![Although being only one of the two oboe players in the school, freshman Elise Morton said she will continue playing the instrument throughout high school. “[Playing the oboe] makes me feel special because I know Im playing a rare instrument and I love having a challenge because there’s something to improve on and get even better,” Morton said.](https://lancerfeed.press/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/Elise-Morton-Featured-Photo.jpg)
This Friday, February 8, St. Louis will officially make history as the site of America’s first completely integrated mixed-use Ballpark Village.
Originally planned to open with the new Busch Stadium seven years ago but delayed by the weak economy and many redesigns, construction for this retail, entertainment, office and residential district known as St. Louis Cardinal’s Ballpark Village will finally begin this week with Friday’s groundbreaking ceremony and is expected to be completed by Opening Day 2014.
Cardinals fans can look forward to a Cardinals Hall of Fame museum as well as a Cardinals-themed restaurant. There will also be an entertainment plaza with a 40-ft LED screen above a stage sure to deliver optimal game viewing and great live performances. Another big venue many might enjoy is the two-story Anheuser-Busch beer hall. Another plus is that all these key features will be available during the whole year, not just during baseball season.
This $700 million project will take up 7 city blocks at the site of the old Busch Stadium, just north of the new one. The first phase will consist of the development of 2 of those blocks, the main plaza, streets, parking, and the infrastructure.
Although the Ballpark Village may be something to look forward to for some, there are also many people who are not too excited about it. Junior Kelly Crecelius points out the big cost for everything it has to offer.
“How are they going to pay for it all? Personally I would rather just watch the game at the stadium than on a giant screen. I don’t think it’s really worth it,” Crecelius said.
Of course there are many students who completely disagree and are thrilled at the idea. Junior Michaela King is an avid Cardinals fan and believes that the Ballpark Village will be very worth it.
“It sounds like such a grand plan. It’s going to be really cool and I’m really excited about it,” King said.
For more information about the St. Louis Cardinal’s Ballpark Village, check out this official link: http://stlouis.cardinals.mlb.com/stl/ballpark/ballpark_village.jsp
