Busch Stadium is the home of the St. Louis Cardinals, one of baseball's most successful and best-loved clubs, and the ballpark sits right in the middle of downtown, a few blocks from the Arch. Tours let you see the stadium when there is no game, which is often easier and more relaxed than a game day. There are two tours. The Classic Tour visits significant places in the ballpark with an experienced guide who shares the history of the stadium and the team, and admission to the Cardinals Hall of Fame and Museum is included. The Busch Stadium 360 Tour is a walk through the ballpark with a Cardinals staff member, highlighting views from the service level to the upper deck. Tours can cover up to half a mile of walking, indoors and outdoors, mostly by escalator, and all tours are wheelchair accessible. They run rain or shine, and cameras are allowed. Tours begin at Gate 3 on 8th Street. Baseball in St. Louis is a civic tradition, with generations of families passing down their love of the Cardinals, and a tour is a good way to see why the ballpark and the museum matter to locals as much as to visitors.
How to visit
Tickets can be bought through the MLB Ballpark app, at the 8th Street ticket windows, at the Cardinals Museum desk or online, and the team notes that tours often sell out, so buying ahead makes sense. Tickets are non-exchangeable and non-refundable. The tour page does not list prices or tour times, and it states that the route and schedule can change without notice, so check the venue's page for the tours running on your date.
There is no tour parking; short-term drop-off is allowed on 8th Street, and downtown garages are nearby. Groups of 20 or more should contact the stadium tours office, and private tours can be arranged through special events.
What to expect
Bring comfortable shoes and dress for the weather, because parts of the tour are outdoors. Bags larger than 8 by 10 by 10 inches are not allowed, guests under 16 must be accompanied by an adult, and the ballpark is smoke-free. Guests can buy a photograph taken by a stadium photographer during the tour, and a ticket stub earns a discount in the team store.
The Classic Tour suits baseball fans who want history and the museum, while the 360 Tour suits people who care more about views and the layout of the ballpark. Neither tour is a substitute for a game, but they are a good choice outside the season or on days when the team is away.
Making the most of it
Pair a tour with a walk to the Arch and the Old Courthouse, which are minutes away, and add lunch at one of the downtown restaurants near the ballpark. If you are visiting during the season, consider doing both: a tour in the morning and a game in the evening, when the Ballpark Village district around the stadium is lively.
Hotels near the ballpark and the Arch make this an easy walk from many downtown stays. Check the team's site before you travel for any event days that affect tour availability.
What to expect
The experience
A guided or staff-led walk through the Cardinals' ballpark, with the Hall of Fame and Museum included in the Classic Tour.
Best time
Any non-game day, or a morning before an evening game.
How long
Plan for roughly an hour or two including the museum; the venue does not state a fixed length.
Tips
Buy ahead, start at Gate 3 on 8th Street, keep bags small and remember there is no tour parking.
Quick picks
- Best for
- Baseball fans, history buffs and families with older children.
- Families
- Children under 16 need an adult, and the walking is up to half a mile.
- Couples
- A different way to see downtown with a baseball theme.
- Pair with
- The Arch grounds, the Old Courthouse and a brewery tour.
- Time needed
- Two hours.
Good questions
What tours are offered at Busch Stadium?+
The Classic Tour, with an experienced guide and admission to the Cardinals Hall of Fame and Museum, and the Busch Stadium 360 Tour, a staff-led walk with views from the service level to the upper deck.
Where do the tours start?+
Tours begin at Gate 3 on 8th Street.
How do I buy tickets?+
Tickets can be bought through the MLB Ballpark app, at the 8th Street ticket windows, at the Cardinals Museum desk, online or by phone. Tours often sell out, and tickets are non-refundable.
Is the tour accessible?+
Yes. All tours are wheelchair accessible, and tours use escalators mainly. They can cover up to half a mile of walking.
What are the rules?+
Bags larger than 8 by 10 by 10 inches are not allowed, guests under 16 must be with an adult, and the ballpark is smoke-free. There is no tour parking.
