Crowds in downtown/ Arch area during baseball season?

Question

Hello everyone,

Hoping to get a response but do see that this is a low response forum, unlike others, although fingers crossed, as I do see there are two Travel/Trip Experts assigned here.

We are coming in for a wedding end of May and looking at some lodging on 2nd street, right near Busch stadium. We are not attending any baseball games, but were hoping to stay in this area near the Arch.

We are just wanting to know just how crowded the area around Busch stadium gets for the weekend baseball games? Might it be a better idea to look for lodging a bit further out if the downtown area gets really loud, congested, and difficult to get around? Hopefully someone local or someone who has been to a late Spring weekend game can answer, as we need to make lodging decisions soon.

Thanks in advance!

Answer

Staying near 2nd Street and Busch Stadium in late May means you will be in the heart of downtown St. Louis during baseball season. Even if you are not attending games, it’s important to understand the impact on crowds, noise, and traffic during a weekend with Cardinals games.

Here’s what you can expect:

Crowds and foot traffic: On game days, particularly weekend games, the area around Busch Stadium and Ballpark Village becomes very busy. Fans start arriving a couple of hours before the game and linger afterward, creating heavy pedestrian traffic on 2nd Street and surrounding blocks.
Noise levels: Expect elevated noise during games from fans, music, and street activity, especially if your lodging is directly across from Ballpark Village or near the stadium entrances. Even if you are inside a hotel, windows facing the stadium may let in some noise.
Traffic and parking: Streets around Busch Stadium are often blocked or restricted for game-day traffic. Ride-shares, taxis, and local vehicles experience delays, and parking garages can fill quickly. It may be difficult to drive or navigate around the area during game times.

Additional considerations:

Hotels just a few blocks from the Arch, such as on 2nd Street, remain convenient for sightseeing and access to restaurants. However, the game-day crowds can make walking a little slower and navigating streets more congested.
If you prefer a quieter stay, consider lodging slightly further north or west of downtown, in neighborhoods like the Central West End, Clayton, or near the Laclede’s Landing area. These areas are generally less crowded during games but still provide reasonable access to the Arch and downtown attractions.
Even if staying close to Busch Stadium, plan your walking and transportation around the baseball schedule. Most downtown restaurants, bars, and attractions remain open and accessible, but travel times may be longer on game days.

In summary, staying right near Busch Stadium on a late spring weekend during baseball season will put you in a lively, energetic area, but it will also mean dealing with crowds, noise, and restricted streets on game days. If a quieter, less congested experience is a priority, booking a hotel a few miles outside of downtown is advisable, though you’ll need to drive or use rideshare to reach the Arch or downtown attractions. Otherwise, staying downtown keeps you close to restaurants and the sights but requires a bit of planning around game-day schedules.

Crowds in downtown/ Arch area during baseball season?

More Saint Louis Travel Questions

The attractions mentioned in this question

Popular Destinations

Popular Travel Questions