2022 Cardinals home opener: Here’s the schedule, what to expect, new concessions, and more

Only 24-ish hours until baseball returns to Busch Stadium, and the Cardinals have released a schedule of home opener activities. On Thursday, the Cards will play the Pittsburgh Pirates with first pitch at 3:15 p.m., but there’s so much to experience before the start of the game. Here’s what to expect tomorrow.

Read More: 10 things to know as Pujols, Molina, and Wainwright reunite

2022 home opener schedule 

• Noon — Busch Stadium gates open. All attendees will receive a magnet with the 2022 season schedule, courtesy of Budweiser.
• 12:05–12:55 p.m. — Cardinals batting practice
• 1–1:50 p.m. — Pirates batting practice
• 2:30 p.m. — Pregame ceremonies. Featuring the Budweiser Clydesdales.
• 2:33 p.m. — Fredbird and Team Fredbird make their appearance. 
• 2:34 p.m. — “Baseball is Back” scoreboard video
• 2:37 p.m. — Recognition of Cardinals ownership and management
• 2:38 p.m. — Introduction of Cardinals Hall of Famers
• 2:53 p.m. — Introduction of the St. Louis Cardinals 
• 3:04 p.m. — Introduction of the Pittsburgh Pirates                                               
• 3:06 p.m. — National Anthem. Performed by Fleet Street & Color Guard presentation by Fort Leonard Wood
• 3:09 p.m. — Ceremonial first pitch
• 3:15 p.m. — First pitch

What’s new at the concession stands for 2022

• Nonna’s Italian Beef Sandwich: Grilled shaved prime rib of beef topped with provolone and served with au jus for dipping. Available near Sections 151, 189, 434, and the new “Top of the 5th” stand near Gate 5.
• Grilled Meatballs: They come in two flavors, roasted garlic marinara and barbecue. Available at the Terrace Grill in Section 428.
• St. Louis BBQ Nachos: Smoked pulled pork served with crispy nacho chips and jalapeño cheddar cheese. Available at the Broadway BBQ stand in Section 109.
• “Pop Pop Hurray!” Gourmet Popcorn: Check out four flavors from the local company: cheddar, red caramel, kettle corn, and stadium mix (cheddar plus red caramel). Available in the Coke Corner near Gate 1.
• Island Freeze Frozen Drinks: Available near Section 160.

How to follow the game if you don’t have tickets

For television coverage of the game, tune in to Bally Sports Midwest or the Bally Sports app. This year, Dan McLaughlin and Jim Edmonds will call the game. Pregame coverage will begin at 1:30 p.m., and will include the Busch Stadium ceremonies. Catch the game on the radio on KMOX 1120 AM, 98.7 FM, or the Cardinals Radio Network. Spanish-speaking fans can tune into WIJR 880 AM to hear the broadcast in Spanish. Online, you can follow the game for free on cardinals.com using the Gameday app.

More to do on Opening Day

If you’re looking to get a head start on the celebration, here are seven places at or around Ballpark Village to check out.