MLB
Stadium Guide
·
St. Louis, Missouri
Opened
April 4, 2006
Capacity of
45,538
Best way there
MetroLink to Stadium
3-minute walk to the gates.
Tickets
Mobile, in the MLB Ballpark app
Arrive by
Gates open 90 min early
Two hours early Friday through Sunday.
Bag policy
No bags
Medical and diaper bags only.
Food & water
Yes: outside food and sealed drinks
Water or pop up to 2 liters. No food in clubs or suites.
Parking
$15–$35
Ballpark Village area and downtown St. Louis garages.
Nearest airport
St. Louis Lambert (STL) · 14 mi
About 22 min by car.
Best value seats
Upper deck sections 430–452
Mid-infield.
Busch Stadium opened in 2006 in downtown St. Louis and is the third ballpark to bear the name — the Cardinals are one of baseball's most historically significant franchises, and the new stadium honors that legacy while being a thoroughly modern facility. It holds just under 45,600 fans and is designed with sightlines as a priority — every seat faces home plate, and the sight of the Gateway Arch framed beyond the outfield is one of the iconic images in baseball.
The Ballpark Village complex attached to the stadium has transformed the area around Busch into a genuine destination, with bars and restaurants active before and after every game. The Clark and 8th Street MetroLink light rail station is nearby, and downtown St. Louis is walkable from the park. Cardinals fans are widely regarded as some of the most knowledgeable in baseball, and the atmosphere on big game nights reflects that reputation. The Arch grounds and riverfront are a short walk for before or after the game.
STL is about 14 miles northwest of Busch Stadium. A rideshare runs $25–40. The MetroLink Red and Blue Lines run from the airport to Stadium station, steps from the ballpark, in about 30 minutes. One of MLB's best airport-to-ballpark connections.
ADA-designated spaces are in affiliated lots and downtown garages. The accessible drop-off zone is on Clark St near Gate 1. For accessibility services, call the Cardinals at (314) 345-9600 or visit cardinals.com/accessibility.
Ballpark Village and downtown garages surround Busch Stadium. Cardinals-affiliated lots are within easy walking distance, and the downtown grid has many garages. Rates run $15–35. MetroLink is a good alternative from downtown or the airport.
Tailgating isn't the main scene. Pre-game happens in Ballpark Village, the entertainment district around the stadium. Its outdoor bars and watch decks overlooking the field are excellent pregame spots.
Stadium MetroLink station is a 3-minute walk from the main gates and connects to Lambert Airport, Clayton and the metro. MetroLink adds game-day service.
Busch Stadium is in downtown St. Louis, with Ballpark Village wrapping around it. The Gateway Arch and Riverfront are a 15-minute walk east. If you're staying downtown, walking is easy.
Bike parking is near Busch Stadium. The Gateway Trail and downtown bike network connect several neighborhoods and the riverfront.
Factory sealed bottles of water or pop, 2 liters or less.
Outside food is allowed, but not in the Cardinals Club, Luxury Suites, Party Suites or any other All Inclusive Areas.
No bags, except medical or diaper bags.
Busch Stadium opened in 2006 with an excellent lower bowl, strong sightlines and a view of the Gateway Arch beyond the outfield. Lower infield sections behind home plate are the premium choice. The Cardinals dugout is on the first base side. The Arch is visible from most infield seats.
Upper deck mid-infield sections give a clean elevated view of the field and the Gateway Arch. Prices are reasonable and sightlines are solid. The Cardinals draw well, so even mid-tier seats have a good atmosphere.
Skip the upper deck corners, which are steep and far from the infield. The outfield bleachers are lively but steeply angled toward home plate. No pole obstructions.
Home plate points roughly northeast. In afternoon games, the right field/first base side gets direct sun. The third base side gets upper deck shade earlier. St. Louis summer heat is real, and the shaded third base side is much more comfortable for July and August day games.
The park is open-air, and July and August heat index values regularly exceed 100°F. Midsummer day games are the most intense in the NL Central. Evening games are more manageable but still hot. Spring and fall are beautiful. In July or August, go to an evening game and bring water.
Section 107 & 109 - In-house smoked turkey, brisket, sausage and pulled pork.
Section 151 - 18 beers on draft, plus more in bottles.
Section 433 - Handmade craft burgers with Budweiser in some ingredients, like Budweiser pub cheese, BBQ sauce or Kaiser bun.
The Family Pavilion (Level 1, near Ford Plaza, between Gates 5 & 6) is fully air-conditioned. It has an arcade, Speed Pitch, a Soft-Play Play Area and Play Structure (socks required, available for purchase), virtual reality and specially priced kids meals.
Ford Plaza has Fredbird for photo ops every game during the 1st and 2nd inning, an exclusive Build-A-Bear location and Prairie Farms Ice Cream Sundays. Cardinals Kids Club members can find the team at Fred's Shed in Ford Plaza through the end of the 2nd inning.
Family Sunday tickets include a free jumbo hot dog and a Coca-Cola, and most Sundays have a giveaway.
Specially priced kids meals are available at the Family Pavilion.
Nursing: A Nursing Suite is in the Family Pavilion. Family Rooms are also at Section 160, Section 348 and First Aid. Nursing is welcome throughout the stadium.
Changing tables: Family Restrooms throughout the ballpark have baby-changing tables.
Sensory/quiet space: A dedicated sensory room offers a relaxing space for guests with sensory sensitivities.
Tip: Get a free "First Game" certificate, button and photo op at the First Game Station near Section 144.
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