Homestand Highlights (Friday, June 29 - Sunday, July 8, 2012)

St. Louis (June 29, 2012) – The Birds are back in town and embarking on the final stretch of games before the All-Star Break. The ten-game homestand kicks off tonight against the division rival Pittsburgh Pirates and continues with visits from the Colorado Rockies and Miami Marlins. Fans can celebrate the 4^th of July with America’s pastime and enjoy great giveaways including the Replica Championship Ring, Carlos Beltran Adult Jersey, Yadier Molina Rawlings bat and Kids Cardinals T-shirt. 

While the team is heating up, so are the temperatures. The Cardinals encourage fans coming to the stadium to dress appropriately and drink plenty of water. In addition to our standard procedures, the Cardinals will have several air-conditioned cooling stations set up around the ballpark, misting stations, complimentary water and additional first aid staff. The St. Louis City Fire Department will also set up a pumper on Clark Street to provide relief from the heat.

Friday, June 29, 2012 — Cardinals vs. Pittsburgh Pirates (7:15 p.m.)

• Carlos Beltran Adult Cardinals Jersey Night: AT&T and the Cardinals are giving the first 25,000 ticketed- fans, ages 16 and older, a replica of Carlos Beltran’s Cardinals home white, full button-down jersey.

• Busch Bash Friday: Enjoy live music, prizes and autographs in the Ford Plaza from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. The first 200 fans to line up at the Busch Bash entrance (Gate 5), starting at 4:45 p.m., will be given guaranteed autograph line tickets for former Cardinal Joe Magrane, who during his rookie season helped the Cards win the 1987 NL Pennant. Only fans with autograph tickets will receive an autograph. Busch Bash Fridays are sponsored by Busch Beer.

• Shannon Magrane Performance: Shannon Magrane, Season 11 American Idol Contestant, and daughter of former Cardinal pitcher Joe Magrane will perform a short selection of songs in Ford Plaza beginning around 6:20 p.m.

• Driving in The Fastlane: The hosts of 101.1 ESPN’s “The Fastlane” will be broadcasting live from the Budweiser Bowtie Bar from 2-6 p.m.

Saturday, June 30, 2012 — Cardinals vs. Pittsburgh Pirates (1:15 p.m.)

• Christian Day at the Ballpark: Stick around after the Cards /Pirates game for a great post-game program featuring appearances by Cardinals players and featured speaker, Cardinals Manager, Mike Matheny. Presented by MetroChristianGuide.com

• MLBPAA Auction: The Major League Baseball Players Alumni Association will conduct a baseball-themed silent auction inside Gate 3 from the time gates open through the seventh inning. All proceeds will benefit Cardinals Care and the Players Alumni Association, a non-profit group that strives to preserve the game of baseball while supporting a variety of charities.

Sunday, July 1, 2012 — Cardinals vs. Pittsburgh Pirates (1:15 p.m.)

• Yadier Molina Rawlings Bat Day: All ticketed-fans, ages 15 and under, will receive a Yadier Molina Rawlings youth baseball bat. 

• North Star Ice Cream Sunday: All fans can visit the Ford Plaza during pregame for free frozen treats (while supplies last) sponsored by North Star. Bring the entire family to the plaza as there will be music, games, prizes and plenty of fun in addition to the delicious frozen desserts.

• Prairie Farms Run the Bases: Following the game, fans 15-years-old and under are able to live out their dreams as they are invited to run the bases of Busch Stadium (weather permitting). Presented by Prairie Farms.

• MLBPAA Auction: The Major League Baseball Players Alumni Association will conduct a baseball-themed silent auction inside Gate 3 from the time gates open through the seventh inning. All proceeds will benefit Cardinals Care and the Players Alumni Association, a non-profit group that strives to preserve the game of baseball while supporting a variety of charities.

Monday, July 2, 2012— Cardinals vs. Colorado Rockies (7:15 p.m.)

• MLBPAA Auction: The Major League Baseball Players Alumni Association will conduct a baseball-themed silent auction inside Gate 3 from the time gates open through the seventh inning. All proceeds will benefit Cardinals Care and the Players Alumni Association, a non-profit group that strives to preserve the game of baseball while supporting a variety of charities.

Tuesday, July 3, 2012 — Cardinals vs. Colorado Rockies (7:15 p.m.)

• Cardinals Care Stadium Auction: Fans have the unique opportunity to bid on exclusive autographed Cardinals memorabilia at the game. The auction is a great way for fans and collectors alike to obtain specialty Cardinals items while helping support the programs that Cardinals Care provides to youth in the community. The auction tables will be located at Gate 3, on the first baseline concourse, Cardinals Club, Redbird Club and in section 452 of the Terrace level.

Wednesday, July 4, 2012 — Cardinals vs. Colorado Rockies (6:15 p.m.)

• On Broadway: Broadway Star Christopher Jackson will perform “God Bless America” at tonight’s game. Jackson is currently preparing for the role of “Curtis” in the Muny’s summer production of Dreamgirls.
• Ice Mountain Autograph Night: Fans, ages 20 and under, can get autographs from current players before the game from 6:00 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. From 6:30 p.m. to 7:15, all fans can get autographs from Cardinals alumni.

• MLBPAA Auction: The Major League Baseball Players Alumni Association will conduct a baseball-themed silent auction inside Gate 3 from the time gates open through the seventh inning. All proceeds will benefit Cardinals Care and the Players Alumni Association, a non-profit group that strives to preserve the game of baseball while supporting a variety of charities.

Thursday, July 5, 2012 — Cardinals vs. Colorado Rockies (7:15 p.m.)

• MLBPAA Auction: The Major League Baseball Players Alumni Association will conduct a baseball-themed silent auction inside Gate 3 from the time gates open through the seventh inning. All proceeds will benefit Cardinals Care and the Players Alumni Association, a non-profit group that strives to preserve the game of baseball while supporting a variety of charities.

Friday, July 6, 2012 — Cardinals vs. Miami Marlins (7:15 p.m.)

• Replica Championship Ring Night: Back by popular demand, it’s the second Cardinals World Series Replica Ring giveaway. All ticketed- fans will receive a wearable replica of the 2011 World Championship ring, presented by Edward Jones.

• Busch Bash Friday: Enjoy live music, prizes and autographs in the Ford Plaza from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. The first 200 fans to line up at the Busch Bash entrance (Gate 5), starting at 4:45 p.m., will be given guaranteed autograph line tickets for Cardinals starting pitcher Lance Lynn. Only fans with autograph tickets will receive an autograph. Busch Bash Fridays are sponsored by Busch Beer.

• Cardinals Care Stadium Auction: Fans have the unique opportunity to bid on exclusive autographed Cardinals memorabilia at the game. The auction is a great way for fans and collectors alike to obtain specialty Cardinals items while helping to support the programs that Cardinals Care provides to youth in the community. The auction tables will be located at Gate 3, on the first baseline concourse, Cardinals Club, Redbird Club and in section 452 of the Terrace level.

• All-Star Fashion: Majestic, the maker of officially licensed MLB apparel, will show off their All-Star fashions just in time for the 2012 All-Star Game. During a pregame fashion show, fans will get a sneak peek at the official jerseys and All-Star merchandise available in the Team Store.

Saturday, July 7, 2012 — Cardinals vs. Miami Marlins (3:10 p.m.)

• Cardinals Wives Baseball Auction: The St. Louis Cardinals Wives will be selling "baseball grab bags" to fans with all proceeds benefiting Great Circle, St. Louis. The wives will sell unidentified autographed baseballs packaged individually in brown paper bags. Fans will have the chance to get any one of the current Cardinals players for their donation. Fans can find the wives stationed at five stadium locations near Gate 1, the Redbird Club, the Cardinals Club, Ford Plaza and on the upper terrace between sections 446 and 447. Great Circle was created through the merger of Boys & Girls Town of Missouri and Edgewood Children's Center. The combined agencies provide a full spectrum of treatment services to children who have serious emotional and behavioral disorders - some who have been victims of abuse or neglect.

• MLBPAA Auction: The Major League Baseball Players Alumni Association will conduct a baseball-themed silent auction inside Gate 3 from the time gates open through the seventh inning. All proceeds will benefit Cardinals Care and the Players Alumni Association, a non-profit group that strives to preserve the game of baseball while supporting a variety of charities.

Sunday, July 8, 2012 — Cardinals vs. Miami Marlins (1:15 p.m.)

• Kids T-Shirt Day: All ticketed-fans, ages 15 and under, will receive a Cardinals t-shirt compliments of Ice Mountain.

• North Star Ice Cream Sunday: All fans can visit the Ford Plaza during pregame for free frozen treats (while supplies last) sponsored by North Star. Bring the entire family to the plaza as there will be music, games, prizes and plenty of fun in addition to the delicious frozen desserts.

• Prairie Farms Run the Bases: Following the game, fans 15-years-old and under are able to live out their dreams as they are invited to run the bases of Busch Stadium (weather permitting). Presented by Prairie Farms.

• MLBPAA Auction: The Major League Baseball Players Alumni Association will conduct a baseball-themed silent auction inside Gate 3 from the time gates open through the seventh inning. All proceeds will benefit Cardinals Care and the Players Alumni Association, a non-profit group that strives to preserve the game of baseball while supporting a variety of charities.

More Fan Fun

Birds on the Ballot

The votes are in. The ballots have been counted. And the results are coming. The All-Star starters and reserves will be announced Sunday, July 1^st at noon CT during the live 2012 All-Star Game Selection Show presented by Taco Bell on TBS. Immediately following the announcement, The Final Vote (#FinalVote) balloting program begins to determine the final All-Star player in each League. Players are nominated by the 2012 All-Star Game managers, Tony La Russa and Ron Washington, in conjunction with Major League Baseball. Fans can vote online at cardinals.com.

Fans can tune into the 2012 All-Star Game on Tuesday, July 10, 2012, broadcast live on FOX from Kauffman Stadium in Kansas City.

AAA Triples

Throughout the entire homestand, AAA will be registering fans for the chance to win 2 free tickets to an upcoming game as part of the AAA Triple of the Game. When the Cardinals hit a triple during the second half of the season, all registered fans will win. Fans are also automatically entered to win a Cardinals VIP Fan Experience which includes 4 game tickets, dinner at Busch Stadium and the chance to go on the field.  Enter today at the AAA Triple booths located in Ford Plaza, on the main concourse outside the Team Store, and in the Ballpark Village Lot!

Salute the Troops

Looking for a way to honor military members and veterans? Salute your troops on the scoreboard at Busch! Similarly to the way that fans can request displayed birthday messages (cardinals.com/birthdays), fans can now submit a scoreboard message to salute members of the military who are attending the game. Fans can log onto cardinals.com/salute, and submit a request 48 hours prior to the game date. Military salutes run beginning in the top of the 5th inning on the narrow ribbon scoreboards located along the 1st and 3rd base foul lines. Submit your free military message today and salute your troops. 

New Cardinals Magazine on Sale; Pre-Order 2012 Yearbook Today

The new issue of Cardinals Magazine is available for just $5 at all gates. With each purchase, fans will also receive a scorecard demonstrating how to score the “Cardinal Way.” Highlights from this issue include:

• The rise of Lance Lynn as the club’s most consistent starter to date
• A behind-the-scenes look at Tony La Russa’s number retirement ceremony
• A 10th anniversary reflection of the week that shook Cardinal Nation: the deaths of Jack Buck and Darryl Kile
• An update on fast-rising prospect Kolten Wong
• The latest edition of Lance Berkman’s journal, “Puma’s Pad”
• An enticing new offer in Ballpark Bites

Also, it’s now time to pre-order the 2012 Yearbook, which celebrates the top 25 moments and achievements that define the club’s World Series legacy. Purchase the yearbook – and start a subscription to Cardinals Magazine – by calling 314.345.9303 or visiting cardinals.com/publications.

Cardinals Social Media

Join the Cardinals throughout the season on a variety of social media platforms including Twitter (@Cardinals), Facebook (facebook.com/cardinals), Pinterest (pinterest.com/cardinalsmlb), Tumblr (stlcardinals) and Google + (St. Louis Cardinals). Fans will get an inside look at the team, exclusive promotions and giveaways, breaking club news, behind-the-scenes photos, videos and much more. For more info, and a list of verified player twitter accounts, visit cardinals.com/connect.

• Facebook Fridays with Fredbird: Come spend time with Fredbird and Team Fredbird every Friday for our Facebook Fridays with Fredbird. Each week they will appear in a high profile, populated location within the community to give away a select number of free tickets or items on a first come, first serve basis. All fans will be offered a discount ticket offer and the chance to take their picture with Fredbird! To find out where Fredbird will be each week follow us on Facebook at facebook.com/cardinals and on Twitter @Cardinals.

Cardinals Authentics

Fans will want to stop by the Cardinals Authentics store in Ford Plaza, the only place to get official, game-used, limited edition and autographed Cardinals memorabilia directly from the team. New this year are a number of exciting 2011 World Championship themed items, as well as items commemorating the 30th Anniversary of the 1982 World Championship. Fans can now order an engraved bat from Louisville Slugger, the official bat of MLB. Cardinals Authentics has a variety of items to fit every budget.

Exclusive 2011 World Series Champions Fan Jewelry Collection

Fans can now celebrate the St. Louis Cardinals 2011 World Series Championship with the Fan Collection—crafted by Jostens, the same jewelers who created the team ring. Jostens master jewelers are experts in the art of storytelling through intricate designs that are timeless symbols of achievement and inspiration. Combining artistry with innovative technology, every piece of the 2011 World Series Champions Fan Collection is crafted with passion and creativity. To order, call 855.WC.RINGS or visit cardinals.com/rings. Many items from the collection, which includes rings, necklaces, cufflinks, money clips and more, are on sale at the Team Store at 8th and Clark. All items will be made to order; however, a limited number of posters, key rings and paperweights will be available for immediate purchase.

Busch Bash Fridays

Enjoy live music, prizes and autographs in the Ford Plaza from 5:30 to 6:30 every Friday night, beginning two hours prior to every home game. The first 200 fans that line up at the Busch Bash entrance (Gate 5) will be given guaranteed autograph line tickets starting two hours and thirty minutes prior to the game. Busch Bash Fridays are sponsored by Busch Beer.

Cardinals Green Team

Last year, as part of the “4 A Greener Game” initiative, The Cardinals Green Team diverted over 535 tons of materials from local landfills. The Green Team is a group of volunteers who walk down the aisles of the seating bowl in-between innings collecting recyclables from fans and promoting recycling at Busch Stadium. In exchange for their services, volunteers are able to watch the game in standing room only sections of Busch Stadium, as collections are only done in-between innings and during pitching changes so as not to disturb fans trying to watch the game. To volunteer or learn more, visit cardinals.com/green.

Cave Dwelling – Be Sure to Cast Your Vote for our Cardinals Cave Dweller Kyle Thompson!

Entering its second year, the redesigned MLB Fan Cave hosts fan events, concerts, MLB player and celebrity appearances, as well as nine Cave Dwellers who are attempting to watch every game of the 2012 MLB season while. Along the way, online fans will help decide who gets to stay in the MLB Fan Cave and who gets eliminated, with one eventual winner crowned before the end of the World Series. This year, Cardinals fan and Oklahoma native Kyle Thompson is vying for your votes as he hopes to be the “last fan standing.” Support Cardinals fan and cave dweller Kyle Thompson by following him on Facebook (facebook.com/KyleOKC) and Twitter (@KyleOKC), and by voting.

Fan-Friendly Values

• AAA Member Discount: Members of the Automobile Association of America (AAA) receive a $10 discount off tickets to most Monday through Thursday home games. For details, visit cardinals.com/aaa.

• Group Value Nights: Bring your group of 25 or more to the ballpark on select nights, and save up to 50% off the gate price! For details, visit cardinals.com/groupvalue.

• Fill up at Phillips 66: Fill up with 10 gallons or more at your participating Phillips 66 and receive a special ticket offer for select games throughout the 2012 season. Details at cardinals.com/phillips66.

• Cardinals/Six Flags Double Play Combo: Each Double Play Combo includes a ticket to a 2012 Cardinals game and one single-day admission to Six Flags for only $55! It’s your ticket for a summer full of family fun. Double Play Combos may be purchased at cardinals.com/sixflags or 314-345-9000.

• Hunter Family Sundays: On most Sundays, fans who purchase individual tickets in RF Terrace or LF/RF Pavilion will receive a Hunter hot dog and a Coca-Cola.

• KMOX 1120 First Pitch Tickets: The Cardinals are pleased to team up with KMOX 1120 to offer the KMOX 1120 First Pitch Tickets. At 9 a.m. on the day of each game, fans may purchase a voucher good for two tickets to that day’s game for a total cost of $11.20 ($5.60 per ticket). The voucher may be redeemed for tickets 15 minutes before the scheduled start of the game. The tickets may be anywhere in the park, depending on availability.

• Dynamic Deals of the Week: The Cardinals’ value-based dynamic pricing system allows them to offer outstanding ticket savings to fans throughout the season. Special values will be highlighted each Monday as part of the “Dynamic Deals of the Week” promotion. Since the launch of dynamic pricing last season, 80% of games were priced lower in 2011 than 2010, with two-thirds of the games having tickets priced for $10 or less. A third of the games had tickets available for only $5. Fans can sign up to receive weekly Dynamic Deal emails at cardinals.com or by visiting the Cardinals on Facebook and Twitter. Beginning Monday, fans can purchase $35 R/L Field Box tickets for July 7-8 games against the Marlins.

• North Star Ice Cream Sundays: All Sundays, starting two hours prior to every home game, enjoy games, prizes and free North Star frozen treats (while supplies last) in the Ford Plaza.
• For a full listing of all the fan-friendly ticket values in 2012, visit cardinals.com/values.

Cardinals in the Community

Cardinals Care, the team’s charitable foundation, is celebrating 15-years of supporting children.  Since 1997 Cardinals Care has invested nearly $18 million in “Caring for Kids” both on and off the baseball field.  Cardinals Care has provided nearly $11 million in grants to over 800 non-profit youth organizations and built 19 youth ball fields in local disadvantaged neighborhoods. 

Cardinals Care also runs Redbird Rookies, a free baseball league for kids who otherwise might not have the opportunity to play. In addition to providing all the uniforms, gloves, bats, balls and other equipment needed for each team, Redbird Rookies also provides extensive off-field support in the areas of health, education, mentoring and the cultural arts for each of the nearly 4,500 kids who participate in the program each year. The organization holds several events throughout the homestand:

• Cardinals Care 6k: Registration is underway for the third annual “Cardinals Care 6K” set for Sunday, September 16th.  This year, in addition to the 6k – which has a lower fundraising minimum – fans can participate in a One Mile Fun Run. Over the last 2 years, Cardinals Care has raised more than $300,000 through this event to help kids in our community. Those interested in participating are encouraged to learn more and register at cardinals.com/6K.

• Papa John’s Pizza is offering a Cardinals Win Special: All season long, you can use the Promo Code: CARDSWIN at Papajohns.com every day after the Cardinals win for 40% OFF! Papa John's will also donate 10% of every CARDSWIN order to the Siteman Cancer Center.

• Rawlings Replay: Throughout the season, fans are encouraged to donate new or gently used baseball and softball equipment at special bins located throughout Busch Stadium, as part of “Rawlings Replay.” Established in 2011, “Rawlings Replay,” supports Redbird Rookies, the flagship program of Cardinals Care, which provides disadvantaged youth with the opportunity to play baseball for free, as well as a variety of other support services. Fans are also encouraged to donate at St. Louis area Johnny Mac’s locations and receive a special discount in-store on new Rawlings products. Members of the Cardinals Kids Club (cardinals.com/kidsclub) receive an additional voucher, good for two tickets to a 2012 game, if donations are made at Johnny Mac’s.

For more information on Cardinals promotions and scheduled events visit cardinals.com/promotions.