It's been more than 40 years since St. Louis hosted the All-Star Game, but this summer the best baseball players will be at Busch Stadium again as the All-Star Game returns to the Gateway City. St. Louis and Major League Baseball are planning a big celebration for fans. It all begins July 10, 2009, with the All-Star FanFest at America's Center and ends July 14, 2009, with the 80th All-Star Game at Busch Stadium. Here's details on those events and a few others you won't want to miss.
All-Star FanFest
This is the largest baseball fan event in the world featuring interactive exhibits and attractions for baseball enthusiasts of all ages. Fans can try to hit against some of MLB's best pitchers at the video batting cages or make their own personalized baseball cards. There are also free autograph sessions with baseball's biggest stars and an exhibit of memorabilia from the Baseball Hall of Fame in Cooperstown. A one-day ticket to FanFest is $30 for adults and $25 for children. FanFest is open daily from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m., except Tuesday, July 14, when it closes at 6 p.m.July 10-14, 2009
America's Center
All-Star Charity Concert
Missouri native and Grammy winner Sheryl Crow will perform at the Gateway Arch as part of the All-Star Game festivities. This is one of the few events during All-Star Week where fans can be a part of the excitement for free. The concert begins at 8 p.m. Everyone who attends is encouraged to bring a donation for the cancer charity, Stand Up to Cancer.
July 11, 2009
Archgrounds
All-Star Charity 5K & Fun Run
There's a new event at All-Star Week in St. Louis. The Charity 5K & Fun Run will raise money for three cancer charities. The race starts at Busch Stadium and ends at America's Center. Registration is discounted for anyone who signs up before May 22, 2009. It's $25 for adults or $20 for children for the 5K and $15 for adults or $10 for children for the Fun Run.
July 12, 2009
Starts at Busch Stadium
All-Star Sunday
They'll be playing ball at Busch Stadium the Sunday before the All-Star Game. That's when fans can see the Futures Game and the Legends & Celebrity Softball Game. The Futures Game showcases some of the best minor leaguers from the U.S. and around the world. The Legends & Celebrity Game is a more light-hearted event with former All-Stars and Hollywood celebrities putting on a show for the fans.
July 12, 2009
Busch Stadium
Home Run Derby
St. Louis Cardinals fans will get the chance to see Albert Pujols slugging it out with other big hitters at the Home Run Derby the night before the All-Star Game. The Derby has become one of the most popular events of All-Star week and it's sure to be the same this year. Eight players will compete in the first round. The four with the most home runs advance to the second round, the top two to the third round and then a winner is crowned. For those who don't have tickets, the Home Run Derby will be broadcast live on ESPN.
July 13, 2009
Busch Stadium
All-Star Red Carpet Show
If you want to see the All-Star players, but don't have tickets to the game, head downtown Tuesday afternoon. During the All-Star Red Carpet Show, the players, managers and Cardinals greats like Bob Gibson and Lou Brock will parade through the streets on their way to Busch Stadium for the game. The parade begins at 2 p.m. at 4th and Market Streets.July 14, 2009
Downtown St. Louis
80th MLB All-Star Game
All-Star Week in St. Louis ends with the big event, the 80th All-Star Game. Top players from the American League take on the National League's best with the winning league getting home field advantage in the World Series. It's been 12 years since the NL's won the game, but maybe being in a National League ballpark will help this year. Tickets for the All-Star Game and other events at Busch Stadium will be sold online through a random drawing.
July 14, 2009
Busch Stadium
