# Press Release: 2021 Opening Day in St. Louis – Schedule and Details

- Link: https://www.nyrdcast.com/press-release-2021-opening-day-in-st-louis-schedule-and-details/
- Published: 2021-04-06T13:48:52-05:00
- Author: Eugene Tierney

_Cardinals to Welcome Fans Back at Busch Stadium for First Time in 544 Days_

**ST. LOUIS, Mo., April 6, 2021 **– A pregame ceremony that welcomes home the 2021
St. Louis Cardinals, honors the club’s Hall of Famers and commemorates the great
tradition of Opening Day in St. Louis will highlight the annual return of baseball
to St. Louis on Thursday, April 8. The Cardinals will open their 2021 home slate
against the Milwaukee Brewers at 3:15 PM CT. A pregame schedule and information 
can be found below and at [cardinals.com/OpeningDay](https://ddec1-0-en-ctp.trendmicro.com:443/wis/clicktime/v1/query?url=http%3a%2f%2fwww.cardinals.com%2fOpeningDay&umid=25cbce4b-3589-4b86-aefd-408a4dd7d1cc&auth=65a620fa4b6e2edf0405a6ed61dc7465231096cd-75d0ecfdf57c736e7cf264aef00254ffdc47ebe5)
to help fans enjoy the unofficial holiday that is #OpeningDaySTL:

**Pregame Schedule**

[[

 * **12:00 – 12:50 PM: **Cardinals batting practice (subject to change)
 * **12:55 – 1:50 PM: **Brewers batting practice (subject to change)
 * **1:00 PM: Gates Open**
    - **2021 Cardinals Magnet Schedule: **All fans, ages 21 and older, will receive
      a magnet featuring the 2021 Cardinals schedule, compliments of Budweiser.
 * **2:30 PM: Pregame ceremonies begin** with an appearance by the famous **Budweiser
   Clydesdales.**
 * **2:33 PM:** **[Lou Brock](https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/b/brocklo01.shtml?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-)**&**
   [Bob Gibson](https://www.baseball-reference.com/search/search.fcgi?pid=gibsobo02,gibsobo01&search=Bob+Gibson&utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-)**
   tribute.
 * **2:35 PM: **Introduction of **Cardinals** **Hall of Famers** to centerfield 
   batter’s eye.
 * **2:38 PM: **Salute to **[Mike Shannon](https://www.baseball-reference.com/search/search.fcgi?pid=shannmi01,shanno000mik&search=Mike+Shannon&utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-)**
   from KMOX radio booth.
 * **2:40 PM:** Introduction of Cardinals Chairman and CEO, **Bill DeWitt Jr**. 
   at home plate.
 * **2:41 PM:** Introduction of the **2021 St. Louis Cardinals** via Ford motorcade.
   The players will ride in 2021 Ford F-150 Lariat trucks.
 * **2:53 PM:** Introduction of the **Milwaukee Brewers**.
 * **2:57 PM:** Moment of silence
 * **2:58 PM: National Anthem** performed from centerfield batter’s eye by **Dr.
   Shephali Wulff**, an infectious disease specialist with SSM Health in St. Louis.
 * **3:00 PM: **Cardinals Opening Day video
 * **3:02 PM: Ceremonial First Pitch** by Cardinals Hall of Fame 3B **[Scott Rolen](https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/r/rolensc01.shtml?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-)**
   to current Cardinals 3B **[Nolan Arenado](https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/a/arenano01.shtml?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-)**
 * **3:15 PM**: **First Pitch**

[[

**Television Coverage**
An extended edition of _Cardinals Live_ pregame begins at
1:30 PM on **Bally Sports Midwest** and will include live coverage of the pregame
ceremonies inside Busch Stadium.  **[Dan McLaughlin](https://www.baseball-reference.com/register/player.fcgi?id=mclaug001dan&utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-)**
and **[Brad Thompson](https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/t/thompbr01.shtml?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-)**
will call the game, with **[Jim Hayes](https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/h/hayesji01.shtml?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-)**
and **Scott Warmann** serving as reporters.  **Erica Weston** and **[Rick Horton](https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/h/hortori01.shtml?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-)**
will host from the network’s Ballpark Village studio.

[[

**Radio Coverage**
Fans can tune into **KMOX 1120 AM**, **98.7 FM**, or one of the
145 stations in the **Cardinals Radio Network **to hear **[Mike Shannon](https://www.baseball-reference.com/search/search.fcgi?pid=shannmi01,shanno000mik&search=Mike+Shannon&utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-)**
and **John Rooney **call the game. The Ameren Total Access Show starts at 1:40 PM
and will include live coverage of the pregame ceremonies inside Busch Stadium.

[[

Fans can tune in locally to **WIJR 880 AM** “La Tremenda” to hear Cardinals Spanish
broadcasters Polo Ascencio and [Bengie Molina](https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/m/molinbe01.shtml?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-)
call the home opener as well.

**Online or On The Go**
Fans can follow the game for free on [cardinals.com](https://ddec1-0-en-ctp.trendmicro.com:443/wis/clicktime/v1/query?url=http%3a%2f%2fwww.cardinals.com&umid=25cbce4b-3589-4b86-aefd-408a4dd7d1cc&auth=65a620fa4b6e2edf0405a6ed61dc7465231096cd-72d8b06dc468eed95f2c770d62214573c595d339)
using the Gameday application and can keep tabs on the score from their mobile device
using the _MLB_ app. The Cardinals home opener, including pregame ceremonies, will
be streamed live on the FOX Sports GO app and at [FOXSportsGo.com](https://ddec1-0-en-ctp.trendmicro.com:443/wis/clicktime/v1/query?url=http%3a%2f%2fwww.foxsportsgo.com&umid=25cbce4b-3589-4b86-aefd-408a4dd7d1cc&auth=65a620fa4b6e2edf0405a6ed61dc7465231096cd-4cd9d95b70ee7b0f669e892dfe24e41a54d50bc8)(
for consumers who authenticate through their pay-TV service).

**Prohibited Items Policy**

 * Not Permitted: Bags of any size including purses, clutches and wristlets (exceptions
   for diaper bags with a child and medical bags); backpacks; alcohol; thermoses;
   coolers; aluminum or glass cans/bottles; commercial camera equipment
 * Guests may bring in non-alcoholic beverages in factory-sealed plastic bottles
   no larger than 2 liters; empty cups/mugs and outside food (guests should consider
   the club’s bag policy when deciding what food to bring)
 * Fans can visit [cardinals.com/security](https://ddec1-0-en-ctp.trendmicro.com:443/wis/clicktime/v1/query?url=http%3a%2f%2fwww.cardinals.com%2fsecurity&umid=25cbce4b-3589-4b86-aefd-408a4dd7d1cc&auth=65a620fa4b6e2edf0405a6ed61dc7465231096cd-455260c2ce443d24da7f3c95e11f90d78ac6455f)
   for the complete stadium inspection policy and prohibited items list.

**2021 Busch Stadium Protocols**
To begin the season, up to approximately 32% of
capacity will be allowed to attend games at Busch Stadium. A number of policies 
and protocols have been implemented to ensure the health and safety of fans, employees,
and players in 2021, including:

 * **Socially-distanced seating**: Guests will be seated in pods of four or less
   with a minimum distance of 6-feet between seating pods in all directions.
 * **Masks required**: Masks will be required at all times in all areas of the stadium,
   including the seating bowl, unless guests are actively eating and drinking.
 * **Mobile-only ticketing**: All game tickets will be delivered via the MLB Ballpark
   app, ensuring a touchless entry into the ballpark.
 * **Cashless transactions**: Concession stands, kiosks and other retail transactions
   made in the stadium will be cashless and only offer credit and debit payment 
   options**. **Debit cards will be available for purchase using cash with no service
   fees at a limited number of locations inside the stadium.
 * **Designated entry gates:** Guests will be directed to enter and exit the stadium
   through one of six designated entry gates to expedite the process and limit crowding
   at any one entrance. A designated entry gate will be noted on each ticket. Guests
   will not be permitted to exit and re-enter the stadium.
 * **Bags not permitted**: To reduce contamination and ensure touchless entry, bags
   will are not permitted to be brought in to Busch Stadium, except for medical 
   or diaper bags.
 * **Hand sanitizer**: Hand sanitizer dispensers are widely available throughout
   the ballpark.
 * **Staff health screenings**: All full-time employees and event staff are subject
   to health and temperature screenings before entering the stadium.
 * **Cleaning**: Busch Stadium’s HVAC systems have been upgraded by replacing filters
   in the ballpark to MERV 13 to ensure cleaner air in any enclosed spaces. Electrostatic
   sprayers and EPA registered disinfectants will continue to be utilized to disinfect
   rooms and surfaces throughout the ballpark.

**Frontline Fans**
On Opening Day, the Cardinals will launch the Frontline Fans 
program for the 2021 season in conjunction with MLB’s initiative to provide $1.5
million worth of baseball tickets to local heroes who sustained our communities 
during the COVID-19 pandemic.

The Cardinals will provide complimentary tickets for each Monday-Thursday home game
to frontline and essential workers whose roles were crucial in supporting society
during health-related shutdowns, starting with Opening Day tickets for a group of
healthcare workers from St. Elizabeth Hospital in O’Fallon, IL. These fans will 
be recognized in-stadium throughout the season for their heroic efforts. The team
is working with local partners to identify and distribute tickets to other groups
of deserving individuals.

**Food Service at Busch Stadium**
Delaware North Sportservice, the club’s concessionaire
for more than 50 years, is preparing to welcome fans back to Busch Stadium. The 
following changes have been made to food service throughout the stadium to ensure
wellness for guests and minimize physical contact:

 * **Cashless transactions**: Concession locations will only accept credit/debit
   cards and digital wallet payments (e.g. Apple Pay, Samsung Pay or Google Pay)
   for payment. Guests can purchase a debit card using cash at all Schnucks Grab‘
   N’ Go Markets inside Busch Stadium with no fees. Debit cards are good at any 
   location that accepts credit cards at the ballpark and any retailer outside the
   stadium.
 * **Reduced menu**: In an effort to reduce transaction times and crowding, menu
   options have been slimmed down at concession stands. But don’t worry, all of 
   the “Ballpark Favorites” will be available. Specialty menu items are tentatively
   scheduled to be added back to the menu later this season.
 * **New P.O.S. system**: A new “point of sale” system will allow fans to swipe 
   their own credit or debit cards to finish their concession transactions, allowing
   staff additional time to get orders to fans faster.
 * **Grab ‘N’ Go**: Additional small Grab ‘N’ Go locations have been added throughout
   the stadium for fans to quickly purchase snacks and beverages.
 * **Sipper lids**: Sipper lids will replace separate lids and straws for purchased
   beverages.
 * **No vendors**: Food and beverage vendors will not be present in the seating 
   bowl to start the season.
 * **Staff protocols**: All concession staff will wear masks and associates in point
   of sale roles with have face shields. Supervisors will be present to ensure safety
   protocols are being practiced throughout the building.

Additionally, a new large bar featuring full bar service has been added outside 
Gate 1 along the first base line to give fans even more convenient options to purchase
their favorite ballpark beverage.

[[

**2021 Opening Day 50/50 Raffle**
The Cardinals Care 50/50 Raffle is a chance for
fans to test their luck all while making a difference in our community. The drawing
for the Opening Day 50/50 Raffle will take place on Sunday, April 11, at the end
of the 7th inning during the final game of the first series at Busch Stadium. One
lucky winner will take home half of the total pot, while the other half will go 
to Cardinals Care to help support the Redbird Rookies youth softball and baseball
program and our grant program that provides much needed funding to area non-profits
that support kids.

Raffle tickets are 200 for $50, 60 for $20, 10 for $10 or 3 for $5. Fans must be
18 years of age or older and be located in the state of Missouri at the time of 
purchase. To purchase tickets, visit [cardinals.com/5050](https://ddec1-0-en-ctp.trendmicro.com:443/wis/clicktime/v1/query?url=http%3a%2f%2fwww.cardinals.com%2f5050&umid=25cbce4b-3589-4b86-aefd-408a4dd7d1cc&auth=65a620fa4b6e2edf0405a6ed61dc7465231096cd-48e8e65fd28996c9e9a82b5b6bdcfeec1e8e11c4).

**— STL —**

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