St. Louis is a sports town. Yes, it’s a major-league city, known worldwide as Baseball Heaven for fans of the storied Cardinals, and we’ve planted our flag in the ice as home to the 2019 Stanley Cup champion Blues. And now we’re reminding the globe of our deep roots on the pitch as we don our CITY SC scarves.
But we’re also enthusiastic about minor-leaguers and amateurs, from the UFL’s Battlehawks to college esports to pickleball leagues. And unlike some cities, sports are literally central to St. Louis’ infrastructure, as most venues are located in the heart of downtown.
“Sports are more than just a conversation starter,” says Tom Ackerman, sports director at KMOX and a St. Louis native. “Sports are a big driver of who we are and how we come together. If you’re a sports fan, you’re coming to a town that gets you.”
Here are just a handful of Ackerman’s can’t-miss sports experiences, ideal for both newcomers and longtime residents who are looking to get in the game.
Baseball Heaven
While the Cardinals have won 11 world championships over the years, St. Louis baseball fans show up rain or shine because they love and respect the game. “It’s a tribute to baseball,” Ackerman says. Make a day of it, and grab a bite at Ballpark Village or another nearby spot.
Soccer City
Major League Soccer might be relatively new to town, but St. Louis has a history with the sport that dates back more than a century. Tickets can be hard to score for these red-hot events, but the atmosphere alone is worth the price of admission. “The crowd is electric,” Ackerman says. “CITYPARK is loud and fun, with top-notch food options. It’s definitely a draw.”
Hit the Gas
In Madison, Illinois, this world-class, 1.25-mile oval draws speed enthusiasts from all over the world. Whether you’re into the stockcars of NASCAR, the open-wheelers of IndyCar, or the ground-shaking dragsters of NHRA, some of the best drivers on the planet come here to chase the checkered flag. “It’s the only track in the world that has all three of those racing leagues,” Ackerman says. “And when you see NASCAR, you get a full weekend of truck and Cup racing—it’s a lot of bang for your buck.”
Let’s Go, Blues
St. Louis has a reputation for having the “Best Fans in Baseball,” but make no mistake: This is a hockey town, too. At the beginning of this past season, no fewer than eight NHL players hailed from the area, and the metro is dotted with rinks and young skaters. Most of them dream of playing at Enterprise Center and donning the iconic sweater of the hometown that finally brought home Lord Stanley’s Cup in 2019. “Our fans know the game and the team inside and out,” Ackerman says. “There aren’t many things better than an in-person hockey game, and this is a great place to watch one: fan-friendly, boisterous, and loud.”
Ka-kaw!
St. Louis has a rabid football fanbase. Look no further than The Dome at America’s Center, where the Battlehawks consistently draw more than double the crowd of every other UFL team. “Tickets are very reasonable, and it’s a great way to cool off indoors on a hot summer day,” Ackerman says. “For $15, I sat in the end zone with a great crowd that was having fun.”
Billikens Basketball
If you’re a hoops fan, be sure to score tickets to a Saint Louis University basketball game. The Billikens play at Chaifetz Arena, which is optimal for fans who want to be close to the action. “It’s a great basketball arena, only holding about 10,000,” says Ackerman, noting that SLU won the Women’s National Invitation Tournament in 2024.
Checkmate
The Gateway City is not only home to some of the world’s best athletes; it also has the edge when it comes to competing with our brains. Known as the chess capital of the United States, St. Louis hosts three prestigious invitational tournaments throughout the year. It’s also home to the World Chess Hall of Fame, where you can explore the many ways that the Game of Kings intersects with our culture and history. “The hall of fame is very well done,” Ackerman says. “We have sent family members there when they come to town. And it’s in the Central West End—one of the city’s great neighborhoods.”
Pickleball & Parks
St. Louisans are not ones to just watch from the sidelines: We love tennis, golf, and weeknight softball games. And like everywhere else in the country, we’ve caught the pickleball craze. “The sport has really exploded,” Ackerman says. “It’s a great way to socialize and meet people.” There are tons of places to play and join leagues: Chicken N Pickle in St. Charles, the Padel + Pickle Club in Olivette, and at parks across the region, where you can work up a sweat while playing a range of other sports.
