How to Enjoy a St. Louis Cardinals Game While Saving Money

Since the end of the 2020 pandemic season in baseball, where no fans were allowed, I have gotten St. Louis Cardinals tickets for 25 games at Busch Stadium. This may be shocking, as some people believe the common misconception that all sporting events are ridiculously priced. However, this is not the case, as I have gone to 25 games in 2 years and have not spent more than $100 when it comes to the overall cost of the experience at Busch. Today, I am going to give you different steps to take that will help make it to where you too can frequent Busch with me next year without breaking the bank, while also enjoying yourself. 

Step 1: Plan a date.

In my experience, weekdays are always way less expensive and less busy than weekends. This will allow you to get better tickets at a cheaper price, as well as a more enjoyable experience, since you won't have to deal with large crowds (While a sold-out game is enjoyable to go to every now and then, it is not ideal to go to all the time). 

Also, if you aren't looking to spend a ridiculous amount of money on some souvenirs in the Cardinals team shop, then you should look for a date when there is a giveaway. This will allow you to get some cool Cardinals-themed items, without paying a ton of money. 

Step 2: Find a good ticket provider.

There are plenty of ticket providers out there, and they all have their perks. Most of them sell tickets for a lot cheaper than the actual MLB, as these are tickets that are usually being resold, sometimes season tickets, just so that the original owners of the tickets can either make their money back or make it to where they don't take too much of a financial hit. 

The ticket provider that I usually go with is Vivid Seats, since as you can see on their site, they make buying tickets easy, and they have some of the best prices available. There have been times when I bought tickets within an hour of a game's start time, and Vivid made it to where I knew that I could confidently walk through the gates before the first pitch was thrown.

I went to 8 games this season using Vivid, and the tickets were of great value. I bought tickets that are usually sold directly by the Cardinals for $70-$80 for $15-$30. This made it to where I had more money to spend on other stuff, while still having great seats. 

Most ticket providers offer cheap tickets and make it easy, so any will work. If you cannot find one that you enjoy, I strongly suggest you download the Vivid Seats app and begin searching. 

Step 3: Find a good place to park. 

So, you have picked your game, and you purchased your tickets, and now you are on your way to Busch Stadium to enjoy the game, and sit in your affordable seats. Now you must find somewhere to park, and I've got just the place for you. Head over to the Starr Lot, located right across from Busch, and park there for a relatively cheap price. You will be able to enjoy a short walk to the stadium while also knowing that you will be able to easily exit the lot once the game ends. You will also be able to put your mind at ease, as the Starr Lot always has security patrolling the lot. 

There are multiple lots that you can park in, and all are relatively inexpensive, but this one is the closest to the stadium, and right off the interstate. This is where I always park, but if it is full, you can easily find somewhere else without ruining your experience. 

Step 4: Get your snacks

Now that you have parked at the stadium you would assume that it is now time for you to show your tickets and enter the gates. However, this is not the case. Since I am looking to save you money, I am now suggesting that you head over to the Schnucks which is located a quick 7-8-minute walk away from Busch, and buy yourself some drinks and snacks. 

The stadium has drinks and snacks for sale, but they are about 6 times the price that you can pay at Schnucks. Plus, you are allowed to bring sealed snacks and beverages, that are nonalcoholic and not in aluminum containers, into the stadium. This will make it where you can save a lot of money. 

You can either go to Schnucks right before the game, and make sure that your drink is cold, or you could do this on your way to the game before you park. 

Step 5: Find your seat and enjoy the game

You are at the game that you wanted to go to. You have your affordable tickets conveniently located on your phone. You feel safe knowing that you parked in a safe parking lot. You have some cheap and affordable snacks and beverages. Now the real fun begins. It is time for you to sit back and enjoy the game. You should talk to the fans around you, explore Busch Stadium, go look at the various items they are selling in the shop (maybe buy one since you did save all that money earlier), and just enjoy the game. 

Step 6: Repeat.

Pro Tips: 

Now, these are not the only things that you need to do, but if you are looking to save money, I believe that these are the steps that you need to take to do so. There are lots of attractions around the stadium that are nice to see, but not essential. Maybe after you go to a few games, you can begin to add things like the Arch, the Cardinals Hall of Fame, and various restaurants to your agenda. However, you do not need to do this every time, and if you are looking to go to games without spending $100, then I think you should do what is listed above. 

I hope to see you there!