Inside the Park:

The new Busch stadium is more open the old one, with great views of the city. Unfortunately, the Main Concourse where many concessions are is closed in so you can't see the game if getting food or drink, which is fairly unusual for a newer stadium. One cool feature is the scoreboards - they were brought over from the old stadium and left in the same configuration as they were the day the park closed down.

On your way in, check out Musial Plaza outside Gate 3 where a statue of player Stan Musial sits - it's sort of an unofficial gathering spot for locals before the game - and the Cardinals have some of the most loyal fans around.
 
The U.S. Cellular Family Pavilion on Level 1 between Gates 5 and 6 has a variety of interactive games and is open 2 hours prior to each game. You'll find batting cages (both free and paid), speed pitch, T-ball cages, and a large seating area.
 
Food and Drink:

There's little variety inside considering the stadium's newness. You won't have trouble finding standard ballpark fare like hot dogs, sausages, and chicken tenders but other than, options are sparse. BBQ Pulled Pork is available at Triple Play (Sec 152 and 270), Broadway BBQ (Sec 509), and Riverview Corner (Sec 432), and Fried Cannellonis are offered at Gashouse Grills (several locations) and Plaza Grill.

There aren't many healthy choices other than veggie chicken at Dizzy's Diner stands or low carb burgers at Hardee's, although you might also find a Farmer's Market stand near section 136.  

Good news is you can bring your own food inside if you're not impressed with the park's offerings.
 
As for beer, well it isn't called Busch Stadium for nothing. Hope you like Bud, because you'll find it everywhere. The Back Stop Bar behind Home Plate serves up a little variety - look for the local microbrew Schlafly Beer there as well as at a couple of other smaller stands throughout (Ballpark Favorites stand will have Schlafly). Stella on draft can be found at Triple Play stands. 

Also check out the Casino Queen Area near Section 271 for other brews and liquor drinks.

Seating:

Unless you have a club or suite ticket, you're pretty much limited to two concourses - the Main and Upper. There are a lot of outfield bleacher seats and they're real bleachers, and you also get a good view of the bullpen from there. You can get all-inclusive tickets at several areas like Homer's Landing or the Coca-Cola Scoreboard Patio for a little more money. To book online visit HERE.

The Ballpark and Neighborhood:

One of baseball's flagship franchises, the Cardinals are on their third ballpark, and this is also the third stadium to carry the name Busch. Opened in 2006, it's one of the "retro-classic" fields with a panoramic view of downtown.

Covering seven city blocks just north of the stadium where the old Busch Stadium sat will be Ballpark Village, a large retail and entertainment district, which is undergoing it's first phases of construction this year. Unfortunately, The St. Louis Cardinals Hall of Fame and Museum is temporarily closed while Ballpark Village is being built and it's moved to it's new location within.

Nearby is the famous Gateway Arch and the Riverfront, as well as the Museum of Westwood Expansion along the Mississippi. Try to take a tram up to the top of the Arch, or take a riverboat down the Mississippi if you've never been. There are a few great bars and restaurants not too far away as well like Mike Shannon's, J.Buck's, Broadway Oyster Bar, and The Dubliner. An area on the Riverfront called Laclede's Landing is fairly close and is home to quite a few restaurants located near the Eads Bridge and MLK Bridge. They also have a shuttle to the game.

If you're from out of town, you might also want to take a short cab or car ride to St. Louis' Italian Neighborhood called The Hill. It's about 5 miles west off I-44. Toasted ravioli is a local delicacy and not to be missed - look for the couple of restaurant suggestions on our exterior map. Another interesting area is the historic Soulard neighborhood, just a mile south of the stadium. It's one of the oldest sections of the city and is home to a famous farmers market at 730 Carroll Street, as well as home to many bars and restaurants. Check our "Before & After the Game" map for more info on these and other suggestions.

Getting There/Parking:

Busch Stadium is near the intersection of I-64 and I-55 in downtown St. Louis, and there's a new exit of 64 that directly serves the park. There are many parking lots and ramps surrounding the stadium, and most nearby will cost you around $20. Four blocks from the stadium, is the Famous Barr Garage on Pine and 8th that is usually only $5, or you can valet for $8 at the Sheraton Hotel (Spruce and S 14th Streets). There are also a couple of lots you can book directly online through us from our affiliate Parkwhiz, so check the icons on our "Before & After the Game" map. For example, there are 2 Stadium Garages (East and West) that are very near the park and you can book online for around $20-$25. They may be pricier, but if convenience is more important, these are great options. 

A better option might be to take the Metro Link light-rail as the Stadium stop is right at the field and it's only $2.25 one way, and an all-day pass is not much more. Visit www.metrostlouis.org for more detailed information.

Be sure to also read our "Info Inside the Stadium" section for some great things inside the park.