Both World Series clinchers were played at home in Busch Stadium in front of more than 46,000 enthusiastic local fans. Other fun facts about this retro-style ballpark that opened in 2006: It hosted the 80th All-Star Game in 2009 and sells more than 540,000 hot dogs over the course of a season.
The design incorporates wide concourses, elevators and escalators between levels and excellent spectator sight lines, as well as dramatic views of downtown and the Gateway Arch. A statue of Cards slugger Stan “the Man” Musial stands at the arched 8th Street entrance. Before the game, kids can play interactive games, step up to the plate in batting cages and enjoy other family-friendly activities at the Family Pavilion. For general stadium information phone (314) 345-9600.
Across the street from Busch Stadium, the first phase of Ballpark Village opened in spring 2014. The retail and entertainment complex features shops, restaurants, live music stages and nightlife venues. The four-level Cardinals Nation Restaurant & Bar includes the Cardinals Hall of Fame and Museum , where true fans can immerse themselves in the team's history.
The Frontier League Western Division's River City Rascals play minor league baseball at CarShield Field in O'Fallon, about 35 miles west of downtown St. Louis; phone (636) 240-2287.
The St. Louis Blues of the National Hockey League take to the ice October through April at the Enterprise Center, 14th and Clark streets; phone (314) 622-2500.
Gateway Motorsports Park in nearby Madison, Ill., offers marquee motorsports events, including NHRA National, Indy Car Championship, stock and sports car events; phone (618) 215-8888. Fairmount Park in nearby Collinsville, Ill., offers Thoroughbred racing April through September; phone (618) 345-4300.
Note: Policies concerning admittance of children to pari-mutuel betting facilities vary. Phone for information.
There are many golf courses throughout the area, including a public course at Ruth Park, 8211 Groby Rd., and three public courses at Forest Park.
Horseback riding is available at A.P. Greensfelder Park, north of I-44 on Allenton Road in nearby Pacific. The Wayne C. Kennedy Recreation Complex, on Wells Road, and Edgar M. Queeny Park, between Mason and Weidman roads, offer ice-skating and tennis. The complex also offers swimming. Ice skating is popular at the Steinberg Skating Rink in Forest Park.
The St. Louis Riverfront Trail, originating at Laclede's Landing, is an 11-mile bike path running along the Mississippi River. Bike trails also wind through Forest Park. Rentals and guided park bike tours are provided by City Cycling Tours; for information phone (314) 616-5724.
Bird-watching opportunities are plentiful during spring and fall at Confluence Point State Park in West Alton; a short interpretive trail leads to the point where the Missouri and Mississippi rivers merge.