Ballpark Digest is previewing what every MLB team is doing to begin the season, both on and off the field, as the 2019 season is underway. Up next: the St. Louis Cardinals and Busch Stadium.
Ahead of the 2019 season, the Cardinals have made some interesting changes to Busch Stadium. New LED lighting should provide an upgrade for fans and players alike, while the Cardinals have also revamped the ballpark’s food menu, renovated suites, and completed other improvements.
In a notable change, the Cardinals installed new LED lighting at Busch Stadium over the offseason. As with most teams that have made the move to LED lighting, the Cardinals are touting it not only as a way to improve visibility, but also increase energy efficiency. Aside from the visibility benefits that LED lighting can provide to players and fans, it can also add to the entertainment programming at Busch Stadium, with the system capable of creating theatrical lighting effects and themes.
The Cardinals revealed details on the new LED lighting in January, and completed installation ahead of the 2019 season. Below is a video posted to YouTube by the Cardinals, showing the new LED lighting system in action.
While new LED lighting represented a major change to Busch Stadium, the Cardinals also worked with Delaware North Sportservice to shake up the ballpark’s food options.
Among the new menu items for this season is the Little Buds, a dish featuring eight burger sliders, topped with Budweiser beer cheese, garlic aioli, and pickles on a soft Hawaiian roll. It is served in a signature home plate box that comes with a pile of tater tots on the side.
Also new for this season is the Twisted Topped Pretzel, an offering that includes three large topped pretzel twists. There are multiple flavors to choose from, including pepperoni and cheese, Buffalo chicken, and bacon and cheese—served with a choice of three dipping sauces. Another item catching attention ahead of this season is the 16-inch pizza slice, available in cheese and pepperoni.
A new stand to check out this season is the Budweiser Burger Bar. Multiple types of burgers will be served in this area, which is a new addition at The Budweiser Terrace, a right-field social space that was added to Busch Stadium prior to the 2018 season.
In addition to those changes, the Cardinals renovated Suites 315-322 to create six upgraded Premium Party Suites (rendering above). Designed to accommodate groups of 30-36, the private climate-controlled suites include a full-service bar along with a buffet that mixes traditional ballpark fare with other some options. To keep up with the action, fans will have a view of the playing field and televisions inside the suites.
Busch Stadium has also received some smaller-scale, but still important, changes that should improve the conditions for players. New outfield grass has been installed to go along with new outfield wall padding, while the infield dirt was newly leveled.
Rendering courtesy St. Louis Cardinals.
RELATED STORIES: 2019 Preview: Cleveland Indians, Progressive Field; 2019 Preview: Houston Astros, Minute Maid Park; 2019 Preview: Detroit Tigers, Comerica Park; 2019 Preview: Chicago White Sox, Guaranteed Rate Field; 2019 Preview: Arizona Diamondbacks, Chase Field; 2019 Preview: San Francisco Giants; Oracle Park; 2019 Preview: Atlanta Braves, SunTrust Park; 2019 Preview: Pittsburgh Pirates, PNC Park; 2019 Preview: Tampa Bay Rays, Tropicana Field; 2019 Preview: Minnesota Twins, Target Field; 2019 Preview: Texas Rangers, Globe Life Park; 2019 Preview: San Diego Padres, Petco Park; 2019 Preview: Los Angeles Dodgers, Dodger Stadium; 2019 Preview: Toronto Blue Jays, Rogers Centre; 2019 Preview: Kansas City Royals, Kauffman Stadium; 2019 Preview: Milwaukee Brewers, Miller Park; 2019 Preview: Cincinnati Reds, Great American Ball Park; 2019 Preview: New York Yankees, Yankee Stadium; 2019 Preview: Philadelphia Phillies, Citizens Bank Park; 2019 Preview: Miami Marlins, Marlins Park; 2019 Preview: Oakland A’s, Oakland-Alameda County Coliseum; 2019 Preview: Seattle Mariners, T-Mobile Park; 2019 Preview: Washington Nationals, Nationals Park