The Chicago Cubs and St. Louis Cardinals play in a rivalry dubbed the Route 66 Rivalry. The rivalry between the Cubs and Cardinals is among the best in baseball and the two teams have a long history having played each other since the 1800s. There are few better times to be at Busch then when the Cubs are in town.
The rivalry between the Kansas City Royals and the St. Louis Cardinals is nicknamed the Show-Me Series due to both teams residing in the state of Missouri. The two teams have been playing annually since Interleague Play was introduced in 1997. However, the biggest matchup between the two took place when the two played in the 1985 World Series, which went to seven games. There are always lots of fans of both teams at these games, so don’t miss it when the Cardinals and Royals square off.
Cardinals Tailgate Guide
Atmosphere
The pre-game atmosphere at Busch Stadium is very welcoming; Cards fans are referred to as the best fans in baseball because they do not show an attitude towards opposing fans, even rival Cubs fans. Tailgating is not allowed at Busch Stadium but that doesn’t stop fans, nor does it take away from the insanely positive energy and atmosphere created by loyal St. Louis Cardinals fans.
One of the premier tailgating areas at Busch Stadium is Ballpark Village: a one stop shop entertainment district, which includes the Cardinal Hall of Fame, live music, and the Budweiser Brew House, where most of the Cardinals fans congregate before the game. If you make your way down the seats to the outfield power alleys, you will be right on top of the bullpens and able to watch the game’s starting pitchers get loose before they take the mound
The St. Louis Cardinals and Busch Stadium offers one of the most positive and energetic atmospheres in all of baseball, and their pre-game celebrations showcase that. For anyone who has a genuine love for baseball, or even if it’s not your thing, it is nearly impossible to have a bad time at a Cards game. Make sure to give yourself enough time before the game to explore the area surrounding Busch Stadium and truly take in the atmosphere and all that a Cardinals pregame has to offer.
Stan Musial was one of the greatest to ever play the game of baseball. Nicknamed “Stan the Man,” Musial spent his entire professional career inSt. Louis, with the only interruption coming during a year service to his country in the United States Navy during World War I. Musial has an impressive resume including the three NL MVP Awards and three World Series titles. Musial has been immortalized outside of Busch Stadium with a statue created in his honor. Inscribed in the statue is a quote from former baseball commissioner Ford Frick which reads “Here stands baseball’s perfect warrior. Here stands baseball’s perfect knight”. Before games, some of Cardinals fans will place empty Budweiser cans near the statue to honor one of the greatest players in Cardinals history.
The $100 million first phase of Ballpark Village opened in March of 2014 and had become one of the most restaurants and entertainment districts in St. Louis. Ballpark Village boasts of five live performance stages, one of the largest retractable roofs ever built, the biggest indoor screen TV in the Midwest, and a large outdoor festival space, all of which contributes to the already present lively atmosphere at Busch Stadium.
Located in Ballpark Village, this 34,000 square foot venue features a two-story Cardinals Nation Restaurant & Bar. Additionally, Cardinals Nation also features the Cardinals Hall of Fame & Museum, the Cardinals Authentics Shop (which is home to used game memorabilia), and the AT&T Rooftop (a 334-seat two-story rooftop deck that offers one of the most inclusive experiences in all of baseball).
This section of Ballpark Village is dedicated to audio-video entertainment, featuring a 40-foot diagonal LED screen above a stage. The stage accommodates f live events and is in the same location as a 200-seat restaurant and a VIP seating area. What makes this area of the ballpark the most exciting for fans is the live taping of Fox Sports Midwest in their new studio, complete with a view of Busch Stadium from the anchor desk.
This dueling piano bar is one of the newest entertainment concepts in the United States and has proven to be very successful in Ballpark Village. The talented performers at Howl duel each other with many musical instruments, not just pianos, and include the audience in many ways, making this one of the most fun places in all of Busch Stadium.
Located outside of the new Busch Stadium, the Busch 2 Infield pays tribute to the old Busch Stadium and gives fans the chance to walk where many Cardinals greats have played. Stop by the Busch 2 Infield and check it out before the game.
Where to tailgate
Budweiser Brew HouseLocated in Ballpark Village, this brand new restaurant/bar has become a fan favorite spot to tailgate and party before the first pitch. It comes complete with a full menu as well as over 100 national and international beers on tap. Going to the roof of the Brew House will allow you to have a panoramic view of the stadium and an eagle eye view of batting practice 2 hours before the game.
Howl at the MoonAlso located in Ballpark Village is Howl at the Moon, a dueling piano bar that is typically a nighttime scene but with an 86-ounce bucket of alcohol for $25, many fans can’t stay away on game day.
Paddy O’s Sports BarIf you want to tailgate with the die hard, generational fans of the St. Louis Cardinals then Paddy O’s is where you want to be. This bar is located near the south side of the stadium, and if you go, it is in your best interest to have your Cardinals spirit level at a ten.
PBR St. LouisA Cowboy Bar - Professional Bull Riders (not the PBR you’re thinking of) offers an authentic country experience inside Busch Stadium. Some of its best features are the large dance floor, private outdoor balconies, multiple bars, and the notoriously mean mechanical bull as a showpiece. There is also an area dubbed The Barn which features live music from local and nationally recognized artists
Tengo Sed, Tengo Hambre & Ted DrewesTengo Sed offers a fiesta every day with their Tex-Mex favorites and insanely good margaritas. Tengo Hambre is a fast-serve food counter, serving items such as street tacos and margaritas. When you want to cool down, St. Louis favorite frozen custard venue Ted Drewes is at your service. You can even get your Christmas tree there!
Cardinals Stadium Guide
In Game
Busch Stadium is one of the newest and most expensive stadiums in the MLB. The first thing you’ll notice when you step inside the stadium is the large area out in the left field power alley; this is the Ballpark Village, and it has something for everyone. Busch Stadium provides an excellent fan experience and is a tribute to the love and loyalty Cardinals fans have for their team.
If you’re looking to save a few bucks, the Cardinals allow fans to bring their own food and drinks to the game, as long as they are non-alcoholic. As far as concessions in the stadium go, there are some delightful dishes available to fans including build your own nachos and a burger stuffed with mac and cheese; these will cost you more than the average hot dog, but they are worth every penny. If you’re looking for something to catch a ball with because you left your glove at home, why not use the old go to popcorn bucket, especially when you can get BOTTOMLESS popcorn at the stadium for $14. You can mix and match between normal popcorn, buttered, cheese covered and caramel corn to satisfy each of your taste buds.
There are few better places to take in a ballgame than Busch Stadium where the city of St. Louis’s love for the Cardinals and the excellent facility create one of the best experiences in the majors.
Make your own Fredbird at the Build-A-Bear located between gates 2 and 3. Busch Stadium is the only ballpark in the United States to boast the St. Louis-based stuffed animal retailer. Although traditionally visited by children, the shop is one of the few places you can get Fredbird Build-A-Bear as well as the iconic Anheuser Busch Clydesdales. You’ll also find some exclusive accessories here as well, so stop by with the kids and check it out.
In the northeast corner of Busch Stadium, the Family Pavilion provides an interactive experience filled with games and activities for families at Busch Stadium. The area is home to a batting cage, speed pitch, T-ball cages, soft-play area, and an XBOX video game area making it the perfect place to take the kids if they get a bit restless.
On opening day and during playoffs at Busch Stadium, eight Clydesdale horses wearing 130 pounds of harnesses and collars, wait to greet the St. Louis Cardinals fans. With red, white, and blue ribbons braided in their hair, the Clydesdales are not only a symbol for Anheuser-Busch, but they're also a huge part of the Cardinals family as well.
One of a Cardinal’s fans favorite pastimes is making fun of the Chicago Cubs. Check out the different tee vendors outside the stadium; Cubs fans beware, some of the t-shirts can be offensive.
The St. Louis Cardinals have one of the strongest and most loyal fan bases in all of baseball. They’re known for traveling outside of their home state and filling a good portion of the stadium at away game stadiums. The Cardinals are one of the most successful baseball franchises with nineteen National League pennants and are second only to the New York Yankees in World Series championships. Their fan base also knows no borders, as Cardinals fans can be found all throughout the south and the midwest.
The jingle from a classic Budweiser commercial is played during the bottom of the seventh inning. If you’re a true fan, you’ll clap along.
Budweiser beer, the king is second to none.
Just say Budweiser, you’ve said it all.
Here comes The King Of Beers, so lift your glass, let’s hear the call.
Budweiser Beer’s the one that’s leading the rest,
And beechwood aging makes it beer at its best.
One taste’ll tell you so loud and clear.
There’s only one Budweiser beer, there’s only one Budweiser beer!
When you say Bud there’s nothing left you can say.
(When you say Bud!)
When you say Bud, The King is right on his way!
(When you say Bud!)
The King is coming, let’s hear the call,
When you say Bud you’ve said it all.
When you say Bud you’ve said it all!
Ya da da da da da da da da da da
(Here comes The King…!)
Located just North of Busch Stadium, Ballpark Village spans across seven city blocks and is the premiere entertainment destination in downtown St. Louis!
We are proud to be family owned and operated, and are honored to reside right next to Busch Stadium and be a part of baseball heaven. Stop in for some fun!
The Cardinals Nation Restaurant features a high-energy, memorabilia-infused space that has three separate patios, two large bars, and unparalleled sports viewing with large flat screen TVs and other multimedia features.
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