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Homestand Highlights: St. Louis Cardinals (April 13- 19, 2012)

St. Louis (April 12, 2012)- Following the epic conclusion to the 2011 season, the World Champion St. Louis Cardinals return to Busch this week to kick off the annual return of baseball to St. Louis. The team will play a six-game homestand which starts with the home opener against the Chicago Cubs on Friday, April 13, and concludes with a rematch to the Cincinnati Reds. Earlier this week, the Cardinals wrapped up their first series against the Reds (2-1) at the end of their season-opening road trip, which included games against Miami (1-0) and Milwaukee (2-1). This home-opening homestand will feature the annual, fan-favorite traditions of Opening Day, as well as the presentation of the World Series Ring to members of the Championship squad on Saturday. Throughout the homestand, ticketed-fans will also enjoy several giveaways which include a replica ring and Championship flag.

 

Friday, April 13, 2012—Cardinals vs. Chicago Cubs (2:15 p.m.)

  • Cardinals Official Opening Day Pep Rally, Sponsored by Hardee’s: The pep rally, located in the Ballpark Village Lot, at Clark Street and Broadway, begins at 10 a.m. and runs until 1 p.m. Local rock-cover-band Trixie Delight will take the stage at 10:30 a.m., and both Fredbird and Team Fredbird will be on hand with tickets, autographed items and other Cardinals prizes. Other sponsors include Budweiser, The United States Air Force and Marine Corps, Dunkin’ Donuts, Energizer, First National Bank, The Fox Theatre, Fox Sports Midwest, the Girl Scouts, John Morrell – Hunter Hot Dog, Krispy Kreme, Lumiere and River City Casinos, Missouri Secretary of State, the Muny, The St. Louis Post-Dispatch, The TAN Company and Qdoba.
  • Busch Magnet Schedule Day: All fans ages 21 and older with a ticket, receive a complimentary 2012 Cardinals magnetic schedule courtesy of Busch Beer. Gates open at 11:45 a.m. 

  • Pre-game Ceremonies to Celebrate Championship Seasons: Fans will help celebrate the franchise’s 11 World Championships and kick off the 2012 season with the annual Ford motorcade player parade around the warning track, appearances from Cardinals Hall of Famers, and the Budweiser Clydesdales. Missouri Governor Jeremiah “Jay” Nixon, St. Louis County Executive Charlie A. Dooley and St. Louis Mayor Francis G. Slay will also be on hand for the festivities. Additional ceremony highlights include an American Bald Eagle flight, courtesy of the World Bird Sanctuary of St. Louis, Air Force F16 flyover and the Marine Corps Color Guard. The team will also display the last 4 World Series trophies in a presentation including former Cardinal skipper, Tony La Russa and pitching coach Dave Duncan.
  • 2011 World Championship Banner: The ceremony will culminate with the formal raising of the 2011 World Championship Banner by the family of U.S. Army Specialist Jeffrey L. White, Jr. of Catawissa Missouri. Specialist White, who was serving his country in Operation Enduring Freedom, died April 3 in the Khost Province of Afghanistan when insurgents attacked his unit with an improvised explosive device. Specialist White was an avid Cardinals fan who was home on leave for Game 7 of the World Series last October and was planning to attend Opening Day with his family before he was killed. Specialist Whites’ mother Paula, father Jeff and brothers Michael and Kyle will raise the championship banner.
  • National Anthem: Shannon Magrane, Season 11 American Idol Contestant, and daughter of former Cardinal pitcher Joe Magrane, will sing the National Anthem.
  • Gold Jerseys and Caps: On Friday and Saturday, the team will be wearing specially-designed jerseys from Majestic and caps from New Era embossed in gold to commemorate their 2011 World Series championship. The official New Era caps and Majestic jerseys, both part of the MLB Authentic Collection, are available exclusively at the Cardinals Team Store at Busch Stadium and online at cardinals.com/shop.

 

Saturday, April 14, 2012—Cardinals vs. Chicago Cubs (12:05 p.m.)

  • Cardinals Official Ring Celebration Day Pep Rally, Sponsored by Hardee’s: The pep rally, located in the Ballpark Village Lot, at Clark Street and Broadway, begins at 9 a.m. and runs until 11 a.m. Local rock-cover-band Trixie Delight will take the stage, and both Fredbird and Team Fredbird will be on hand with tickets, autographed items and other Cardinals prizes. Other sponsors include Budweiser, The United States Air Force and Marine Corps, Dunkin’ Donuts, Energizer, First National Bank, The Fox Theatre, Fox Sports Midwest, the Girl Scouts, John Morrell – Hunter Hot Dog, Krispy Kreme, Lumiere and River City Casinos, Missouri Secretary of State, the Muny, The St. Louis Post-Dispatch, The TAN Company and Qdoba.
  • Player Ring Presentation: The Championship celebration continues as members of the 2011 World Championship team and Cardinals Hall of Famers are presented their World Series rings in a ceremony prior to the game, at 11:30 a.m.
  • Pre-game Ceremonies: The Air Force will provide an F16 flyover and Color Guard.   
  • Replica Championship Ring Day: ALL fans with a ticket will receive a wearable replica of the 2011 World Championship ring, presented by Edward Jones. Gates open at 9:45 a.m.

  • Gold Jerseys and Caps: The team will again wear specially-designed jerseys from Majestic and caps from New Era embossed in gold to commemorate their 2011 World Series championship. The official New Era caps and Majestic jerseys, both part of the MLB Authentic Collection, are available exclusively at the Cardinals Team Store at Busch Stadium and online at cardinals.com/shop.
  • MLBPAA Auctions: 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 and support a variety of charities.

 

Sunday, April 15, 2011—Cardinals vs. Chicago Cubs (1:15 p.m.)

  • Replica Championship Pennant Flag: ALL fans with a ticket will receive a 3’ x 5’ replica of the 2011 World Championship Pennant flag which flies over left field in Ford Plaza.

  • Jackie Robinson Day: The Cardinals and Major League Baseball will honor the great Jackie Robinson as all players will wear Jackie’s number 42 as a tribute to Robinson breaking the color barrier on April 15, 1947.
  • North Star Ice Cream Sunday: All fans can visit the Ford Plaza during pregame for free frozen treats 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 Auctions: 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 and support a variety of charities.

 

Tuesday, April 17, 2011—Cardinals vs. Cincinnati Reds (7:15 p.m.)

  • 2011 World Champions Poster Night: The first 25,000 fans to enter with a ticket receive a commemorative 2011 Championship poster, courtesy of Shelter Insurance.  

 

Wednesday, April 18, 2011—Cardinals vs. Cincinnati Reds (7:15 p.m.)

  • Cardinals Care Grant Ceremony: Cardinals Care, along with Cardinals’ players, executives, Fredbird and hundreds of children and representatives from many of the organizations who will benefit from the Cardinals Care grants, will be in attendance for a special ceremony at Busch Stadium at 3:00 p.m.

 

Thursday, April 19, 2011—Cardinals vs. Cincinnati Reds (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.

 

Dynamic Deals of the Week

The Cardinals’ value-based dynamic pricing system allows for the Cardinals 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 field level tickets for as low as $21 for the Cards/Reds series, April 17-19. 

 

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) 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.

 

Exclusive 2011 World Series Champions Fan Jewelry Collection

Beginning Saturday, April 14, fans can 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 will be on sale at the Team Store at 8th and Clark. Jostens representatives will also be at the stadium on April 14, 15, 17, 18 and 19 at 3 locations: Section 146, The Redbird Club at section 248 and at Gate 5. Fans will be able to place an order or view many pieces from the collection, which includes rings, necklaces, cufflinks, money clips and more. All items will be made to order; however, a limited number of posters, key rings and paperweights will be available for immediate purchase.

 

What’s New on the Menu?

This season, the Cardinals concessionaire, Sportservice, has added four new live-action cooking stations in the main concourse. The ingredients are always fresh, and the food is made-to-order.

  • Asian Café: Located next to the Fan’s Nest at Broadway Team Store at Gate 1, the Asian Café allows fans choose between either rice or noodles, then top with chicken or beef and fresh veggies. Vegetarian and gluten-free options are also available. Personalized bowls are sautéed and seasoned with your pick of Asian-inspired sauces.
  • The Carvery: Craving home-style cuisine? Follow your nose to Gate 2, where fans can enjoy a build-your-own sandwich station featuring marinated turkey or beef sliced right off bone, then piled high onto fresh-baked bread from St. Louis’ own Fazio’s Bakery on the Hill. Choose from complimentary sides to make this entrée a meal.
  • Sliders and Fries (Section 148) is an entirely new concept developed by the Sportservice culinary team. This you-pick-two menu features three choices of sandwich meats – braised beef, pulled chicken, and St. Louis-style barbecue pulled pork. Hand-cut French fries come in three varieties – seasoned, garlic and cheese – tossed to order. Mix and match any of these options to satisfy your own tastes or share with a friend.
  • The newly renovated Coke Island at Gate 1 is putting a gourmet twist on the All-American ballpark snack: popcorn. Coke Island serves four delicious flavors of popcorn – butter, white cheddar, Cajun and caramel – that are popped in-house daily and continuously throughout each game. Coke Island will make and distribute fresh, homemade popcorn throughout the entire stadium. Just when you thought the games couldn’t get any better, in-seat vendors will unveil bags of Cinnamon Sweet Cardinal Corn– the bright red, sweet and salty popcorn treat is perfect for fans of all ages.  

 

Busch Stadium Upgrades

Several changes have been made in and around Busch Stadium to enhance the fan experience:

  • Ticket Kiosks: The Cardinals introduced an additional way to purchase and pick up game and stadium-tour tickets, via ticket kiosks. A total of 9 kiosks have been added along Clark Street, as well as 1 in the Team Store, to allow fans to purchase or print their tickets 24 hours a day at no additional cost than if they were purchasing or picking-up tickets from our Box Office. An additional 12 kiosks will be added around the perimeter of Busch Stadium over the next couple of months.
  • World Championship signage: The Cardinals have updated all their World Champions signage throughout the ballpark to reflect the 2011 World Championship.
    • Installation of the 11th flag pole on the World Champions Sign atop the out of town scoreboard
    • Painted pennants atop the Cardinals Dugout
    • The exterior sign on the south side of Busch Stadium visible from the Highway.
    • A backlit sign at Gate 5 and the street side of the out of town scoreboard 
  • UMB Champions Club: The Champions Club has been rebranded the UMB Champions Club, and it’s now home to all four of the Cardinals World Championship Trophies (1967, 1982, 2006 and 2011) – officially referred to as “the Commissioner Trophies” – in new custom built illuminated cabinets. The Cardinals have the distinction of having both the oldest and the newest Commissioner’s Trophy. The first Commissioner’s Trophy was awarded in 1967, when the Cardinals defeated the Boston Red Sox. The Cardinals hold the record for the most Commissioners trophies won in the National League (4), second only to the Yankees (7). The Club has also upgraded to new High-Definition energy efficient LED televisions, including the six-screen video array that acts as a major focal point in the club.
  • Solar Panels: As part of a larger effort to green the game of baseball, The St. Louis Cardinals, in partnership with Sachs Electric, Microgrid Energy and the Electrical Connection and its IBEW Local One / NECA, have installed 106 Solar Electric panels on the roof of the ticket building and a concession canopy in the Ford Plaza. The new solar array will produce 37,000 kilowatt hours of energy each year, which is enough electricity to power all the retail stores at Busch Stadium for a year. While the savings achieved through the solar system demonstration project will be modest, the system will serve as an educational tool for renewable energy and become another focal point for sustainable efforts by the Cardinals as part of their “4 A Greener Game” program. The Cardinals have reduced their energy use by 20% and water use by 10% since the stadium opened. The team has recycled more than 1836 tons of solid waste, more than 575 tons of yard waste and more than 110 tons of composted organic material since 2008.
  • TV Upgrades: At the start of the 2012 season, all premium areas of the stadium will have HDTV to take advantage of the 24 HD channel in-house network. Throughout the year, 150 LED flat screen HD compatible televisions will be installed throughout the stadium. This is the second year of our effort to upgrade the stadium to HD compatible television technology. Another improvement that many fans will notice is the addition of a 9 screen video wall located on the main concourse, just to the third base side of home plate. This screen, which measures approximately 7 ft. by 13 ft., will give fans in this area a great view of the game action.
  • New Infield: The Cardinals will be playing on a new infield and new warning track this season. This field has a refined mix of clay and sand to enhance playability and handle more rain. This takes advantage of new developments in material science that more than half of the teams in MLB also use.
  • Additional Improvements: A few hundred seats have been added on the terrace level, and the stadium has undergone a great deal of painting this past winter as part of our ongoing effort to keep Busch Stadium one of the finest stadiums in Major League Baseball. The Team Store on Broadway has also received a facelift to enhance the shopping experience for fans.

 

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 Gameday Magazine: Season-Opening Issue Now on Sale!

Description: Cover FNL 375Cardinals Magazine begins its 20th-anniversary season with a blockbuster season-opening issue, highlighted by a revealing one-on-one interview with new Cardinals manager Mike Matheny. Sharing the spotlight is a behind-the-scenes account of the creation of the organization¹s World Series ring, with exclusive photos of early ring prototypes and personal insight from the ring's principal designer, team president Bill DeWitt III. Among the new monthly departments making their debut is "Puma¹s Pad," a personal journal featuring the candid observations of the always-entertaining Lance Berkman. Like every issue, this season-opening special is jam-packed with one-of-a-kind features, and available for just $5 at all gates and the Team Store. Even better, fans can start a one-year subscription by calling 314.345.9303 or visiting cardinals.com/publications.  

 

 

 

Cardinals in the Community

This year, Cardinals Care, the charitable arm of the team, is celebrating its 15th anniversary. Since its inception in 1997, Cardinals Care has maintained a direct focus on “Caring for Kids” on and off the baseball field. Cardinals Care has distributed over $18 million to St. Louis area non-profit youth organizations, built 19 youth ball fields in local disadvantaged neighborhoods and currently serves over 4,500 kids per season as part of the Redbird Rookies Program.  Grant funds are intended to support purchases such as school supplies and uniforms, computers, software, instruments, books and games for educational programs, as well as basic needs such as winter clothing for needy children. In 2011 Cardinals Care established the Joplin Recovery Fund, raising over $200,000 to help the thousands of Joplin-area children recover from one of the most destructive tornadoes in American history. The organization holds several events throughout the homestand:

  • Cardinals Care Stadium Auctions: On opening Day and during every Tuesday and Friday home game, fans have the unique opportunity to bid on exclusive autographed Cardinals memorabilia. 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 Three, on the first baseline concourse, Cardinals Club, Redbird Club and in section 452 of the Terrace level.
  • Cardinals Care 6k: Registration is now open 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.
  • World Champion Team To Race for the Cure: This year the St. Louis Cardinals have teamed up with CBS Radio to host a team to run the 2012 Susan G. Komen St. Louis Race for the Cure®. On Saturday, June 23rd in downtown St. Louis, join other Cards fans as we raise awareness and help strike out breast cancer! Options include a 5K (about 3 miles), Run/Walk or 1 mile Fun Walk. The cost is $25 to Walk, $30 to Run, or $35 to Sleep In for a Cure. Online Team Members registration deadline is 8 a.m. on June 4, 2012. All team-members will receive a one-of-a-kind World Champions team t-shirt featuring a pink Cardinals logo. To register, go to cardinals.com/komen

 

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.

 

Organization of the Year

The Cardinals enter the 2012 season as Baseball America’s 2011 Organization of the Year, a prestigious honor awarded to the Cardinals for the first time. While the organization’s 11th World Championship title and the team’s storied comeback to reach the postseason were crowning achievements, Baseball America also saluted the Cardinals organization for its overall success, including championship seasons for both Quad Cities (Midwest League-A) and Johnson City (Appalachian League-Rookie). In addition, Cards GM John Mozeliak was the 2011 recipient of the MLB.com GIBBY (Greatness in Baseball Yearly) Executive of the Year award and was named, along with Tony La Russa, as the 2011 Baseball Man of the Year by the St. Louis Baseball Writers. 

 

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.
  • 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.
  • For a full listing of all the fan-friendly ticket values in 2011, visit cardinals.com/values.

 

St. Louis Cardinals: The Championship Seasons

Whether it’s Stan Musial at the plate, Willie McGee in the field, Chris Carpenter on the mound or Enos Slaughter rounding third and dashing for home, the thread that runs through the history of the St. Louis Cardinals and binds their greatest players is a single, gleaming trait: They have all been champions. Now, “St. Louis Cardinals: The Championship Seasons” offers readers a glimpse behind the scenes of the National League’s trophy franchise, with stories told by the award-winning St. Louis Post-Dispatch sportswriters. With one of the most widespread fan bases in the majors, this book is sure to be a hit among Cardinals enthusiasts everywhere! To order your copy, visit www.thepost-dispatchstore.com.

 

 

 

 

Hunter Family Sundays

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

 

Busch Bash Fridays

Enjoy 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.

 

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 information of all promotions and scheduled events visit cardinals.com/promotions.

 

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