The current state of affairs for the St. Louis Cardinals is intriguing. Many anticipated that superstar Nolan Arenado would be playing for a more well-known team in 2025, the year that a complete rebuild would begin.
On Wednesday, however, St. Louis moved to 9-9 on the season and is only 1.5 games away from a crowded NL Central division. Although it’s too soon to predict that the Cardinals will be competitive throughout the entire 162-game calendar, it’s difficult to see many changes occurring as long as they are within striking distance.
The Cardinals’ fan base is not happy with owner Bill DeWitt Jr. and the St. Louis front office, regardless of how well the team is playing. Fans have stopped attending Busch Stadium in order to vent their dissatisfaction. Their acts have some unexpected repercussions, even though they are making their point.
St. Louis Cardinals fans reverse boycott hurting small business
Based on attendance data, the St. Louis Cardinals currently rank 12th in Major League Baseball. After ranking seventh in attendance during the 2024 season, this is a significant decline. Busch Stadium feels empty, even to the players.
First baseman Willson Contreras told reporters this, according to Nathan Vickers of First Alert 4. “We’re here for you guys and we need you and your energy.” The desire for fans to come out isn’t limited to the athletes on the diamond.
Additionally, supporters are attempting to clarify that their absences are not a reflection of dissatisfaction with the club but rather with ownership and front office decision-making.
One of the most popular clubs in Soulard, Big Daddy’s, is noticing a reduction in sales compared to regular game nights in St. Louis. The bar provides a free shuttle service to Busch Stadium and according to the co-owner of the institution, Jon Vieluf, the shuttle has not offered service for as many fans.
According to Vieluf, the shuttle usually transports about 50 spectators to Cardinals home games, but since Opening Day, it has only been hauling in perhaps 10–20 fans per trip. Vieluf is determined that supporters support all of the clubs in the city, even though St. Louis does have an NHL team, the Blues, who are vying for a Stanley Cup, which may be affecting the number of people attending Major League Baseball games.
“All of the teams’ production is essential to us. Vieluf urged supporters to “go out and support your team and your economy.” Maybe if they realize that their silent protest is beginning to hurt small businesses in their beloved city, we could see more people at Busch Stadium in the upcoming weeks.
