Ballpark Journeys: Busch Stadium is Alive!
Yesterday, I happened to be in the downtown area around lunch. I parked my car, wanting to just take a brief walk around Busch Stadium in anticipation of Opening Day & maybe snap a few pictures in the process since it was so beautiful outside. As I was walking by the stadium – near the ticket office – I actually ran into a friend of mine who was getting some tickets for a game in July. After talking for a while, I decided I would take the official Busch Stadium tour.
As a season-ticket holder since 2006, I see a lot of Busch Stadium throughout the season so the thought of taking a tour never really occurred to me. I’m glad I went yesterday! If you haven’t taken the tour – or even if you have – I highly recommend a tour of Busch Stadium this coming week. Let me tell you why a stadium tour just prior to Opening Day is a good use of that $10 burning a hole in your pocket…
Preparing Busch Stadium for Opening Day
As I waited at Gate 5 in the Outfield, I watched as a cleaning crew was power-washing the bleachers. Once I entered the stadium, sweepers and golf carts were everywhere, tidying up the place. In right field, new signage was being installed with a boom truck. Scoreboard operators were testing the monitors and sign boards throughout the stadium (in one instance Chris Duncan’s position was listed on the board as 2B – look closely at the picture). New logos and ads were displayed in several locations. And while it was kind of disappointing that we couldn’t go into the dugout, at the least reason was because of a new coat of paint that had yet to dry.
I really enjoyed seeing the decor in the Redbird Club (inspired by DeWitt’s baseball card collection), visiting the broadcasting booth, seeing the Cardinals Club, and – of course – walking on the field. But the thing I enjoyed seeing the most is all the action and preparations being made for Opening Day. This is an exciting time of year, and my visit only increased my excitement for the season.
If you’re near St. Louis this coming week and get the chance, go down to Busch Stadium if only to see the preparations. While you’re there, stop in for the tour if you haven’t been on it. You’re bound to see things you haven’t seen before, even if you’re a season ticket holder like me. More importantly, you’ll be even more ready for this All Star Season to begin!
Safe travels,
Paul
Paul Dobbins
president@ballparkjourneys.com
Follow me on Twitter
About the Author: Paul is an avid baseball fan and traveler. As President of BallparkJourneys.com, he helps busy baseball fans on a budget fulfill their dreams of seeing Ballparks across America by customizing Ballpark Journeys to fit any schedule, all personalities, and budgets of any size. Visit www.ballparkjourneys.com today and fill out a traveler profile to begin your own unique Ballpark Journey!
