples throughout the stadium.
General Concessions Stands
- Gashouse Grill(Sections 132, 146, 154, 233, 450) Bratwurst, chicken tenders, hot dogs, pretzels, popcorn and basic beer.
- Dizzy's Diner(Sections 139, 161, 446) Bratwurst, burgers, chicken tenders and sandwiches, nachos, Mega Slice Pizza (139 only) popcorn, pretzel and basic beer
- Ballpark Favorites(Sections 162, 169, 437) Bratwurst, chicken tenders, hot dogs, nachos, Mega Slice Pizza (sections 162 & 437 only), popcorn, pretzel, and basic beer
- Left Field PavilionBratwurst, burgers, chicken tenders, hot dogs, nachos, popcorn, pretzel, and basic beer (sections 264, 266) Markets (Grab-and-Go)
Bars
In addition to the various concessions listed above there are a number of specialty bars for people looking for more than just the basic macro beers
- 1764 Craft Bar(Section 141) The best spot for craft beer this bar features cans of national and local craft breweries including St. Louis favorites Schlafly, 4 Hands, and Urban Chestnut as well as a rotating selection of more than 20 draft options
- 1876 Bar(section 197) This bar offers a more premium selection of big beer producers as well as margaritas
- Gate 1 BarEssentially the same offerings as the 1876 bar
Field Dimensions
Stadium Information
Notable Events
Suggested Places
Recommended places to visit near this stadium
Fan Scorecards
See how fans rated their experience at this stadium