The New Busch Stadium: a Baseball Gem in America's Heartland

Though this writer is a longtime Atlanta Braves fan, there is nothing more enjoyable for him than exploring different ballparks.

There are some similarities among them.  The aromas of hot dogs, grass and leather permeating each stadium —the aromas we retired little leaguers carry in our memories for a lifetime—are the same.  Yet each baseball shrine maintains its share of idiosyncrasies that make it different from its brethren.   

After taking in the recent Cubs-Cardinals series at Busch Stadium, I left St. Louis with a first-hand appreciation for the teams' storied rivalry; a renewed appreciation for the collective baseball IQ of St. Louis fans; and a belief that the folks who designed the new Busch Stadium got it right. 

Upon arriving at the park, I noticed the familiar statues of St. Louis baseball greats, which stood outside the old stadium.  Separated by only a few feet are permanent depictions of some of baseball's greatest:  Musial, Dean, Brock, Schoendienst, Hornsby, Gibson, Sisler, Slaughter, and "Cool Papa" Bell.

Two nice touches are the additional statue of favorite son Stan Musial, larger than the others; and the bust of Jack Buck, legendary broadcaster, with piped-in audio of a selection of Buck's most famous calls.      

The stadium facade is made of beautiful red brick, a perfect choice for the home of the Redbirds.  Speaking of redbirds, variations of the Cards' mascot are emblazoned in the bricks around the park.  Around the park are several lively watering holes, such as Al Hrabosky's Ballpark Saloon which make for fun stops on the way to or from the game.  

The stadium has a respectable array of concessionary options.  Brats, hot dogs, hamburgers, peanuts, popcorn, pizza, cotton candy, beer and soda are offered throughout the park.  The prize among these offerings is a little stand beyond the outfield that cooks up Philly cheesesteaks.  It may take a few passes to discover it, but it's worth the effort. 

Fans in pursuit of Cardinal souvenirs will find the team store to their liking.  Although prices are steep and more popular items are frequently sold out (a trend which followed the team store from its old digs), something can be found for almost any fan.  To save a few bucks, I recommend a trip to the nearby satellite store located in Union Station. 

There may be a bad seat somewhere in Busch Stadium, but there aren't many.  Even an upper deck view seems closer than those offered in other parks.  An infield field box seat is so close to the action you can see the stitches on the baseball.

Perhaps my favorite improvement to the new park is the backdrop.  Seated behind home plate, one views a game with the Gateway Arch, the old St. Louis courthouse and the city skyline in the background.  In the outfield are two large video scoreboards.  The main scoreboard includes a large "Cardinals" neon sign with a clock.

Under it are all of the retired uniform numbers worn by Cardinal greats.  Atop the second scoreboard, which flashes the scores of other MLB games, is a display of flags commemorating the Cards' 10 championship seasons. 

There are myriad reasons for visiting St. Louis and taking in a Cards' game.  St. Louis is a great American city with historical landmarks, a rich musical heritage, terrific food, and of course the baseball.  The city practically oozes baseball tradition.  The Cardinals are one of baseball's most successful and historic franchises.  How appropriate that they have a worthy home in which to add to their history.  

*Photograph by Jonathan Hilbun (5.3.08)

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