MLB All-Star Events in the Gateway City

Date: Wednesday, July 1, 2009

St. Louis, the Gateway City, also known as the “Gateway to the West”, also home to the first sky scraper and according to Baseball Commissioner, Bud Selig, there “can’t be a better baseball town in America”.  For the first time since 1966, the showdown between American League and National League will be held in St. Louis, Missouri.  The city also hosted the first ever Olympics that were held in the United States in 1904 and the World’s Fair the same year.  Here’s what to expect when traveling to St. Louis and the famous Busch Stadium, for the 2009 MLB All-Star game.

Busch Stadium

It wasn’t until the Cardinals were bought by the Anheuser-Busch Brewery in 1953 that the legendary Busch Stadium name sprouted.  The current stadium is actually the third to be called Busch Stadium, named directly after long-time owner, August "Gussie" Anheuser Busch, Jr.  He was a famous brewery man and baseball fan.  In 1996, the Cardinals were sold to long time business man and St. Louis native baseball fan, William DeWitt, but fans experience the same historical feeling when walking into the new stadium.

Busch Stadium III has one of the most unbelievable views in the country with the Gateway Arch and the downtown St. Louis skyline in plain sight from the stadium’s seats.  Construction began in 2004 and was finished by April 2006.  In that same year, this young stadium hosted the World Series which featured the St. Louis Cardinals vs. the Detroit Tigers; and the inaugural season proved to be a memorable one.  The Cardinals were the first team since the New York Yankees in 1923, to win the World Series the same year they opened a new ballpark.

When walking into the stadium, the illustrious 3rd base entrance will be sure to please even the out of town crowd.  A bronze statue of Stan “The Man” Musial stands outside of the bridge-like entrance.  It resembles the Eads Bridge, a landmark in the city that connects St. Louis, Missouri and East St. Louis, Illinois, over the Mississippi River.  Other things to look for before you enter the stadium are plaques featuring Cardinals logos and other St. Louis crests that have been placed on the walls.  A combination of both classic and modern materials, this stadium contains brick, concrete, steel and glass.  It is a twist of old and new, seating over 46,000 people.

WHERE and WHEN does the fun begin?

The fun starts on July 10th with the opening of the MLB All-Star Fan Fest and continues until the 14th with the All-Star Game itself.  Fan Fest, will be held at America’s Center, the convention center in downtown St. Louis, right next to the Edward Jones Dome home to the St. Louis Rams.  Only making its 19th appearance, and its first ever in St. Louis, Fan Fest attracts the largest number of baseball fans to one location, once a year.  There are a number of activities for everyone to participate in.  There are interactive pitching and hitting games, seminars and clinics given by baseball legends, pitching and fielding challenges, not to mention free autograph sessions with famous Cardinals Legends and other Baseball Hall of Famers.  There will be fun photograph opportunities as well, featuring the World’s Largest Baseball that has been signed by Ted Williams and Hank Aaron, just to name a few.  Women of the game will make an appearance as well.  Women who have played in the All-American Girls Professional Baseball League and other current National Team Fast Pitch players will be there to meet fans and sign autographs.  Another fantastic Fan Fest element, there will be a live auction where fans will be able to bid on authentic, limited edition collectibles.  There will also be a “Collectors Showcase” where fans can buy, sell, or trade memorabilia.  

On July 12th, the All-Star Futures and Legends Games will take place, as well as a celebrity softball game; all three games will be held at Busch Stadium.  On July 13th, the Gatorade Workout Day and the 25th annual Home Run Derby will also be held at Busch Stadium.

On July 14th, an All-Star Red Carpet Parade will take place prior to game time.  The actual game will top-off the accumulating excitement from the four day extravaganza.  The game will start with the throwing of the first pitch by President Barack Obama.  He is the first current president to throw the opening pitch at the All-Star game since Gerald Ford in 1976. Let’s see what kind of arm he has!  

If you’re entertaining children during the game there is a “Make your Own Fredbird” station, similar to the famous Build-a-Bear Workshop.  It is located between Gates 2 and 3, behind section 153, on the main concourse.  

If you’re NOT entertaining children before or after the game, be sure to stop into the Anheuser-Busch Brewery.  They offer complimentary tours at 5 of their 12 locations, one of which happens to be in St. Louis (located at 12th & Lynch Streets). Witness their quality brewing process and if you’re 21 years of age or older, you can enjoy your favorite brew, along with other snacks that are provided.  If that’s not enough excitement, there is a Beer Master Tour, which is more in-depth and requires a fee.  It also has to be set up in advance, so check it out before you get there.  This tour includes a visit to the historic Brew House, Lager Cellar, Bevo Packaging Facility, and Finishing Cellar.  Other stops along the tour include a sample directly from a Finishing Tank and a visit to both the Budweiser Clydesdale Stable and Tack Room.   

With so many different events and activities, in addition to the city itself, this four-day event will prove to be an exhausting and exciting one.  And with these details, you won’t miss a beat!  May the best league win!