Ballpark Digest is previewing what every MLB team is doing to begin the season, both on and off the field, as the 2018 campaign is underway. Up next: the St. Louis Cardinals and Busch Stadium.
From a new social space to a revived menu, the St. Louis Cardinals are changing many aspects of the gameday experience at Busch Stadium. These changes will be evident in multiple areas of the ballpark, giving Busch Stadium some fresh offerings ahead of the 2018 season.
In an improvement that received significant attention over the offseason, the Cardinals have added the Budweiser Terrace. The result of a renovation and redesign of the ballpark’s upper level in right field and adjacent concourse on level 4, the 20,000 square foot space features two full-service bars, cabana seating on the concourse, and lounge seating and standing room spaces within the seating bowl. Also included in the Budweiser Terrace are an open-air BBQ grill and a covered performance stage.
Those amenities should be a major factor in shaping the social aspect of the Budweiser Terrace, which is open to all ticket holders. The addition also makes Busch Stadium part of the wave of ballparks with new or improved social spaces, as teams are continuing to emphasize these areas when making improvements to their facilities.
The Budweiser Terrace is perhaps the most notable new addition to Busch Stadium, but the Cardinals certainly did not stop there in their effort to bolster the fan experience for 2018. Another addition is the 1764 Craft Pub, a space located behind section 141 that will offer a wide variety of local and national beer options. A new Schnucks Grab ‘N Go Market can be found behind section 450, while self-ordering kiosks will now be available at concession stands outside section 135 and section 162.
Concession changes are not limited to new stands and technology, as the Cardinals and Delaware North are introducing new menu items for this year. The Gioia’s Hot Salami Sandwich gives Busch Stadium a St. Louis staple, while fans in the mood for tacos can seek out the Coca-Cola Cantina Street Tacos.
Terrace Grill at Budweiser Terrace will provide a menu that features Grilled Chicken Bats, Sausage Bites, and Jumbo Shrimp Skewer. Want to try all three? Then order the Grand Slam Mixed Grill, a platter that provides a sampling of all three items with house blend chips and grilled jalapeño. The Grand Slam Mixed Grill will also be served at Terrace Grill at Budweiser Terrace.
After a successful debut in 2017, the Ballpark Pass is returning this year with a sponsor, as it is now known as the Budweiser Cardinals Ballpark Pass. For $29.99 per month, fans can use the Budweiser Cardinals Ballpark Pass for standing room admission to all home games (except for Opening Day). Admission will be delivered digitally via the MLB Ballpark app.
Technology has also been addressed, with AT&T upgrading its existing Distributed Antenna System at Busch Stadium. It is anticipated that, with this change, the ballpark will be able to better handle wireless traffic and provide a faster and more reliable connection.
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