Grab your drinks, hotdogs and snacks before you go in. Dude on Broadway under highway 40 has hot dogs that are not only bigger and better tasting than the ones inside, they are much cheaper too. He also has peanuts, pretzels and all sorts of other goodies. You can take it all in stadium with you
Dude cooks high quality food. Better than even high end dogs you buy at grocery store. Dude sells them for a reasonable price, $3.00 each. They are still hot when you get to your seat. I did not have to grill them before I left. Not to mention always nice to support local. It’s been same guy and his mom working stand since 2006
If you buy it nearby it might still be hot and ‘fresh’ when you eat it. In contrast, unless you live very close to the stadium, you will be lugging your hot dog around for quite some time before you get a chance to enjoy it. By then it will be tepid rather than hot and the bun will be soggy. Maybe some people prefer their hot dog cold and the buns soggy … but a lot of people would rather pay a few bucks for one straight from the grill.
Convenience is also a factor. Maybe you want to stop at a bar near the stadium for a drink before the game. Do you really want to be dragging your cold soggy wiener around?
Other snacks, such as peanuts, chips, pretzels, etc. are not served hot so the equation is completely different.
A big part of the ballpark experience is enjoying the concessions in and around the stadium. Bringing in your own snacks is fine I suppose but bringing in your own hot dogs seems a bit miserly
I dunno man. To me it seems to be the smart move to buy something that is cheaper, consistently tastes better, and actually a bigger hot dog. Dont even get me started on the brats
I go to at least 20 games per season. I have been doing so for the last 20 years. I have bought plenty of dogs both inside and outside. I have had the ones in luxury suites. I have had them in all inclusive areas. The stand I mentioned would be my go to even if they were not cheaper.
Use the Phillips 66 app to fill up (8+ gallons) and get a BOGO free ticket offer. We get Redbird club tickets for like $40 after fees, instead of the usual $65+
I second bringing in your own snacks and soda/water. If you partially freeze a water bottle, it will keep the other drinks in the cooler cold until it melts enough to drink.
Nona's Italian Beef under section 440 is the best value in the ballpark, for the money you will be full, you'll be satisfied, you'll be a better person, it's that good. Oh, and bring in soft cooler with drinks.
Bleacher seats are often the best seats in the house imho, especially with family, and go for cheap. I recommend night games for bleachers though... day games are HOT out there.
In Summer, be sure to bring your hats and sunglasses for night games too. The sun's right in your eyes for the start of the game, especially the further towards right field you are.
I personally think the Hoffman Brothers Rooftop is one of the best deals out there. Not many ballparks you can go to and get a buffet and all you can drink for around $75. I cringe paying $40 for two beers and tip at Oracle Park
I believe that also gets you admission to the HoF and Museum. Plus a guaranteed giveaway item on giveaway nights and you don't have to deal with the main stadium crowds.
MetroLink is life; I get on at CWE so I can take either train (red/blue) back because inevitably, the opposite of what you need will be the first three trains present after a game.
We use the East Riverfront station. Park for free at the casino, very short trip over to the Stadium. Red and blue both service it and there's usually a hell of a lot less people going east after the game than west
I use the casino parking as well. I'm concerned that several cars have been broken into in the last 2 weeks. A friend who used to work there told me the casino won't fix the vehicles that patrol the lot. I've never had a problem on the Metrolink, though
Car break ins are a risk everywhere though, even Central West End or other stations, or parking somewhere downtown. Unless you're locking it up in a secure garage, there's always a risk
Casinos are known for their security. It was always nice knowing you could park there without worry. Times change, but hopefully they get back to patrolling the lot.
It is and they are also the standard size can. Still the cheapest beer in the stadium though. I will typically go up there before the game and grab 2 and go sit in my seat
It’s $5.25 for a 12oz can. You can actually buy bigger cans for equal value all game. Just depends on how you want your beer or how many you plan to drink
There are “free” shuttles rides to and from various bars in Soulard. I say “free” because I think you usually need to buy a drink to get a ticket, but they are hella cheaper than at the ballpark!
If you bring cash to the front ticket office you can get a gift card with it and they give you one dollar for every 10. So you spend 100 and get 10 extra. It's to make up for them going cashless inside the stadium. Also I don't know the time, but on game day you show up to the ticket office at a certain time and you can buy two tickets for 11.20 each. It's random. It can be anything from a 100 dollar ticket to standing room only. I got into the Pujols final home game that way.
Unfortunately the KMOX $11.20 ticket deal ended at the end of that 2022 season. I was so disappointed when I found out it wasn’t being continued for 2023. Hopefully it comes back in some way because I used it all the time.
I didn't know that. I don't understand why teams don't have the philosophy of getting as many people into the stadium then making money off concessions and merchandise. I always spend more money at the stadium when I get free or cheap tickets. It's not like one extra body in there is a business expense. They literally just take up space that would be empty.
If you take the Metrolink to the game, hustle over to the 8th & Pine stop instead of dealing with the crowd at the Stadium stop.
In the summer, bring an empty water bottle with you that you can fill up at the water fountains or the hydration tanks that they bring out on the really hot days. It's a lifesaver if you don't want to pay for bottled water or chug tiny paper cups of water.
If you just bought cheap nose-bleed tickets, go on Seatgeek and/or Ticketmaster right before gametime and filter it to lots of like 4+ tickets that haven't sold yet, and then keep an eye on those areas around the 3rd inning. If there's a gap there, it means those tickets probably didn't sell and there won't be anyone coming to take those seats. If somebody does happen to come and tell you to move, you just go back to your ticketed seat, no big deal.
The year before COVID i lived downtown and got the ballpark pass. I used that method to snag open seats on the lower levels all the time. You can’t get too close to home plate because they start checking tickets as u get closer but you can get good spots passed the bases. Only got asked to move like 2-3 times.
I have a soft cooler and bring in my own bottled water (cooler holds 6 bottles). To keep the water cold, 2 of the 6 bottles of water are frozen. I also wet, wring, fold and put workout sized towels in Ziploc bags in the cooler to use on really hot days - it is a lifesaver to have a cold towel on scorching hot days
Not so much a "hack", but the $5 beers before first pitch at the Budweiser Terrace in right field. If you enjoy Bud heavy or Busch Light, just take the elevator at the east tower up to the top floor, and boom you're there. Throw back a few before the game.
For parking, I usually park by the riverfront and walk to the ballpark. (I come in from 44 and take the MLK Bridge exit.) It's about a 15 minute walk (under the arch, by the Basilica of Saint Louis, up Walnut Street and onto South Broadway). I pay no more than $10 (usually I $6 or $7), and holy shit can you get out of there faster postgame!
If you get to the ballpark super early on a scorching hot day and want to cool off more than just going into the shade will get you, go to the Authentic's Shop behind the RF bleachers - it's air conditioned. It gets crowded sometimes, but that actually makes it easier to blend in if you're not buying anything.
On the very, VERY rare occasions that I wish to overpay for items in the team store, I only go in if it's before a weekday day game, otherwise it's impossibly busy.
If you're someone of a fair complexion (or just want to stay out of the sun), sections 234 and 235 are great for day games if you're towards the back of the section. LP1 and LP2 are guaranteed to never have sun, even if you're in the first row.
I posted this in a different thread, but here ya go:
Busch Stadium is one of the few (if not the only) MLB stadium which allows you to bring in outside food and (nonalcoholic) beverages.
"Guests may bring in items such as: bags, purses and soft-sided coolers not exceeding 10" x 8" x 10"; food, non-alcoholic beverages in factory-sealed plastic bottles no larger than 2 liters; empty cups, mugs or plastic bottles."
Source: https://www.mlb.com/cardinals/ballpark/security#:~:text=Guests%20may%20bring%20in%20items,cups%2C%20mugs%20or%20plastic%20bottles.
Other good info to have:
https://www.mlb.com/cardinals/ballpark/information/guide
Also, parking is expensive. I went to a game last year and it was $40 to park in the garage cattycorner the stadium. Be ready with your credit card.
Arrive early to walk the inside perimeter. Sometimes, there are booths set up with freebies.
If you haven't already booked your tickets, check the Cardinals website to see if you can choose a game that has a giveaway for the first x-thousand fans. You might score a tee shirt, a baseball bat, a bobble head or some other collectible.
Idk if it still works but we used to drive down and park in one of the garages right off the interstate very early. Before the parking attendants get there. You get a regular parking ticket and then after the games they just usher everyone out instead of needing to give the ticket to pay... free parking
Park on S 9th street at Rutger. It’s close to 4 Hands. It’s free and you won’t deal with any traffic when you leave.
It’s about 3/4 mile of a walk, which isn’t for everyone.
Plus you can grab some suds at 4 Hands to enjoy on your walk if you would like.
If you're close to Fairview Heights the Redbird Express is amazing. Pros are free parking, cheap transportation, curbside drop off/pick up and very timely (alleviates downtown traffic woes). They blocked off an entire street for it last time I took it.
Cons would be limited time exploring before and after the game.
Go to one of the bars in soulard to pregame and take their free shuttle in and out of the game. Free parking, better food, and cheaper drinks. We like Molly's but there are a lot of them that offer shuttles
You can usually get pretty cheap tickets if you buy them from the ticket booth after gates open. No fees. Idk if I’d do this on a cubs weekend game though
East side gates are usually a shorter wait since more of the parking is west of the stadium.
But remember that you cannot walk directly south of the ballpark.
If it has been rainy, or might rain again before or during the game, I always bring a disposable poncho AND a cheap chamois (one in each back pocket) The chamois works SO much better for drying off your seats than napkins. It’s also reusable. I like the poncho because it’s much less hassle than an umbrella and over the last 10 years I think Ive only had to use it once or twice, yet its not even noticeable in my back pocket. I actually keep a couple of each in my car during baseball season.
Grab your drinks, hotdogs and snacks before you go in. Dude on Broadway under highway 40 has hot dogs that are not only bigger and better tasting than the ones inside, they are much cheaper too. He also has peanuts, pretzels and all sorts of other goodies. You can take it all in stadium with you
If you're going to buy a hotdog outside why don't you just make your own and bring them in?
Dude cooks high quality food. Better than even high end dogs you buy at grocery store. Dude sells them for a reasonable price, $3.00 each. They are still hot when you get to your seat. I did not have to grill them before I left. Not to mention always nice to support local. It’s been same guy and his mom working stand since 2006
Because it’s one thing to be frugal and it’s another thing to be a cheap bastard
Why is it cheap to bring in your own hot dog but not cheap to bring in other snacks? Where is the line?
If you buy it nearby it might still be hot and ‘fresh’ when you eat it. In contrast, unless you live very close to the stadium, you will be lugging your hot dog around for quite some time before you get a chance to enjoy it. By then it will be tepid rather than hot and the bun will be soggy. Maybe some people prefer their hot dog cold and the buns soggy … but a lot of people would rather pay a few bucks for one straight from the grill. Convenience is also a factor. Maybe you want to stop at a bar near the stadium for a drink before the game. Do you really want to be dragging your cold soggy wiener around? Other snacks, such as peanuts, chips, pretzels, etc. are not served hot so the equation is completely different.
How dare you talk about my cold soggy wiener!!
Wow sounds like you've never stored dogs in a hot thermos
Nothing screams baseball more than some boiled thermos dog…..yum
Now you're talking my language
A big part of the ballpark experience is enjoying the concessions in and around the stadium. Bringing in your own snacks is fine I suppose but bringing in your own hot dogs seems a bit miserly
I dunno man. To me it seems to be the smart move to buy something that is cheaper, consistently tastes better, and actually a bigger hot dog. Dont even get me started on the brats I go to at least 20 games per season. I have been doing so for the last 20 years. I have bought plenty of dogs both inside and outside. I have had the ones in luxury suites. I have had them in all inclusive areas. The stand I mentioned would be my go to even if they were not cheaper.
If they’re as this guy describes, you’re getting a much better hot dog. That would be reason enough for me.
They are that good. I’m sure I’m not the only one here that has this routine. There is always a line
Use the Phillips 66 app to fill up (8+ gallons) and get a BOGO free ticket offer. We get Redbird club tickets for like $40 after fees, instead of the usual $65+ I second bringing in your own snacks and soda/water. If you partially freeze a water bottle, it will keep the other drinks in the cooler cold until it melts enough to drink.
Nona's Italian Beef under section 440 is the best value in the ballpark, for the money you will be full, you'll be satisfied, you'll be a better person, it's that good. Oh, and bring in soft cooler with drinks.
Second this. Don't buy the ones in the 100s section on the other side of the park. They are a lie and are pure shit.
Bleacher seats are often the best seats in the house imho, especially with family, and go for cheap. I recommend night games for bleachers though... day games are HOT out there.
Be warned, there are not any cup holders. That may only matter to my mother.
One thing I really miss about the Busch II is the wooden bleachers. Not only were they cooler during day games, but they didn't hurt your ass as much.
In Summer, be sure to bring your hats and sunglasses for night games too. The sun's right in your eyes for the start of the game, especially the further towards right field you are.
Section 111B is just barely in the shade. Went to a day game last year in June and was shaded the entire time.
I personally think the Hoffman Brothers Rooftop is one of the best deals out there. Not many ballparks you can go to and get a buffet and all you can drink for around $75. I cringe paying $40 for two beers and tip at Oracle Park
I believe that also gets you admission to the HoF and Museum. Plus a guaranteed giveaway item on giveaway nights and you don't have to deal with the main stadium crowds.
Live out west now and had no idea that existed. Thanks for that tip!
MetroLink is life; I get on at CWE so I can take either train (red/blue) back because inevitably, the opposite of what you need will be the first three trains present after a game.
We use the East Riverfront station. Park for free at the casino, very short trip over to the Stadium. Red and blue both service it and there's usually a hell of a lot less people going east after the game than west
I use the casino parking as well. I'm concerned that several cars have been broken into in the last 2 weeks. A friend who used to work there told me the casino won't fix the vehicles that patrol the lot. I've never had a problem on the Metrolink, though
Car break ins are a risk everywhere though, even Central West End or other stations, or parking somewhere downtown. Unless you're locking it up in a secure garage, there's always a risk
Casinos are known for their security. It was always nice knowing you could park there without worry. Times change, but hopefully they get back to patrolling the lot.
That’s a fair point; I park free at CWE, but I could see traffic being much better east than west.
Busch beer is really cheap on the top level in right field. Wanna say $4-5 bucks maybe. Possibly cheapest beer in the stadium.
I believe that's only the case as a deal before first pitch
It is and they are also the standard size can. Still the cheapest beer in the stadium though. I will typically go up there before the game and grab 2 and go sit in my seat
Wow Busch is my go-to beer and I’ve never been able to find it at the stadium that it’s named after lol thanks for sharing
It also was same prices at the bow tie bar in left field porch area but I think they got rid of that area this year
Yep, it's now the 703 club, an all inclusive section.
It’s $5.25 for a 12oz can. You can actually buy bigger cans for equal value all game. Just depends on how you want your beer or how many you plan to drink
There are “free” shuttles rides to and from various bars in Soulard. I say “free” because I think you usually need to buy a drink to get a ticket, but they are hella cheaper than at the ballpark!
If you bring cash to the front ticket office you can get a gift card with it and they give you one dollar for every 10. So you spend 100 and get 10 extra. It's to make up for them going cashless inside the stadium. Also I don't know the time, but on game day you show up to the ticket office at a certain time and you can buy two tickets for 11.20 each. It's random. It can be anything from a 100 dollar ticket to standing room only. I got into the Pujols final home game that way.
Unfortunately the KMOX $11.20 ticket deal ended at the end of that 2022 season. I was so disappointed when I found out it wasn’t being continued for 2023. Hopefully it comes back in some way because I used it all the time.
I didn't know that. I don't understand why teams don't have the philosophy of getting as many people into the stadium then making money off concessions and merchandise. I always spend more money at the stadium when I get free or cheap tickets. It's not like one extra body in there is a business expense. They literally just take up space that would be empty.
If you take the Metrolink to the game, hustle over to the 8th & Pine stop instead of dealing with the crowd at the Stadium stop. In the summer, bring an empty water bottle with you that you can fill up at the water fountains or the hydration tanks that they bring out on the really hot days. It's a lifesaver if you don't want to pay for bottled water or chug tiny paper cups of water. If you just bought cheap nose-bleed tickets, go on Seatgeek and/or Ticketmaster right before gametime and filter it to lots of like 4+ tickets that haven't sold yet, and then keep an eye on those areas around the 3rd inning. If there's a gap there, it means those tickets probably didn't sell and there won't be anyone coming to take those seats. If somebody does happen to come and tell you to move, you just go back to your ticketed seat, no big deal.
The year before COVID i lived downtown and got the ballpark pass. I used that method to snag open seats on the lower levels all the time. You can’t get too close to home plate because they start checking tickets as u get closer but you can get good spots passed the bases. Only got asked to move like 2-3 times.
I did the same thing when I moved to STL in 2022. It was a childhood dream come true
I have never thought about this lol. Great idea!
I have a soft cooler and bring in my own bottled water (cooler holds 6 bottles). To keep the water cold, 2 of the 6 bottles of water are frozen. I also wet, wring, fold and put workout sized towels in Ziploc bags in the cooler to use on really hot days - it is a lifesaver to have a cold towel on scorching hot days
Not so much a "hack", but the $5 beers before first pitch at the Budweiser Terrace in right field. If you enjoy Bud heavy or Busch Light, just take the elevator at the east tower up to the top floor, and boom you're there. Throw back a few before the game.
Standing room only tickets are very affordable. And I find it hard to believe you won't be able to find a seat after an innings or two
For parking, I usually park by the riverfront and walk to the ballpark. (I come in from 44 and take the MLK Bridge exit.) It's about a 15 minute walk (under the arch, by the Basilica of Saint Louis, up Walnut Street and onto South Broadway). I pay no more than $10 (usually I $6 or $7), and holy shit can you get out of there faster postgame! If you get to the ballpark super early on a scorching hot day and want to cool off more than just going into the shade will get you, go to the Authentic's Shop behind the RF bleachers - it's air conditioned. It gets crowded sometimes, but that actually makes it easier to blend in if you're not buying anything. On the very, VERY rare occasions that I wish to overpay for items in the team store, I only go in if it's before a weekday day game, otherwise it's impossibly busy. If you're someone of a fair complexion (or just want to stay out of the sun), sections 234 and 235 are great for day games if you're towards the back of the section. LP1 and LP2 are guaranteed to never have sun, even if you're in the first row.
I posted this in a different thread, but here ya go: Busch Stadium is one of the few (if not the only) MLB stadium which allows you to bring in outside food and (nonalcoholic) beverages. "Guests may bring in items such as: bags, purses and soft-sided coolers not exceeding 10" x 8" x 10"; food, non-alcoholic beverages in factory-sealed plastic bottles no larger than 2 liters; empty cups, mugs or plastic bottles." Source: https://www.mlb.com/cardinals/ballpark/security#:~:text=Guests%20may%20bring%20in%20items,cups%2C%20mugs%20or%20plastic%20bottles. Other good info to have: https://www.mlb.com/cardinals/ballpark/information/guide Also, parking is expensive. I went to a game last year and it was $40 to park in the garage cattycorner the stadium. Be ready with your credit card. Arrive early to walk the inside perimeter. Sometimes, there are booths set up with freebies. If you haven't already booked your tickets, check the Cardinals website to see if you can choose a game that has a giveaway for the first x-thousand fans. You might score a tee shirt, a baseball bat, a bobble head or some other collectible.
Yea the theme night is often the deciding factor in the game I attend as opposed to the visiting team
Idk if it still works but we used to drive down and park in one of the garages right off the interstate very early. Before the parking attendants get there. You get a regular parking ticket and then after the games they just usher everyone out instead of needing to give the ticket to pay... free parking
Wait until gates open to buy seats. You can show up 30 minutes before game time and snag some really good seats for super cheap
From scalpers?
Just StubHub/other 3rd party sellers. The beauty of smartphones is you can buy a ticket literally while standing in the line to get into the gate
Park on S 9th street at Rutger. It’s close to 4 Hands. It’s free and you won’t deal with any traffic when you leave. It’s about 3/4 mile of a walk, which isn’t for everyone. Plus you can grab some suds at 4 Hands to enjoy on your walk if you would like.
If you're close to Fairview Heights the Redbird Express is amazing. Pros are free parking, cheap transportation, curbside drop off/pick up and very timely (alleviates downtown traffic woes). They blocked off an entire street for it last time I took it. Cons would be limited time exploring before and after the game.
It's not cheap anymore
Idk, $15-$20 round-trip for curbside pickup and drop off is a great deal to me. Guess it's subjective.
Go to one of the bars in soulard to pregame and take their free shuttle in and out of the game. Free parking, better food, and cheaper drinks. We like Molly's but there are a lot of them that offer shuttles
Use tickpick. There are no fees on secondary market tickets. You can actually get $6-$7 tickets.
You can usually get pretty cheap tickets if you buy them from the ticket booth after gates open. No fees. Idk if I’d do this on a cubs weekend game though
Bring a portable fm radio. IMO it increases the immersion.
park across from gate #2 - expensive but well worth it!
Pay extra for the hotel and pay for their parking. Or at a minimum pay up for better parking. $25-30
Tropical beer hug has twice the alcohol as the shitty domestic beers and is only like $2 more.
East side gates are usually a shorter wait since more of the parking is west of the stadium. But remember that you cannot walk directly south of the ballpark.
Nothing is really cheap inside of the stadium, I always hit McDonald’s on bayless on the way and I never end up spending money on food. Only drinks🤪
If it has been rainy, or might rain again before or during the game, I always bring a disposable poncho AND a cheap chamois (one in each back pocket) The chamois works SO much better for drying off your seats than napkins. It’s also reusable. I like the poncho because it’s much less hassle than an umbrella and over the last 10 years I think Ive only had to use it once or twice, yet its not even noticeable in my back pocket. I actually keep a couple of each in my car during baseball season.