New Busch Stadium and Skyline

A photo from mid-April 2006, only a few days after the new stadium opened. The upper stands in left field are empty because that part of the stadium was not yet complete. New Busch has a great view of downtown and the Arch, which looks very good on TV. Most seats are a bit closer to the field, there are more toilets and more food outlets. Otherwise, it is an architecturally undistinguished money generator for the owners. A greater proportion of seats are high priced. Food and beverage prices are exorbitant (although that is the norm among American professional sports teams). Old Busch Stadium was much more beautiful but perhaps not as practical. But what about ancient Fenway Park and Wrigley Field? Our new stadium's marketing slogan is "Baseball Heaven," but heaven has a stiff admission charge.

By the way, for those not familiar with American baseball or brewing, the name is Busch as in Anheuser-Busch, the world's largest beer maker, which is headquartered in St. Louis.

Despite its critics, new Busch Stadium sold out almost every game for last season. The Cardinals improbably won the 2006 championship, making for an exciting year. I have loved baseball since I was a boy, then a Yankee fan. My loyalties have changed to Midwestern Cardinal red but the game still means a lot.