Starting Thursday, baseball’s back at Bush Stadium with the St. Louis Cardinals taking on the Pittsburgh Pirates. The home opener starts at 3:15 p.m., but there are plenty of ways to celebrate St. Louis’ unofficial holiday and what’s sure to be a good season—Albert Pujols’ return, for starters—before the first pitch. Here are seven venues at or around Ballpark Village hosting events worth checking out:
KMOX Kegs & Eggs
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Presented by Budweiser, this event asks just $60 but gives you so much more, including: food from Sugarfire Smoke House, themed cocktails, access to Rollin’ Smoke Mobile Cigar Lounge, and, of course, some drinks courtesy of Budweiser and Anheuser-Busch. A general admission ticket gets you into the party at 11 a.m., at 7th Street between Market and Walnut.
Together Credit Union Plaza Opening Day pep rally
The (free) fun can start as early as 10:30 a.m. with Team Fredbird. Meet at Ballpark Village’s plaza for giveaways and beats by DJ Mike Justis. If you don’t have tickets to the game, watch from the plaza’s big screen—then stick around for more music until 9:30 p.m.
Bally Sports Live!
Doors to the Ballpark Village entertainment nerve center open at 10 a.m. with live music from The Red Jackets beginning at 11 a.m. The biggest (no, really) reason to make Bally Sports your Opening Day celebration destination might be the 40-foot LED screen. After the game, cover band Trixie Delight will play until 9:30 p.m.
Courtney Show Opening Day Brunch at Sports & Social
Twenty-five dollars gets you the choice of one Sports & Social brunch entrée and one mimosa, Bloody Mary, domestic draft beer, or nonalcoholic beverage. Brunch with the 106.5 The Arch personality starts at 9 a.m. After 11 a.m., doors open to the public.
Budweiser Brew House
Watch the game from the Bud Deck at this Ballpark Village venue—the view is of center field—or hang out with duo Dave & Them afterward. Budweiser Brew House opens at 10 a.m. Seat reservations start at $10.
Cardinals Nation Breakfast featuring Wake Up with Bret & Julie
Y98’s Wake Up with Bret & Julie take over breakfast at the Ballpark Village spot beginning at 8 a.m. Fourteen dollars gets you bottomless mimosas and Bloody Marys, plus chances to win prizes and even two tickets to the game. While you’re at Cardinals Nation, check out the new exhibit Celebration! 1982, located on the second floor. Celebration! 1982 explores the 40th anniversary of the 1982 World Series championship season from the perspective of Whitey Herzog, himself a National Baseball Hall of Fame Manager.
PBR & Shark Bar
Both PBR and Shark Bar in Ballpark Village open at noon. If you feel like watching baseball and riding a bull, look no further than the former. If you need a piña colada at noon on a Thursday, consider the latter.
