Five Fun Happenings Leading Up to the St. Louis Cardinals Home Opener

With the Cardinals home opener next Monday ,it's practically a three-day weekend, and downtown St. Louis will play host to plenty of baseball festivities before the big game.

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We’re not doctors, but you look a bit pale. You should probably stay home from work and get some rest…on Monday. Don’t worry, your boss totally won’t put two and two together by realizing half the staff is out and it happens to be the Cardinals home opener. After all, it is St. Louis' New Year's, the beginning of spring and a glorious miracle—practically a civic holiday, a secular holy day of obligation. You’ve got sick time. Achoo! See you at (or around) Busch Stadium.

Saturday, noon to 5 p.m.: Family Fun Day

West Parking Lot, Ballpark Village

Get the littlest Cards fans in your life properly hyped up in advance of the game, and help raise money for a good cause. Family Fun Day is free, but a $5 wristband gets unlimited turns on a giant inflatable slide, twister sling, and wrecking ball, and the money raised will go to Stray Rescue of St. Louis. Fredbird will even make time in his busy schedule to rally the troops.

Sunday, 6 p.m.: Preview Ken Burns' Jackie Robinson

Ballpark Village

Before the Cardinals annihilate the Milwaukee Brewers on Monday, spend a little time learning about a true pioneer in the sport of baseball. The new two-part, four-hour documentary by Ken Burns, Jackie Robinson, outlines the major leaguer’s life. The movie will air on Channel 9 on April 11 and 12 at 8 p.m., but first you can catch a 40-minute preview on the 40-foot screen at Fox Sports Midwest Live! (After all, you already have plans for April 11.) The screening is free, but you’ll need to register.

Monday, 10 a.m.–2 p.m.: KMOV and BaseballStL Play Ball Pep Rally           

TUMS lot, Broadway and Spruce

Before the game, work yourself into a fever pitch just outside the stadium. Dirty Muggs will keep the atmosphere festive, with vendor giveaways and a free photobooth. There will be plenty of food and drink on hand for purchase, and the noon news broadcast will be live from the rally. And a to-be-named former Cardinals player will be on hand for autographs.

Monday, 10 a.m.: Cardinals Opening Day with Modern Brewery

Flying Saucer, 900 Spruce

Flying Saucer has an absolutely great patio view of Busch Stadium. Monday might bring some rain, but the inside is pretty swell, too. Modern Brewery, a fairly recent addition to St. Louis’ craft brewing scene, is co-hosting the event, an ideal scene for Cards fans who like to geek out on hops, barley, and other tasty treats.

Monday, 12:15 p.m.: Paddy O’s

618 S. 7th

Before or after the game (of if you don't have tickets), a sea of red will surely be at Paddy O’s. You’re nearly close enough to hear the crack of the bat. The bar opens three hours before games and stays open for three hours after. You’re sure to find an ocean of jubilation there all day Monday.

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