Recent improvements include the installation in 1997 of a hand-operated
scoreboard flanked by flag decks commemorating the club's World Series
championships and retired numbers; the return in 1996 to a natural-grass
playing surface, which replaced the artificial turf that had been in place
since 1970; the opening in 1996 of the Family Pavilion, featuring a variety of
games and attractions for families and children, and Homer's Landing, a picnic
area located above the bullpen in left-center field; and the return of a more
traditional "ballpark green" color scheme for the outfield fence and stadium
trim.
Other improvements include the installation in 1993 of a state-of-the-art
sound system and a new large-screen video display, a Diamond Vision MARK III
High Contrast system by Mitsubishi Electronics. Prior to the 1995 season, a
Plaza of Champions monument display honoring the Cardinals World Championship
teams was erected near the Stan Musial statue. The Stadium Club was totally
renovated and included the addition of a sports-themed bar.
Busch Stadium's basic structure is concrete. The stadium is basically a
two-deck facility with about half its seats in each deck. The seats completely
surround the field without posts or columns to obstruct fans' views. The
nearly circular structure has an outside diameter of more than 800 feet,
covers more than 12 acres and is 130-feet tall, measured from the playing
field to the top of the stadium.
The playing field at Busch Stadium is 10 to 30 feet lower than street level.
Spectators move from the entrance level either up or down to seating areas.
There are eight major entrances.
Busch Stadium capacity is 50,345.
CARDINALS BALLPARKS
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Union Park League Park Robison Field Sportsman's Park *Busch Stadium (Grand Ave.) Busch Stadium (Stadium Plaza) New Busch Stadium |
1892-97 1898 1899-1920 1920-1952 1953-1966 1966-2005 Spring of 2006 |
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| Sportsman's Park |
*Sportsman's Park was renamed and retro-fitted after Anheuser-Busch
purchased the club in 1953. |
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