photograph by Theresa Harter
No matter what your stance is on sports, in St. Louis, one cannot help but be a baseball fan. That is because the city is the home turf of the St. Louis Cardinals; a team with one of the most dedicated fanbases in all of professional sports. In 2014, Cardinals Nation (as those fans are better known) welcomed an exciting new addition to the former empty lot across the street from Busch Stadium. Ballpark Village opened officially on March 27, with a public unveiling of the completed first phase of projects in the multi-phase master plan. Nearly two weeks later, the site became host to a spectacular Home Opener event, which included the grand opening of the St. Louis Cardinals Hall of Fame and Museum, a huge pep rally, and much more. These events celebrate both opening day for the Cardinals’ 2014 season, and the successful creation of one of the country’s first, team-integrated, sports-themed, entertainment districts; with some exceptional luck (and kind help from Ballpark Village), Photo Flood Saint Louis was there to record the event and to cheer on the Birds.
photograph by Jeni Kulka
photograph by Theresa Harter
photograph by Theresa Harter
photograph by Jeni Kulka
photograph by Captured N Time
photograph by Captured N Time
photograph by Robert Rohe
Even though Ballpark Village derives much of its purpose from the Major League Baseball team next door, it is designed to be a year-round attraction. Currently, the entertainment district features a variety of eateries (including Cardinals Nation, Drunken Fish, Ted Drewes, and Tengo Hambre), many drinking establishments (ranging from the Budweiser Brew House, PBR St. Louis, Howl at the Moon, and the Skybox), and an assortment of other attractions (such as the Museum, a site for outdoor festivals, a music venue, and the broadcasting studios for FOX Sports Midwest). On game days, there is also the Cardinals Nation AT&T Rooftop Deck and the Budweiser Brew House Deck, which are alternative options to Busch Stadium for viewing the competition on field.
photograph by Robert Rohe
photograph by Theresa Harter
photograph by Captured N Time
photograph by Captured N Time
photograph by Siobhan Lestina
Although Ballpark Village experienced several hurdles during construction and suffered some criticism from skeptics (especially for a massive surface parking lot, which is planned to be temporary), it seems now well-poised for success and to attract much extra business to Downtown. Certainly, if the photographs on this page are any indication, it already knows how to welcome a crowd.
photograph by Jeni Kulka
photograph by Siobhan Lestina
photograph by Siobhan Lestina
photograph by Siobhan Lestina
photograph by Robert Rohe
photograph by Theresa Harter
photograph by Captured N Time
Map:
