What Busch Stadium is and where it sits
Busch Stadium is the home of the St. Louis Cardinals baseball team. It opened in 2006 on the same block where the original Busch Stadium stood for 40 years. The stadium sits in downtown St. Louis, directly across from the Gateway Arch, and holds about 46,000 people for baseball games.
The building is named after the Busch family, who owned the Cardinals for decades. The stadium's location in the city center means it is walkable from many downtown hotels and restaurants, and it connects directly to the MetroLink light rail system at the Stadium station.
Key Takeaways
- Busch Stadium is in downtown St. Louis next to the Gateway Arch and is accessible by car, MetroLink light rail, or on foot from nearby hotels.
- Ticket prices vary by opponent, day of the week, and how close you sit to the field, ranging from under $20 for some games to over $100 for premium seats.
- The stadium has multiple entry gates, bag policies, and security screening, so arriving 60 to 90 minutes early gives you time to park, enter, and find your seat without rushing.
- Food, drinks, and merchandise inside the stadium cost significantly more than outside, and you can bring your own water bottle (empty) to fill at fountains.
- Parking lots surround the stadium and fill quickly on game days; public transit or arriving two hours early reduces the chance of parking far away.
Getting to the stadium by car, transit, or foot
If you drive, parking lots operated by the Cardinals and by private companies ring the stadium. Lot prices vary but typically run $10 to $20 per car on game days. The lots fill fastest during evening games and weekend games, especially against popular opponents like the Chicago Cubs. Arriving two hours before first pitch gives you a better chance of parking close to the stadium entrance.
MetroLink light rail is the fastest way to avoid parking altogether. The Stadium station is one block from the main entrance. MetroLink runs from the airport, from the northern suburbs, and from the southern suburbs, so check the schedule on the MetroLink website to see which line serves your starting point. A single ride costs $2.50 to $5 depending on distance.
If you are staying downtown or in the nearby Ballpark Village area, walking is practical. The walk from most downtown hotels is 10 to 20 minutes. The neighborhood around the stadium is busy on game days and well-lit, but ask your hotel staff about the safest walking route if you are unfamiliar with the area.
Ticket prices and where to buy them
The Cardinals sell tickets through their official website, through Ticketmaster, and through resale sites like StubHub and SeatGeek. Prices depend on the opponent, the day of the week, and the seat location. A game against a division rival like the Cubs or Brewers costs more than a game against a team from the opposite league. Weekend games cost more than weekday games. Seats behind home plate and along the baselines cost more than seats in the corners or upper deck.
You can find tickets for some weekday games against weaker opponents for under $20 per seat. Premium seats behind home plate or in the lower bowl along the baselines can exceed $100 per seat, especially for weekend games or playoffs. The Cardinals release single-game tickets on a rolling basis, so checking the official website a few weeks before a game you want to see often shows lower prices than buying the week before.
Resale sites sometimes show cheaper tickets than the official box office, but verify that the seller is reputable and that the ticket delivery method works for you. Some resale sites deliver tickets electronically; others mail them. If you buy from a resale site close to game day, electronic delivery is the only option that will work.
What to bring and what the stadium allows
Busch Stadium allows bags that are 16 inches by 16 inches or smaller. A standard backpack or small purse usually fits. The stadium does not allow outside food or alcohol, but you can bring an empty water bottle and fill it at fountains inside the stadium. You can also bring a sealed, unopened bottle of water purchased outside the stadium.
Wear comfortable shoes because you will walk from parking or transit to your seat, and you may walk around the stadium between innings or after the game. Bring a light jacket or sweatshirt even in warm months, because the stadium can be cool in the evening, especially in April, May, September, and October.
Leave prohibited items at home: weapons of any kind, outside alcohol, outside food, large bags, and recording equipment (phones and small cameras are fine for personal use). The stadium's security policy can change, so check the Cardinals website before you go if you have questions about a specific item.
Arriving early and moving through security
Plan to arrive 60 to 90 minutes before first pitch. This gives you time to park or get off transit, walk to the stadium, pass through security screening, and find your seat without rushing. Security lines move faster early; arriving 30 minutes before first pitch often means a long wait.
The stadium has multiple entry gates. Your ticket shows which gate to use. If you are unsure, ask a staff member outside the stadium. Once inside, follow the signs to your section. If you cannot find your seat, ask an usher; they work throughout the stadium and know the layout.
Restrooms, concessions, and merchandise stands are distributed throughout the stadium, so you do not have to leave your section to find them. However, lines at concessions and restrooms grow longer as the game goes on, so using them early in the game is faster.
Food, drinks, and merchandise prices
Food and drinks inside Busch Stadium cost significantly more than outside. A hot dog typically costs $12 to $15. A beer costs $11 to $14. A soft drink costs $7 to $9. Nachos, popcorn, and candy are similarly marked up. If you plan to eat and drink during the game, budget accordingly or eat before you arrive.
The stadium has multiple food vendors and restaurants inside, including local St. Louis favorites and national chains. The variety is wider than at many older stadiums, but the prices are consistent across all vendors. You cannot bring outside food in, so if you want to save money on food, eat a full meal before you enter the stadium.
Cardinals merchandise — hats, jerseys, t-shirts, and collectibles — is sold at multiple stands throughout the stadium. Prices are higher than online retailers. If you want a souvenir, buying it at the stadium is convenient but expect to pay a premium.
What happens during the game and between innings
Games typically last three to three and a half hours. The Cardinals play 81 home games per season, from late March through September, plus playoff games in October if the team makes the postseason. You can check the schedule on the Cardinals website.
Between innings, the stadium shows videos on the scoreboard, plays music, and sometimes has on-field entertainment or giveaways. Giveaways are announced in advance and are given to the first few thousand fans or to fans in certain sections, so check the Cardinals website before you go if a specific giveaway interests you.
The stadium has a family section where alcohol is not sold, if you prefer a quieter environment. Ask about this when you buy your ticket or when you arrive at the gate.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I bring my own food and drinks into Busch Stadium?
No. The stadium does not allow outside food or alcohol. You can bring an empty water bottle and fill it at fountains, or bring a sealed, unopened bottle of water purchased outside. All other food and drinks must be purchased inside.
What is the best way to park if I am driving?
Arrive two hours before first pitch to get a closer parking spot. Lots fill fastest during evening and weekend games. MetroLink light rail is faster and cheaper than parking if you have access to it from your location.
How early should I arrive to avoid long security lines?
Arrive 60 to 90 minutes before first pitch. Security lines are shortest in the first hour before the game. Arriving 30 minutes before first pitch usually means a significant wait.
Are there discounts for tickets if I buy them in advance?
Prices are often lower when you buy several weeks in advance, especially for weekday games against less popular opponents. Resale sites sometimes show cheaper tickets than the official box office, but verify the seller's reputation and check the delivery method.
Can I record video or take photos during the game?
You can take photos and record video on your phone or small camera for personal use. Professional recording equipment and tripods are not allowed. Check the Cardinals website if you have questions about specific equipment.