Metro for Cardinals games (train, stadium, pine)

[zac100]

I've got tickets for a Cards/Phillies game in a couple weeks (I'm a Phillies fan, actually...but I promise to behave myself. ;-) Wondering about taking the Metro to and from the game. I love that most of the Park and Ride locations have free parking here! Amazing! I'd be coming from the Delmar stop on the red line, and I'll be coming into the city early enough to catch batting practice (if not earlier), so I assume that the crowd at the Stadium stop won't be too horrible.

But I'm worried about coming BACK from the game. I'm picturing the Stadium stop as a giant mob scene after ballgames -- is this right? Would it be worth it to walk to 8th/Pine and wait for the train there? (an earlier stop should mean shorter lines, and more opportunities to get a seat...) Or do lots of people do that, too?

Thanks for your advice!

[stlcitygirl]

It usually is pretty packed after games, you can always go to Broadway Oyster Bar, Al Hraboskys or Paddy O's right next to the stadium and grab a couple beers before you head back.

[billiken]

It is pretty packed. I find I typically have to wait a train or two to get on. They keep it fairly organized though, in my opinion. I've never thought of walking up to 8th & Pine--it's not very far away! I'm guessing not that many people choose this route, because the trains are not very full when they pull into Stadium station.

[Azalea City Man]

It's pretty packed when leaving, but you can usually get on by the 2nd or 3rd train ... or walk to 8th & Pine (stop before the stadium stop loading).

[orangefuscia]

and thanks to passing prop a the time between trains should be reduced. Someone correct me if I'm wrong but its now 6 minutes, yes?

[AJohnston_STL]

Originally Posted by Azalea City Man

It's pretty packed when leaving, but you can usually get on by the 2nd or 3rd train ... or walk to 8th & Pine (stop before the stadium stop loading).

exactly. And yes, it is definitely a mob scene at the stadium stop after the games. I would imagine going west is not as bad as going east, but I could be wrong.

[BoomBoxing]

I take the train to Blues games, Cards games, and Rams games. The only time I had to wait for a second train is when I was at the Mizzou-Illini match at the Edwards Jones dome last year. That was an absolute mad house. Other then that it is crowded for sure but not overwhelmingly so. You probably won't be able to sit down by the time you get to the U.City stop though

[chr1s]

If you leave *right* after the game, there will be a crowd walking down the steps of the metrolink stop. As others have mentioned, that just means you'll probably watch a train or two (at the most) go by before you actually get on board.

If you leave the game a little early or if you hang out at an area establishment after the game, you'll probably be able to jump on the first train you see. I wouldn't recommend walking to 8th and Pine stop if you're going to a night game. It's true that you might be able to save 5-10 minutes, but you at nighttime you will probably feel more comfortable in the well-lit and more organized area around the stadium metrolink stop.

[moorlander]

good advice everyone. The walk from the stadium to 8th and Pine will not be scary on game nights. I've made that walk to my car or a friends place dozens of time. There will be plenty of fans out on the streets and that will give you a chace to walk through City Garden.

FYI, parking a Delmar is a great idea. Just remember to park smart, and not leave valuables in sight.

Enjoy the trip - Go Cardinals.

[jasontoon]

One warning about the 8th & Pine plan, though: I tried that after a Cardinals game a few years ago and Metro was limiting access to the station (only letting in a few dozen people per train) so the trains wouldn't be full when they pulled into the Stadium.

Don't know if they do that regularly, but they definitely did it that night.