Today marks the annual return of baseball to St. Louis, and the reigning National League Champion St. Louis Cardinals are kicking off their home schedule against the division rival Cincinnati Reds and Pittsburgh Pirates. The six-game homestand is highlighted by annual Opening Day festivities (#OpeningDaySTL), the Cardinals Hall of Fame and Museum Dedication, the National League Champion player ring ceremony and the presentation of the Rawlings Gold Glove Award to Yadier Molina and Adam Wainwright. There are also five promotional giveaway games including the Michael Wacha Bobblehead, Replica 2013 National League Champions Ring, and Yadier Molina and Adam Wainwright Gold Glove Award model.
Monday, April 7, 2014 – Cardinals vs. Cincinnati Reds (3:15 p.m.) #OpeningDaySTL
• Cardinals Hall of Fame & Museum Dedication Ceremony: The Cardinals will host an invitation-only ceremony to formally dedicate the new Cardinals Hall of Fame presented by Edward Jones and the team’s new Museum within Cardinals Nation at Ballpark Village. While the ceremony is not open to the general public due to a lack of space, the team will live-stream the ceremony on cardinals.com and broadcast the ceremony on the outdoor Busch II scoreboard screen and on the 40 ft. television in FOX Sports Midwest Live! in Ballpark Village. Following the ceremony, the Cardinals Hall of Fame and Museum will officially be open to the public. For more information, visit cardinals.com/museum.
• Cardinals Official Opening Day Pre-Game Pep Rally, sponsored by Hardee’s: The Cardinals and Hardee’s will host a pre-game pep rally in front of the Cardinals Team Store, located at the corner of Clark Street and 8th Street from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Local rock band Trixie Delight will perform from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Fredbird and Team Fredbird will be on hand to give away tickets, autographed items and other Cardinals prizes. Fans can purchase a Hardee’s Combo Meal after regular breakfast hours from the Mobile Diner or Hardee’s restaurant on Chestnut and receive a free Cardinals t-shirt while supplies last. Other sponsors include: Budweiser, First National Bank, Fox Theatre, FOX Sports Midwest, Goodwill, Krispy Kreme, Missouri Lottery, The Muny, PNC Bank, Rawlings, St. Louis Post-Dispatch, Grant’s Farm and The Tan Company.
• Budweiser Magnet Schedule: All ticketed-fans, ages 21 and over, will receive a magnet featuring the 2014 Cardinals schedule, compliments of Budweiser. Gates open at 1:15 p.m.
• Pre-game Ceremony: The pre-game ceremony begins at 2:30 p.m. as the famed Budweiser Clydesdales take their annual pre-game lap around the warning track. The ceremony continues with appearances from St. Louis County Executive Charlie A. Dooley, St. Louis Mayor Francis G. Slay, Missouri Lt. Governor Peter Kinder, Fredbird, Team Fredbird and an American Bald Eagle, courtesy of the World Bird Sanctuary. The ceremony will feature all four of the team’s Commissioner’s Trophies from each of those World Championship teams (’67, ’82, ’06, and ’11), Cardinal greats Mike Shannon, Danny Cox and Jim Edmonds with the National League Championship trophies from their respective decades, as well as the introduction of the Hall of Famers and 2014 Cardinals via a Ford motorcade. This will be the first Opening Day that Tony La Russa, who will be inducted into the National Baseball Hall of Fame this summer, will be introduced with the other Cardinals Hall of Famers wearing the signature red Hall of Fame jacket. The ceremony culminates with the raising of the 2013 National League Champions banner in the outfield.
• Anthem: The National Anthem will be performed by Curtis Finch, Jr. – a Top 10 Finalist on American Idol Season 12, and St. Louis native.
• Ceremonial Pitch: Former Cardinals pitcher Chris Carpenter will throw the ceremonial first pitch.
• Get Social: Fans should follow the team on Facebook (facebook.com/cardinals), Twitter (@cardinals), and Instagram (cardinals) for behind-the-scenes content from the club throughout the day. Fans can join the Opening Day discussion on Twitter using the hashtags #OpeningDaySTL and #STLCards.
• Cardinals Care Stadium Auction: Fans have the unique opportunity to bid on exclusive autographed Cardinals memorabilia at the game. The auction is a great way for fans and collectors alike to obtain specialty Cardinals items while helping support the programs that Cardinals Care provides to youth in the community. The auction tables will be located at Gate 3, Gate 1, Cardinals Club, UMB Champions Club, and in the Redbird Club.
Tuesday, April 8, 2014 – Cardinals vs. Cincinnati Reds (7:15 p.m.)
• AT&T 2013 League Champions Pin: All ticketed-fans will take home a collector’s edition St. Louis Cardinals’ 2013 League Champions lapel pin, compliments of AT&T.
• 2013 National League Championship Ring Ceremony: Cardinals coaches, Hall of Famers and members of the 2013 squad will receive their National League Championship rings in a ceremony prior to the game at 6:40 p.m.
• FOX Sports 1: The Cardinals will make their first appearance on FOX Sports 1, America’s new 24-hour sports network. Pregame coverage starts at 6:30 p.m. CT, with first pitch scheduled for 7:15 p.m. Thom Brennaman and Eric Karros call the action. FOX Sports 1 can be found on: AT&T U-verse 652 (SD) and 1652 (HD); Charter 43 and 211 (SD) and 811 (HD); Comcast (Downstate Illinois) 68 (SD) and 946 (HD); DirecTV 219 (SD and HD); Dish 150 (SD and HD); Fidelity 66 and 466 Mediacom (Iowa) 74 (SD) and 861 (HD); Mediacom (Mid-Missouri) 163 and 761 (HD); Suddenlink 48 and 248. Other cable subscribers can locate FOX Sports 1 channel information at FOXSports1.com. For more broadcast information, visit cardinals.com/tv.
• College Night Theme Tickets: The St. Louis Cardinals invite students, faculty, and staff of local colleges and universities to purchase the specially priced Theme Ticket that includes an exclusive American Apparel long-sleeved t-shirt. During this game and on Monday May 28th college students can get a Loge level ticket and exclusive shirt for just $19. Tickets may be purchased online at cardinals.com/theme. Please note that the College Night t-shirt is only available with the purchase of the Theme Night ticket. Fans who purchase this ticket will receive a voucher which can be exchanged for the shirt. Fans must present the voucher in order to receive this promotional item.
Wednesday, April 9, 2014 – Cardinals vs. Cincinnati Reds (12:45 p.m.)
• KSDK First Alert Weather Bash at Busch: The Cardinals and KSDK News Channel 5 are hosting a weather bash at 9:30 a.m. to educate kids about the weather and its effects on the environment. This educational program, geared towards elementary and middle school students, teaches children about weather, and includes science experiments from Mad Science, an educational expo and tickets to the game all for just $16. Visit cardinals.com/theme for more info.
• Charity Haircuts in the Plaza sponsored by Great Clips: During the game, fans can root on their team and shape up their roots with a visit to Ford Plaza for Great Clips’ Charity Haircuts. For a $10 donation, Great Clips – who sponsors the event every weekday afternoon game during the season – will cut your hair and donate all proceeds to Cardinals Care.
• Cast of Once at the Ballpark: Cast members from the touring production of Once the musical – currently playing at the Fox Theatre – will perform “Take Me Out to The Ballgame” during the 7th inning stretch.
Friday, April 11, 2014 – Cardinals vs. Chicago Cubs (7:15 p.m.)
• Michael Wacha 2013 NLCS MVP Bobblehead: 25,000 ticketed-fans, ages 16 and older, will receive a Michael Wacha 2013 NLCS MVP Bobblehead.
• Budweiser Bash Friday: Enjoy music and autographs in Ford Plaza beginning at 5:15 p.m. The first 200 fans to line up at the Budweiser Bash entrance (Gate 5) will be given guaranteed autograph line tickets for former Cardinal Ken Reitz, who will begin signing at 5:30 p.m. Only fans with autograph tickets will receive an autograph. Autograph ticket distribution begins one hour prior to gates opening. Budweiser Bash Fridays are sponsored by Budweiser Beer.
• Jackie Robinson Jersey Raffle: The Cardinals and On the Run are giving fans the chance to win an authentic #42 game-worn autographed jersey from Jackie Robinson Day, on April 15th when the Cardinals take on the Brewers in Milwaukee and two Cardinals tickets to the July 18th home game vs. the Los Angeles Dodgers. Fans can purchase raffle tickets at Gate 3 or from roaming volunteers in lime-green shirts on April 11th, April 25th, April 29th, May 13th, May 16th, and May 20th. Raffle tickets can also be purchased at area On the Run locations. The money raised will go to the Jackie Robinson Foundation & Cardinals Care.
• Cardinals Care Stadium Auction: Fans have the unique opportunity to bid on exclusive autographed Cardinals memorabilia at the game. The auction is a great way for fans and collectors alike to obtain specialty Cardinals items while helping support the programs that Cardinals Care provides to youth in the community. The auction tables will be located at Gate 3, Gate 1, Cardinals Club, UMB Champions Club, and in the Redbird Club.
• MLBPAA Auction: The Major League Baseball Players Alumni Association will conduct a baseball-themed silent auction inside Gate 3, Gate 1, UMB Champions Club, and the Cardinals Club from the time gates open through the seventh inning. All proceeds will benefit Cardinals Care and the Players Alumni Association, a non-profit group that strives to preserve the game of baseball while supporting a variety of charities.
Saturday, April 12, 2014 – Cardinals vs. Chicago Cubs (1:15 p.m.)
• Replica 2013 National League Champions Ring: All ticketed-fans will take home a wearable replica of the 2013 National League ring modeled after the rings that the players and coaches receive. Presented by Edward Jones.
• MLBPAA Auction: The Major League Baseball Players Alumni Association will conduct a baseball-themed silent auction inside Gate 3, Gate 1, UMB Champions Club, and the Cardinals Club from the time gates open through the seventh inning. All proceeds will benefit Cardinals Care and the Players Alumni Association, a non-profit group that strives to preserve the game of baseball while supporting a variety of charities.
Sunday, April 13, 2014 – Cardinals vs. Chicago Cubs (1:15 p.m.)
• Yadier Molina and Adam Wainwright Gold Glove Award: 25,000 ticketed-fans will receive a Gold Glove Award that honors both 2013 Gold Glove recipients, Yadier Molina and Adam Wainwright, courtesy of Rawlings.
• Rawlings Gold Glove Ceremony: In a ceremony prior to the game, Cardinals catcher Yadier Molina and pitcher Adam Wainwright will receive their 2013 Rawlings Gold Glove awards. Gold Gloves are awarded annually for fielding excellence, and this marks Yadi’s sixth consecutive award, and Wainwright’s second overall (2009).
• Prairie Farms Ice Cream Sunday: Starting two hours prior to the game, bring the entire family to Ford Plaza for games, prizes and free North Star ice cream (while supplies last).
More Fan Fun
Cardinals Nation – Restaurant, Museum, Hall of Fame, Retail and Rooftop Seating NOW OPEN
Cardinals Nation is a first-of-its-kind venue, totaling more than 30,000 square feet and spanning three distinct levels. Included in this remarkable experience is a high-energy, state-of-the-art restaurant and bar, retail store, a Hall of Fame and Museum, a 330+ seat rooftop deck and event facility. Open year-round, Cardinals Nation allows fans to stay connected to the team well beyond the regular season. Learn more at cardinals.com/cardinalsnation.
• Cardinals Nation Restaurant & Bar: The two-story restaurant featuring three patio decks, four full-service bars and more than 50 flat-screen TVs is filled with Cardinals history and memories. Bringing an old school vibe to a contemporary dining experience, the Cardinals Nation Restaurant and Bar is great for family, friends and fans of all ages. The Restaurant is open daily 11 a.m. – midnight. Reservations can be made by calling 314.345.9880 or by going online to cardinals.com/cardinalsnation. On game days, the 2nd floor will feature a buffet. Fans are encouraged to make reservations, however walk-ins will be seated as table become available. There are also private rooms that can be reserved. For more information, visit the website.
• Cardinals Authentics Shop: Fans will find that gearing up for baseball just got easier with the debut of a new 800 square foot Cardinals Authentics Shop located on the first floor of Cardinals Nation adjacent to the Cardinals Nation Restaurant and Bar. With the grand opening of Cardinals Nation Authentics, there are now two locations to shop for genuine Cardinals gear and own a piece of St. Louis history! Both Cardinals Authentics locations (inside Cardinals Nation and Busch Stadium in the Ford Plaza north of Gate 6) specialize in official, game-used, limited edition and autographed collectibles and memorabilia direct from the club. Both stores offer a great selection of current and vintage Cardinals apparel, as well as one-of-a-kind collectibles. The new Shop also serves as a gift shop with great souvenirs from the Museum. The Cardinals Nations Authentics Shop is open daily from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. On game nights, the shop will remain open one hour post game.
• Cardinals Museum: Few franchises have the acclaim and heritage of the St. Louis Cardinals, and that history lives here, in the new Cardinals Museum. Featuring stadiums, players and championship moments, the Cardinals Museum boasts one of the largest team-specific collections of artifacts and memorabilia in the world. The Museum’s seven galleries take fans on a chronological journey through the rich history of the Cardinals, allowing them to learn about the birth of the franchise, relive special memories and interact with great exhibits. The Museum is open daily from 10 a.m. – 8 p.m. On game nights, the Museum will remain open through the 7th inning. Adult admission is $12, and tickets can be purchased at cardinals.com/cardinalsnation.
• Cardinals Hall of Fame: The St. Louis Cardinals Hall of Fame presented by Edward Jones settles in its permanent home inside Cardinals Nation. Created to honor the players and personalities who have had the greatest impact on the franchise, the Cardinals Hall of Fame gives fans a new way to connect and learn about our team’s great heritage. Fans will vote on new inductees annually, and interactive kiosks help you learn more about these Cardinals greats with photos, video and statistics. Located just outside the new Cardinals Museum, the Cardinals Hall of Fame, presented by Edward Jones, will always be accessible to fans at no cost when Cardinals Nation is open.
• AT&T Rooftop: Featuring over 330 seats on 2 decks, the all-inclusive AT&T Rooftop ballgame experience features a delicious all-you-care-to-eat buffet and full service bar as well as complimentary admission to the Cardinals Hall of Fame and Museum. Whether cheering on the Birds in a sea of red or hosting a private event, the AT&T Rooftop is the perfect place to make unforgettable memories. To purchase all-inclusive game-day tickets or to book an event, visit cardinals.com/cardinalsnation. Fans should use the 8th Street or west entrance for game day or private event access to AT&T Rooftop.
St. Louis Cardinals Official 2014 Media Guide
New this season, the St. Louis Cardinals Official Media Guide is available for fans to purchase online. Typically available only to sportswriters, broadcasters, baseball executives and scouts, the Cardinals annual media guide is the ultimate insider’s resource. The Cardinals 2014 Media Guide can be purchased for $20 at cardinals.com/mediaguide, at the Team Store inside Busch Stadium, at each gate where scorecards are sold, at the Cardinals Authentics Shop in Cardinals Nation at Ballpark Village, and by phone at 314.345.9000.
Official 2014 Scorecard
Also on sale at Busch Stadium this season is the popular 2014 Official Scorecard, featuring the striking artistic designs of local artist Mike Right, who has been creating the timeless Cardinals scorecard imagery since 2003. This year’s edition commemorates the franchise’s 19th NL Pennant and the opening of Ballpark Village. Inside, the scorecard also teaches fans how to score the “Cardinal Way”-a storied tradition by club officials that dates back to the 1940s. During games, fans can purchase Cardinals Magazine and the Official Scorecard together for just $5 at all gates.
New Issue of Cardinals Magazine
Cardinals Magazine kicks off its 22nd season of publication with a star-studded cover story featuring the “Big W’s”: Michael Wacha and Adam Wainwright, whose names make for nice alliteration and whose personalities add equal parts laughter, lessons and life stories of what it takes to win in the majors. This jam-packed keepsake goes behind-the-scenes of Ballpark Village with team president Bill DeWitt III, unveils the spectacular 2013 NL Champions players’ ring, and sits down with Matt Carpenter as he relives his memorable 11-pitch at-bat against Clayton Kershaw in Game 6 of the 2013 NLCS-the plate appearance that ignited the Cards’ series-clinching victory. Even more, Issue 1 presents fans with an in-depth look at some of the organization’s notable prospects through the eyes of farm director Gary LaRocque, departments featuring Peter Bourjos, Randy Choate, Joe Kelly and Wainwright, and the 1st installment of a season-long 50th anniversary celebration of the 1964 world championship.
The season-opening edition is also available in digital form through many of today’s popular e-devices. And new for 2014, the Cardinals Magazine e-pub will now include exclusive videos and photo galleries with every edition. Issue 1 will feature videos of the 2013 NL Champions ring and the 11-pitch sequence between Carpenter and Kershaw from the NLCS, as well as a photo gallery showcasing Ballpark Village.
Throughout the season, the magazine is on sale for just $5 at Busch Stadium at all gates, the team store, and Cardinals Authentics inside Cardinals Nation at Ballpark Village. It’s also available at many STL retailers: Schnucks, Dierbergs, Shop ‘n Save, QT, Walgreens, Wal-Mart, and Cardinals Clubhouse. To order a print or digital subscription, visit cardinals.com/magazine or call 314.345.9303. Sign up today and receive a ticket voucher good for two seats to most Monday-Thursday home games in 2014.
Cardinals Social Media
Join the Cardinals throughout the season on a variety of social media platforms including Twitter (@Cardinals), Facebook (facebook.com/cardinals), Instagram (Cardinals), Pinterest (pinterest.com/cardinalsmlb), Tumblr (stlcardinals) and Google + (St. Louis Cardinals). Fans will get an inside look at the team, exclusive promotions and giveaways, breaking club news, behind-the-scenes photos, videos and much more. For more info, and a list of verified player twitter accounts, visit cardinals.com/connect. Join the conversation using #STLCards.
Facebook Fridays with Fredbird: Every Friday, Fredbird and Team Fredbird will appear somewhere within Cardinal Nation to give away a select number of free tickets or items to lucky fans on a first come, first serve basis. Be sure to join the fun. To find out where Fredbird will be each week follow us on Facebook at facebook.com/cardinals and on Twitter @Cardinals, or visit cardinals.com/facebookfridays for more details.
Cardinals Work “4 A Greener Game”
The Green Team is a group of volunteers who walk down the aisles of the seating bowl in-between innings collecting recyclables from fans and promoting recycling at Busch Stadium. In exchange for their services, volunteers are able to watch the game in standing room only sections of Busch Stadium, as collections are only done in-between innings and during pitching changes so as not to disturb fans trying to watch the game. To volunteer or learn more, visit cardinals.com/green.
Cardinals in the Community
Cardinals Care was established to give fans a way of teaming up with Cardinals players and the organization to help children in our community – both on and off the baseball field. Since it was established in 1997, Cardinals Care has distributed nearly $20 million to support St. Louis area non-profit youth organizations and built 21 youth ball fields in local disadvantaged neighborhoods. 2014 marks the 11th year of Cardinals Care’s innovative Redbird Rookies program, a free baseball league for kids who otherwise might not have the opportunity to play. In addition to providing all the uniforms, gloves, bats, balls and other equipment needed for each team, Redbird Rookies also provides extensive off-field support in the areas of health, education, mentoring and the cultural arts for each of the nearly 4,500 kids who participate in the program each year. Fans can support Cardinals Care by donating directly at cardinals.com/community or in a variety of ways:
• Cardinals Care 6K and One Mile Fun Run: Registration is now open for the fifth annual Cardinals Care 6K and One Mile Fun Run set for Sunday, September 7th. Those interested in participating are encouraged to learn more and register at cardinals.com/6k.
Fan-Friendly Values
• Dynamic Deals of the Week: The Cardinals’ value-based dynamic pricing system allows them to offer outstanding ticket savings to fans throughout the season. Special values will be highlighted each Monday as part of the “Dynamic Deals of the Week” promotion. In 2013, over 50% of games featured tickets available for $10 or less, thanks to dynamic pricing. Fans can sign up to receive weekly Dynamic Deal emails at cardinals.com.
• KMOX 1120 First Pitch Tickets: The Cardinals are pleased to team up with KMOX 1120 to offer the KMOX 1120 First Pitch Tickets. At 9 a.m. on the day of each game, fans may purchase a voucher good for two tickets to that day’s game for a total cost of $11.20 ($5.60 per ticket). The voucher may be redeemed for tickets 15 minutes before the scheduled start of the game. The tickets may be anywhere in the park, depending on availability.
