St. Louis Cardinals Opening Day Activities

From pregame parties to post-game drinks, Opening Day is practically a holiday in St. Louis, and we’re here to help you celebrate!

In St. Louis, Opening Day is practically a holiday. Whether you’re a baseball fan or not, you’ll likely get swept up in the excitement of Cardinals Nation if you’re in town.

This year, the season begins on March 26, when the St. Louis Cardinals play the Tampa Bay Rays at Busch Stadium. Tickets for the home opener are coveted and hard to obtain, but even if you can’t snag one, you can still enjoy related festivities throughout the city.

Things to Know

Opening Day Activities

Everything you need to know before you go. Don’t see your question? Our AI concierge is one tap away.

Before the first pitch, Ballpark Village will serve as ground zero for Opening Day activities. Ravenous fans can enjoy a special breakfast buffet at Cardinals Nation Restaurant & Bar, where giveaways will include tickets to the game! FanDuel Sports Network Live! and Sports & Social St. Louis will also open for pregame food, drinks and fun.

After you fuel up, join Todd Thomas and Team Fredbird for a pep rally in the Together Credit Union Plaza – if you don’t have a ticket, this is a great place to watch the game, too. The outdoor big screen will show the birds at bat, and food and drinks will be available at grill stations and portable bars.

Spending the day with family? Hop aboard the Riverboats at the Gateway Arch for a special one-hour cruise beginning at 12 or 1:30 p.m. As you journey along the Mississippi River, the captain will immerse you in the history of the working riverfront.

Win or lose, the pageantry of Opening Day keeps fans in good spirits. The world-famous Budweiser Clydesdales start the party with a parade around the warning track, followed by a procession of Cardinals Hall of Famers, which triggers a roar from the crowd. During the game, splurge on a jumbo hot dog and an ice-cold beer – because they never taste quite as good outside of the ballpark.

Red-clad fans also descend on the restaurants and bars of Soulard on Opening Day. 1860’s Saloon, Game Room & Hardshell Café is a favorite haunt, as customers can hop on the bar’s complimentary shuttle to get to and from the game.

The Golden Ticket

On Opening Day, more than 44,000 fans will converge on Busch Stadium. If you’re a lucky ticket holder, keep in mind that one does not simply go to the game. Opening Day has its own history, comradery and set of traditions that make it one of the best events of the year, and you’ll want to arrive early to experience every second.

Plan Your Visit

However you choose to spend Opening Day, we hope that the enthusiasm and promise of a winning season stick with you. Go Cards!After the game, stick around for dinner and a drink at one of St. Louis’ renowned restaurants, bars or breweries. Broadway Oyster Bar serves the best gumbo in town with live music in the background, while 4 Hands Brewing Co. offers barrel-aged craft beer, late-night eats and entertaining arcade games. Other hangouts within walking distance of Busch Stadium include Buddy’s Wine Bar and Bistro, The Honky Tonk, Katie’s, Salt + Smoke, 360 St. Louis on the roof of Hilton St. Louis at the Ballpark and Wheelhouse.If you still have energy after all the excitement, head to Tin Roof, where jubilant Cardinals fans can enjoy Thirsty Thursday drink specials and a live DJ.

Articles

AttractionsSports

15 Things to Do in St Louis in April

If you’re interested in theater, sports, music, film and sustainability, here are the top things to do in St Louis in April.

Read

AttractionsBars

How to Bookend Your Next Cardinals Baseball Game

Cardinals baseball is about more than just baseball, so we’ve compiled a list of attractions, restaurants and bars to enjoy before and after the game.

Read