This article first appeared in the St. Louis Beacon, March 31, 2011 - The Cardinals are calling today's season opener "an unofficial holiday'' for Cardinal Nation, and they'll get no argument from me or the thousands of fans who will wear red -- even if it isn't their best color -- and will take off or sneak off from work to be there.
The game starts at 3:15 p.m., but no true fan would miss the pre-game ceremony at 2:30 p.m. The event will include a tribute to Stan Musial, who was awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom, thanks in part to the outpouring of support from the citizens of Cardinal Nation. The festivities will be televised on FS-Midwest; radio coverage begins on KMOX (1120 AM) at 1:30 p.m.
Other highlights of the pre-game hoopla include, in no particular order:
* The Budweiser Clydesdales (Top that, Cincinnati.)
* A motorcade of the 2011 Cardinals as well as former players and beloved Hall-of-Famers
* Now-retired centerfielder Jim Edmonds throwing out the first pitch. (All's forgiven, Jimmy; just don't wear the Cubs uniform.)
* Nikko Smith (Ozzie's son) singing the "Star-Spangled Banner"
* A colorguard from the U.S. Army St. Louis Recruiting Company
* A flight by an American bald eagle from the World Bird Sanctuary
* Missouri Gov. Jay Nixon, Mayor Francis Slay and St. Louis County Executive Charlie Dooley
* A moment of silence for victims of the earthquake in Japan and Pacific tsunami
* Cardinals ace Chris Carpenter will pitch the season opener.
Oh, and the San Diego Padres will be hanging around the field, too.
Gates to the stadium open at 1:15 p.m.
Pre-game Rallies
Downtown restaurants and bars and local radio and TV stations will be hosting parties, but the "official" pre-game pep rally runs from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. in the "Ballpark Village Lot" across from the stadium at the corner of Clark Street and South Broadway. This event will feature the '80s cover band Trixie Delight, plus appearances by Cardinals alumni Danny Cox and John Mabry.
Getting There
* MoDOT has promised no lane closures on state highways inside the Interstate 270 loop to the Mississippi River
* The 11th Street ramp on eastbound Interstate 64 will be open for the day. Rehab work will resume on April 1, with closures from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Monday through Friday.
* City treasurer Larry Williams is giving a parking meter break to fans on Opening Day: Between 10 a.m. and until 30 minutes after the game ends, free parking is available at about 1,500 meters in the area bounded by Locust, Chouteau, 14th Street and the Mississippi River. This doesn't exempt other parking regulations, such as yellow curbs, and bus stops or parking for the disabled. (In light of this decree, we think Williams should be allowed to join the other political dignitaries at the pre-game ceremonies.)
* The Cardinals are big fans of MetroLink and are encouraging use of the public transportation system.
New Stuff at the Stadium
* A new Ford dealers sign in centerfield features a 271-square-foot three-dimensional chrome grill with lights that flash and a horn that honks after Cardinals home runs.
* Sportservice has installed a "farmers market" near Gate 1 in Section 137 with gluten-free dietary items, such as salads, yogurt and fruit, in addition to sandwiches, wraps and beverages -- and gluten-free beer.
* The Cardinals are touting a new value-based ticket pricing system and more souvenirs priced at $12 or less.
You can find more information at www.cardinals.com.
