Many people assume a St. Louis CITY SC match begins at kickoff. Regulars know the experience starts much earlier.
Music fills the plaza, local restaurants prepare some of the city’s favorite dishes, children race between activities, and thousands of people from every part of the region arrive ready to celebrate together. Families, couples, friend groups, youth teams, and first-time visitors all find their place in the celebration.
Chief experience officer Matt Sebek says every part of the experience was intended to celebrate St. Louis and bring people together.
“A CITY match is not just a sporting event. It’s a civic celebration,” Sebek says. “It’s one of the few places in St. Louis where the whole region feels like it’s moving in the same direction for two hours.”
Game day now serves as one of the city’s biggest celebrations of local culture and community.
What makes a CITY match unlike any other night in St. Louis
Game day begins the moment fans arrive.
Many fans show up early for the block party outside Energizer Park, where live music, local entertainment, games, and activities turn the area into one of the city’s liveliest gathering places. By the time supporters enter the stadium, the energy has already taken hold.
Inside, drums echo through the stands, flags wave from every corner, and chants continue from the opening whistle to the final moments of the match. Newcomers quickly discover that watching is only part of the experience.
“I think it’s relentless,” Sebek says. “There is noise and activity and ways to participate all game long. You almost feel like you’re a participant in the experience when you come to Energizer Park.”
Every tradition reflects the city itself. Match ball presenters include St. Louis icons, local musicians perform throughout the season, and community members regularly take part in game day celebrations.
“We want people to leave the stadium thinking, ‘I can’t believe this exists in our home city,’” Sebek says.
An aspect of match day that’s become a fan obsession
The stadium dining experience has grown into one of the biggest attractions on match day. Energizer Park features more than 25 local restaurants, turning a visit to the stadium into a chance to experience some of St. Louis’ most beloved flavors.
“I think people come to the game to eat dinner, which is very unique,” Sebek says.
Ask a regular where to eat, and chances are Balkan Treat Box will top the list. The local favorite has become synonymous with the CITY experience, introducing thousands of visitors to flavors inspired by St. Louis’ Bosnian community. Fans can also grab Steve’s Hot Dogs, Dewey’s Pizza, and dozens of other hometown favorites without ever leaving the stadium.
“I think that’s a testament to the great local food scene and the international cultures that make up St. Louis,” Sebek says.
Why CITY2 has become a family favorite
Families searching for an affordable introduction to the club often begin with CITY2, St. Louis CITY SC’s developmental team, which gives fans a chance to watch rising talent and future stars compete at Energizer Park.
Most matches take place on Sunday afternoons at Energizer Park, with general admission tickets starting at around $13. The atmosphere captures the excitement of first-team matches while creating a comfortable introduction for children and first-time visitors.
Young fans can lead supporter chants, enjoy face painting and pregame activities, walk out with players, and stay after the final whistle for autographs and photos. Players regularly interact with families, giving kids an opportunity to experience the club up close.
Many parents have embraced CITY2 as a fun weekend tradition. Kids can jump into the action, meet players, and experience the energy of Energizer Park without breaking the family budget.
Programs that bring fans closer to the club
The connection doesn’t stop when the match ends. St. Louis CITY SC has created programs that help fans of every age stay involved throughout the year:
- Kids Club: Members ages 5–12 receive CITY2 tickets, exclusive merchandise, trading cards, and invitations to special experiences with players.
- College U: Students with an .edu email can access discounted tickets and future opportunities to connect with other soccer fans across St. Louis.
- MyCITY+: Members receive early access to tickets, special events, merchandise benefits, and a place in the season ticket queue.
- CITY Futures and Pick Up CITY: These programs bring free and accessible soccer opportunities to neighborhoods across the region, helping more families connect with the game.
- Group Tickets: Schools, youth teams, and organizations can enjoy discounted tickets, fundraising opportunities, and memorable match day experiences.
“Growing the game in the region is something we’ve set out to do since the beginning,” Sebek says.
A guide to your first match at Energizer Park
Planning a first visit is easier than many people expect, and there are options for every type of fan.
- It’s affordable. CITY2 matches provide one of the most cost-effective ways to visit the stadium, especially for families with young children. College students can access special ticket offers through College U, while groups and youth organizations can take advantage of fundraising opportunities through group sales programs.
- It’s accessible. Accessibility is built into every part of the experience. Energizer Park includes wheelchair access at all entrances, sensory rooms, sensory bags, audio descriptions, ASL interpretation, closed captioning, and support through the Hidden Disabilities Sunflower program, so more fans can comfortably enjoy match day.
- It’s sustainable. The stadium also reflects the club’s commitment to St. Louis through its sustainability efforts. Energizer Park operates as a zero-waste venue, diverting more than 90 percent of game-day waste from landfills while eliminating single-use plastics across the stadium.
Affordability, accessibility, and sustainability all help create a welcoming experience. Yet Sebek believes that the real magic comes from spending quality time together in a place that celebrates St. Louis.
“It’s outdoor, it’s not reliant on a screen, and it’s built on this element of civic pride,” Sebek says. “We want every person to leave Energizer Park with a smile on their face about the city they live in.”
This post was created by SLM Partner Studio on behalf of St. Louis CITY SC. For more information, visit stlcitysc.com.
