Homestand Highlights

ST. LOUIS – August 14, 2012 - Following this season’s shortest road trip, the Cardinals are back in town for one of this year’s longest homestands. The team will play three-game series with the Arizona Diamondbacks, Pittsburgh Pirates and Houston Astros, while fans can take in Social Media Night, the Cardinals Wives Baseball Grab Bag Auction and two Battles at Busch.

Tuesday, August 14, 2012 — Cardinals vs. Arizona Diamondbacks (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, August 15, 2012 — Cardinals vs. Arizona Diamondbacks (7:15 p.m.)

• Social Media Night at Busch: The St. Louis Cardinals and Budweiser Present Social Media Night at Busch Stadium. For just $20 fans receive a Left Field Porch Ticket, $5 in Cards Cash, access to a pre-game program featuring current Cardinals Jason Motte, Matt Carpenter and Joe Kelly, as well as giveaways and prizes. Fans of all ages will enjoy the opportunity to interact with their favorite tweeting players (#CardsSocial) at 5:30 pm in the Budweiser Bowtie Bar. To purchase tickets, visit cardinals.com/socialmedianight.
• Cardinals Wives Baseball Auction: The St. Louis Cardinals Wives will be selling "baseball grab bags" to fans with all proceeds benefiting Lydia’s House. For $50, fans can choose an anonymously-packaged brown paper bag which contains 1 autographed baseball and a card that identifies the signature. There are more than 360 grab bags to choose from with autographs from each current Cardinals player and manager Mike Matheny. Wives and volunteers from Lydia’s House will have five stations set up around the stadium, including Ford Plaza, Gate 1, Cardinals Club, Redbird Club and on the 400 level. Lydia’s House is a nonprofit organization which provides transitional and affordable housing and services to women and children escaping domestic violence. 

• 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, August 16, 2012 — Cardinals vs. Arizona Diamondbacks (7:15 p.m.)

• Battle at Busch: Busch Stadium is proud to host the Battle at Busch in conjunction with Mozingo Music and 105.7 The Point. The 2012 schedule features 15 local bands over the course of five nights, at five different Cardinals’ home games out in Ford Plaza. Tonight’s battle features Unconscious Knowledge, The Scandaleros, and Lori's Puppets. Bands begin performing 20 minutes after the gates open with each act given 20 minutes to perform. Each band will be judged on a point system by Mozingo Music and 105.7 The Point. The top three scoring bands of the summer will be invited back to play on October 2^nd in the “Battle At Busch” finals for the grand prize package consisting of a $1,057 store credit to Mozingo Music, an in-studio interview on 105.7 The Point, and the special opportunity to take the field before a Cardinals home game for a ceremony and the opportunity to throw out an honorary pitch.

• Marine Corps Induction Ceremony: There will be a special United States Marines Corps new recruit induction ceremony on the field as the U.S Marine Color Guard will present the colors pre-game.
• 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, August 17, 2012 — Cardinals vs. Pittsburgh Pirates (7:15 p.m.)

• 2012 Team Banner Day: The first 25,000 ticketed-fans will receive a 2’ x 6’ hanging banner featuring all the favorite 2012 Cardinals players, courtesy of Coke Zero and Walmart.

• 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 Hall of Famer Ozzie Smith. 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 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.

• Beer Tasting at Busch: Back by popular demand, the Cardinals are offering a 2nd Beer Tasting at Busch Stadium. For $30 fans receive a ticket to the game, plus access to a pre-game beer tasting where fans may sample six different Anheuser-Busch beers. The event begins when gates open at 5:15 p.m. just outside the UMB Champions Club. Fans must be 21 or older to participate and must drink responsibly. A limited number of tickets still remain, so don’t delay. To purchase tickets, or for more information, visit cardinals.com/beertasting.

Saturday, August 18, 2012 — Cardinals vs. Pittsburgh Pirates (3:05 p.m.)

• Game Time change: The game has moved from 6:15 p.m. to 3:05 p.m. to accommodate the national FOX broadcast.
• Creve Coeur Camera Photo Day: Fans are invited to gather on the field to get up-close and personal pictures of their favorite players and Fredbird, courtesy of Creve Coeur Camera. Field access is on a first-come, first-serve basis and the event is weather permitting.
• 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, August 19, 2012 — Cardinals vs. Pittsburgh Pirates (1:15 p.m.)

• 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.
• 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, August 20, 2012— Scheduled Day Off

Tuesday, August 21, 2012 — Cardinals vs. Houston Astros (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, August 22, 2012 — Cardinals vs. Houston Astros (7:15 p.m.)

• 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.

• Battle at Busch: Busch Stadium is proud to host the Battle at Busch in conjunction with Mozingo Music and 105.7 The Point. The 2012 schedule features 15 local bands over the course of five nights, at five different Cardinals’ home games out in Ford Plaza. Tonight’s battle features The Cardboard Room, Mary and the Giant and Kody Blaine. Bands begin performing 20 minutes after the gates open with each act given 20 minutes to perform. Each band will be judged on a point system by Mozingo Music and 105.7 The Point. The top three scoring bands of the summer will be invited back to play on October 2^nd in the “Battle At Busch” finals for the grand prize package consisting of a $1,057 store credit to Mozingo Music, an in-studio interview on 105.7 The Point, and the special opportunity to take the field before a Cardinals home game for a ceremony and the opportunity to throw out an honorary pitch.

Thursday, August 23, 2012 — Cardinals vs. Houston Astros (12:45 p.m.)

• Charity Haircuts in the Plaza sponsored by Great Clips: During the game, fans can root on their team and shape up their roots with a visit to Ford Plaza for Great Clips’ Charity Haircuts. For a $10 donation, Great Clips- who is sponsoring the event every weekday afternoon game during the season - will cut your hair and donate all proceeds to Cardinals Care.

More Fan Fun

Hunting and Fishing Days at Busch

See the Cardinals battle their Central Division rivals, the Brewers & Reds, with Hunting & Fishing Days at Busch Stadium on Sun., Sept. 9 and Tue., Oct. 2. For just $20, fans will get a ticket to the Cardinals game, plus an Exclusive Camo STL Hat! For more information, or to purchase tickets, visit cardinals.com/huntandfish.

2012 Cardinals Yearbook On Sale Now!

The 2012 Cardinals Yearbook presents the definitive collection of gold-standard moments that define the franchise’s Fall Classic legacy. Complemented by striking action photos and studio portraits of all the 2012 Cardinals, this season’s Yearbook is a must-have keepsake for Cardinals fans of all ages! The 2012 Yearbook is now on sale at all Busch Stadium gates and team store for just $15. You can also purchase this publication by calling 314.345.9303, or by visiting cardinals.com/publications, area grocers, Cardinals Clubhouse stores, QT, Walgreens and other local retailers.

Cardinals Magazine on Sale

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:

• A profile on RBI-machine Allen Craig, whose potent bat continues to impress coaches and teammates and forces the club to find more playing time for the slugger.    
• A review of the Cardinals’ 2012 draft, which also includes detailed recaps on the club’s first 10 selections.
• A look at 20-year-old prospect Oscar Taveras, the best all-around hitter in the Double-A Texas League.
• A pictorial tribute to Tony La Russa’s managerial curtain call at the All-Star Game in Kansas City.
• A Q&A with former Cardinals great and Hall-of-Fame broadcaster Tim McCarver.  
• An enticing new offer in Ballpark Bites. This issue’s item: sliders and fries.

Start a subscription to Cardinals Magazine – by calling 314.345.9303 or visiting cardinals.com/publications.  

The St. Louis Post-Dispatch 2011 Replica Ring Collection

Don’t miss your chance to own the 2011 St. Louis Cardinals World Championship replica ring collection! This historical collection features replicas of all eleven world championship rings set in a finely-crafted wooden display case. The 2011 replica ring collection is a must-have for sports collectors and Cardinals fans everywhere. To reserve your historical replica ring collection today, simply visit The Post-Dispatch Store. Hurry, quantities are limited so don’t miss your chance to own a piece of Cardinals history with the 2011 Replica Ring Collection!

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 a free message today to salute your troops. 

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.

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 with Facebook Fridays with Fredbird. Each week Fredbird will appear in somewhere within Cardinals Nation to give away a select number of free tickets or other free items on a first come, first serve basis. Be sure to join the fun. To find out where Fredbird will be each week follow us on Facebook at facebook.com/cardinals and on Twitter @Cardinals.

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.

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.

• 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.

• 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. This week, fans can purchase all-inclusive tickets as low as $50 when the Cards host the Mets September 3-5.

• 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.

Travel Tips

Fans heading from the city to westbound I-64 this week should remember that several ramps to westbound I-64 will remain closed until early September. Ramps from Broadway, 10th Street and 14th Street are closed around the clock. Fans will need to use Pine Street, Jefferson Avenue or Market/Compton to get back onto westbound I-64. Illinois fans coming to the game will be able to use the 9th Street ramp to get into the city from westbound I-64. For more information, visit modot.org.