Bush Stadium, a name synonymous with baseball history and tradition, has been a cornerstone of St. Louis and the sport of baseball. This iconic stadium, with its deep roots in the baseball community, has been a witness to some of the most memorable moments in Major League Baseball (MLB).
Stadium Facts about Bush Stadium
- Location: St. Louis, Missouri
- Opened On: May 12, 1966
- Home Team: St. Louis Cardinals (National League)
- Stadium Nicknames: “Busch Memorial Stadium,” “The New Busch Stadium”
- Dimensions: Left Field – 330 feet, Center Field – 402 feet, Right Field – 330 feet
- Capacity: Originally 49,676; expanded to 57,000
- Attendance Record: 57,692 (1982 World Series)
- Surface: AstroTurf (1966-1995), Grass (1996-2005)
- Architect: Edward Durell Stone & Associates; Sverdrup & Parcel and Associates, Inc.
- Owner: St. Louis Cardinals
- Competitions: Hosted the 1966 All-Star Game, multiple World Series including 1967, 1968, 1982, 1985, and 1987, and the 1998 Home Run Chase
- Construction Cost: $25 million (1966)
The History
Bush Stadium, originally known as Busch Memorial Stadium, was more than just a ballpark; it was a cultural landmark. Opened in 1966, it replaced the old Sportsman’s Park as the home of the St. Louis Cardinals. The stadium was named in honor of the Anheuser-Busch family, prominent brewery owners and long-time supporters of the Cardinals.
For nearly four decades, Bush Stadium served as a stage for baseball legends and memorable moments. It was part of a wave of multi-purpose “cookie-cutter” stadiums constructed during the 1960s and 1970s, built to accommodate both baseball and football games.
Design and Features
Bush Stadium was known for its unique design, which included a circular, open-air structure with an adjustable seating arrangement that could be modified depending on the type of event. The stadium’s original AstroTurf surface was a nod to the modernist trends of the era, although it was later replaced with natural grass to enhance the traditional baseball experience.
One of the most distinctive features of Bush Stadium was its massive, wrap-around scoreboard and the “Crown of Arches,” a ring of white concrete arches that encircled the top of the stadium, mirroring the city’s iconic Gateway Arch. This architectural feature made Bush Stadium instantly recognizable and served as a symbol of St. Louis’s architectural heritage.
Renovations
Throughout its history, Bush Stadium underwent several renovations to improve fan experience and modernize facilities. These renovations included the installation of the natural grass playing field, expansion of seating capacity, and various improvements to the stadium’s infrastructure.
In the 1990s, as newer, more specialized stadiums began to emerge, it became clear that Bush Stadium would need significant upgrades to keep pace. This realization eventually led to the decision to construct a new stadium, which would continue the legacy of the Cardinals in St. Louis.
Facilities
Bush Stadium offered a range of facilities designed to enhance the spectator experience. These included an array of concession stands offering traditional ballpark fare, souvenir shops with Cardinals merchandise, and comfortable seating options for fans.
The stadium was also known for its accessibility, with easy ingress and egress, and ample parking, making it a fan-friendly venue. Its downtown location contributed to its vibrant atmosphere, embedding it within the fabric of St. Louis city life.
Memorable Moments at Bush Stadium
- 1967 World Series: The Cardinals defeating the Boston Red Sox.
- 1982 World Series Win: A triumphant victory for the Cardinals over the Milwaukee Brewers.
- Mark McGwire’s 62nd Home Run: Breaking the single-season home run record in 1998.
- 1985 National League Championship Series: A dramatic win over the Los Angeles Dodgers.
- Bob Gibson’s Dominant Performances: Throughout the late 1960s and early 1970s.
Interesting Baseball History at Bush Stadium
- The 1966 All-Star Game: Marking the stadium’s MLB debut.
- Several No-Hitters: Pitched by Bob Gibson and other Cardinals pitchers.
- Lou Brock’s Base-Stealing Prowess: Setting new records in the 1970s.
- The Transition to Grass: Reflecting a return to traditional baseball aesthetics.
- The 1980s Cardinals: Dominating the National League with speed and defense.
Non-Baseball Events
Beyond baseball, Bush Stadium played host to a variety of other events, showcasing its versatility as a venue. It was the home of the NFL’s St. Louis Cardinals until their move to Arizona in 1988 and hosted several large concerts and public gatherings. The stadium’s ability to adapt to different events made it a central hub for entertainment and sports in St. Louis, further cementing its legacy in the city’s history.
