Why Shaded Seats Matter at Busch Stadium
Health and Comfort First
Attending a St. Louis Cardinals game at Busch Stadium is a quintessential summer experience. The crack of the bat, the roar of the crowd, the aroma of hot dogs…it’s a sensory overload in the best way possible. However, that summer sun beating down can quickly turn a fun outing into an uncomfortable ordeal. Long stretches in direct sunlight can lead to sunburn, heat exhaustion, and a general feeling of misery that detracts from the joy of the game. Finding the right seats to avoid the sun’s relentless glare is paramount to enjoying your Busch Stadium experience. This article is your comprehensive guide to securing shaded seats at Busch Stadium, providing detailed information about seating sections, optimal times of day, and resources to ensure a cool, comfortable, and memorable game day.
Securing shaded seating isn’t just about comfort; it’s about your well-being and maximizing your enjoyment of the game. The summer months in St. Louis can be brutally hot and humid, and prolonged exposure to direct sunlight can have detrimental effects.
Spending hours under the intense sun can lead to a variety of health problems. Sunburn, that painful reminder of overexposure, is just the beginning. Prolonged heat can cause heat exhaustion, characterized by dizziness, nausea, and weakness. These conditions can quickly ruin your day and even require medical attention. Furthermore, certain individuals, such as children, the elderly, and those with sensitive skin, are particularly vulnerable to the sun’s harmful rays. For them, finding respite in the shade is not just a preference, but a necessity. By choosing shaded seats, you’re proactively safeguarding your health and ensuring a much more comfortable experience for yourself and your companions. Staying adequately hydrated will also ensure the best experience possible.
Enhancing the Game Day Experience
Beyond the health aspects, shaded seats dramatically enhance the overall game day experience. Imagine trying to follow the trajectory of a fly ball while squinting against the sun’s glare. Or trying to enjoy a hot dog while sweating profusely. It’s difficult, to say the least. When you’re comfortably shaded, you can focus solely on the action on the field, absorbing every moment without distraction. The intense glare is avoided, allowing for clearer vision, and without the physical discomfort of being in the sun, you’re free to fully immerse yourself in the excitement of the game. You’ll be able to cheer louder, engage more fully with your fellow fans, and create lasting memories.
Understanding Busch Stadium’s Orientation and Sun Exposure
A Directional Overview
To strategically select shaded seats, it’s helpful to understand how the sun moves across Busch Stadium throughout the day.
Busch Stadium generally faces northeast. This orientation means that the sun rises in the east and moves across the sky towards the west. As the day progresses, different sections of the stadium will be exposed to varying degrees of sunlight. The areas most affected are going to be the right field areas as the sun moves west during the day. Understanding this pattern allows you to anticipate which sections will offer shade at different times.
Key Factors Influencing Shade
The amount of shade in a particular seating section is influenced by two primary factors: the time of day and the seating level. The earlier in the day, the less shade you’ll find in most sections. As the afternoon progresses, the sun moves lower in the sky, and the upper levels of the stadium, along with the overhangs of the roof, begin to cast significant shadows on the seating below. Seating located further back and beneath overhangs will naturally benefit from more consistent shade throughout the day. Conversely, seating closer to the field, especially in the lower levels, tends to receive more direct sunlight, particularly during afternoon games.
Best Shaded Seating Sections at Busch Stadium: A Detailed Breakdown
Now, let’s delve into the specific seating sections at Busch Stadium that offer the best protection from the sun. Remember that the availability of shade can fluctuate throughout the day.
Lower Level Shaded Seats
Finding shade on the lower level can be challenging, especially during early afternoon games. However, some sections do offer respite as the day wears on. Look at sections in the upper range of numbers to find the best availability of shade in the later innings of the day. These sections start to receive the benefit of shade in the later innings due to the upper levels and roof casting shadows. If you opt for lower-level seats, try to find the highest row number available to secure the most shade possible. Consider the trade-off between proximity to the action and protection from the sun.
Mezzanine Level Shaded Seats
The mezzanine level, also known as the club level in some areas, offers a more favorable balance of sun protection and prime viewing. Many of the sections are positioned under the overhang of the upper levels. Aim for sections with higher row numbers. The location and proximity to the upper levels allows for significantly more shade as the sun moves across the stadium. The downside to this level is the expensive tickets, but they are a good place to be shielded from the sun.
Upper Level Shaded Seats
The upper level of Busch Stadium is generally your best bet for consistent shade, particularly during the afternoon and evening games. Due to the design of the stadium, the upper level benefits from the most coverage in the late afternoon as the sun moves west. Sections in the highest rows are going to be shaded more than lower rows. The location of concessions and restrooms are not far from the seats on the upper level.
Specific Area Considerations
Consider the Left Field Pavilion Deck for a good chance to find shade throughout the day. It provides ample shade in most areas of the stadium and is a great option to consider. Conversely, the right field area is typically the most exposed to the sun’s rays. If shade is your priority, it’s best to avoid sections in right field, particularly for afternoon games.
Tips for Finding Shaded Seats When Buying Tickets
Utilize Online Seating Charts with Shade Prediction
Finding shaded seats requires a bit of planning and research. Here are some helpful tips to guide you through the ticket-buying process.
Several websites and apps offer interactive seating charts that simulate sun angles at different times of the day. These tools allow you to visualize the shade patterns in various sections of the stadium. Some websites rely on user-submitted information about shade conditions, providing valuable insights from fellow fans. While these tools may not be perfectly accurate, they can give you a reasonable estimate of shade availability. Consider checking multiple sites and comparing their predictions to get a well-rounded understanding.
Call the Busch Stadium Ticket Office
For personalized guidance, contact the Busch Stadium ticket office directly. A knowledgeable ticket representative can provide specific recommendations based on your desired seating level, budget, and the time of day you plan to attend the game. They can also answer any questions you may have about specific seating sections and shade conditions.
Consider the Game Time
The timing of the game plays a crucial role in determining shade availability. Afternoon games, especially those starting in the early afternoon, will require more careful consideration of shade options. The sun will be at its highest point, and direct sunlight will be more prevalent throughout the stadium. Evening games, on the other hand, are generally less of a concern, as the sun begins to set and casts longer shadows.
Read Ticket Descriptions Carefully
When purchasing tickets online, pay close attention to the ticket descriptions. Many sellers will include information about whether the seats are covered, located under an overhang, or generally shaded. Look for keywords like “covered seats,” “under overhang,” or “shaded section.” This information can be invaluable in making an informed decision.
Ask Season Ticket Holders
If you know anyone who holds season tickets at Busch Stadium, reach out and ask for their insights. Season ticket holders often have extensive knowledge of the stadium’s shade patterns and can provide valuable recommendations based on their experiences.
Other Ways to Stay Cool at Busch Stadium
Dress Appropriately
Even if you secure shaded seats, it’s still essential to take additional precautions to stay cool and comfortable throughout the game.
Opt for light-colored, loose-fitting clothing. Light colors reflect sunlight, helping to keep you cooler, while loose-fitting garments allow for better airflow. Avoid dark colors, which absorb heat.
Wear a Hat and Sunglasses
A wide-brimmed hat and sunglasses are essential for protecting your face and eyes from the sun’s harmful rays. Choose sunglasses with UV protection to shield your eyes from damage.
Apply Sunscreen
Apply sunscreen liberally to all exposed skin, even on cloudy days. Choose a sunscreen with a high SPF (Sun Protection Factor) and reapply it every two hours, or more frequently if you’re sweating.
Hydrate
Drink plenty of water throughout the game. Dehydration can exacerbate the effects of heat and sunlight. Avoid sugary drinks, which can actually dehydrate you.
Utilize Cooling Stations
Some stadiums offer cooling stations with misting fans or shaded areas. Take advantage of these resources to cool down and escape the sun’s intensity.
Consider sitting inside
If you have the option, consider sitting inside of the Cardinals Club. This offers you the ability to get out of the direct sunlight and relax without the heat.
Conclusion
Finding shaded seats at Busch Stadium is a vital step toward ensuring a comfortable, healthy, and enjoyable game day experience. The relentless sun can quickly transform a fun outing into a miserable ordeal, so it’s crucial to plan ahead and make informed decisions when purchasing tickets. By understanding the stadium’s orientation, considering the time of day, and utilizing online resources and ticket office support, you can significantly increase your chances of securing a spot in the shade. Also, consider staying hydrated and using sunscreen when available to provide the best and most comfortable experience possible. Use the information to buy tickets with shade to go enjoy the game and Go Cards!
