What's Happening?
The St. Louis Cardinals are experiencing a significant decline in attendance at Busch Stadium, ranking 19th in league attendance in 2025. This downturn has led Major League Baseball to schedule the Cardinals away from home on every major holiday during the 2026 baseball season. The team will be on the road for Easter, Mother's Day, Memorial Day, Juneteenth, Father's Day, Independence Day, and Labor Day. This marks a continuation of a trend from previous seasons where the Cardinals have had limited holiday home games. The only exception in 2026 will be a home game on Labor Day against the Athletics. The Cardinals will host games on baseball-themed holidays such as Jackie Robinson Day, Lou Gehrig Day, and Roberto Clemente Day.
Why It's Important?
The absence of holiday home games for the Cardinals highlights the impact of declining attendance on scheduling decisions by Major League Baseball. This situation underscores the challenges faced by the Cardinals in maintaining fan engagement and stadium attendance. The decision to schedule away games on holidays may further affect the team's revenue and local fan support. The Cardinals' struggle to attract fans could have broader implications for the team's financial health and its ability to invest in player acquisitions and development. The scheduling decision serves as a wake-up call for the organization to address the underlying issues contributing to the decline in attendance.
What's Next?
The Cardinals will begin the 2026 season with an interleague matchup at home against the Tampa Bay Rays. This game will test whether Opening Day can still draw a sellout crowd despite recent attendance challenges. The team's new president of baseball operations, Chaim Bloom, faces the task of revitalizing the Cardinals to improve performance and fan engagement. If the team fails to address these issues, Busch Stadium may continue to see low attendance on significant game days, impacting the team's long-term prospects.
Beyond the Headlines
The Cardinals' situation reflects broader trends in sports where teams must adapt to changing fan expectations and economic pressures. The decline in attendance may prompt discussions about the role of community engagement, marketing strategies, and the importance of maintaining a competitive team to attract fans. The scheduling decision also raises questions about the balance between tradition and business considerations in sports management.
