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   Thousands of soccer fans were treated to an exhibition match between two of the world's most successful teams.  The Busch Stadium field was transformed into a pitch for last night's "friendly" which was enjoyed by a sold out crowd. 

   People spent a lot of time standing in lines for souvenirs or the chance to pose with the Europe league trophy won earlier this month by Chelsea.

   They paid to see the stars and the stars didn't disappoint: Oscar, Dzeko, Tevez, Torres.  English Premier League rivals Chelsea and Manchester City battled at Busch Stadium to the delight of local and visiting soccer fans alike.

   Chelsea built a 3-0 lead, but Manchester City answered with four of their own. The final was 4-3, but fans here feel like they were the winners.

   The two teams play another friendly match Saturday at Yankee Stadium. 

St. Louis plays host Thursday night to a soccer exhibition featuring a pair of rivals in the English Premier League. With the Cardinals on the road, Busch Stadium welcomes some of the top soccer talent in the world. But those with a ticket need to heed some warnings. KTRS' Vicki Pimentel has this report.

"Soccer fans heading to Thursday night's exhibition between Manchester City and Chelsea should expect extra security checks at the gates. St. Louis police chief Sam Dotson says it will be a lot like the playoffs or World Series, but planning ahead can save fans time.

Dotson says, 'Post-Boston, the stadium has put in new security measures where they do random wanding. They've always done bag checks now they're doing an additional layer of security to look for those types of things. So leave those items at home; pocket knives, pen knives, mace, guns, no place at a soccer match.'

Chief Dotson also urges the public not to leave a weapon in the car and not to leave anything you value, visible.  Reporting from St. Louis city, I'm Vicki Pimentel, KTRS news."

   The St. Louis Cardinals make it a habit to honor others before many of the team's home games.  But Monday night, it was the baseball franchise that was honored.  

   The Environmental Protection Agency recognized the team with a plaque for their leadership in food recovery and recycling.  

   By composting leftovers, like old hot dogs, and donating unused, uncooked food to food pantries, the team has kept 2000 tons of waste out of landfills.  According to the EPA, that’s far and away the best of any pro sports franchise.

Busch Stadium is playing home to another sporting event this year.

Football teams from Southeast Missouri State and Southern Illinois University Carbondale will face off on September 21. Tickets for the game go on sale at cardinals.com/football on June 3rd and start at 10 bucks. 

 

Caitlin Schmidt will remember to Cardinals 2013 Home Opener forever.

Schmidt's boyfriend, Zachary Hermann proposed to her during the festivities outside of the stadium Monday afternoon. He popped the question next to the Stan Musial statue. And with family and friends looking on, Caitlin accepted the proposal!

The two plan to get married in August.

FANS CAMP OUT FOR OPENER

Some 50 Cardinal fans set up camp outside Busch Stadium overnight Sunday in anticipation of Monday's home opener against the Cincinnati Reds.

St. Louis Police are advising revelers to leave early because of road changes and closures due to construction of Ballpark Village.  

Fans are encouraged to avoid construction delays by using MetroLink.

Pedestrians should also note that the pedestrian bridge between the Stadium West garage and the ballpark has been removed.  

OTHER CHANGES

8th Street is now a two-way street between Clark and Market with two north and southbound lanes.

Temporary stop signs are currently in place at the intersections of 8th Street and

Clark, as well as 8th Street and Walnut.

Walnut is now a two-way street between 8th Street and Broadway, with one westbound lane and two eastbound lanes.

7th Street is no longer in existence.

 

ADDITIONAL CAUTIONS FROM POLICE:

Those choosing to drive are urged to “park smart”— park in well-lit, populated areas, concealing valuables by placing them in compartments or in the vehicle’s trunk prior to arrival. The department strongly encourages citizens to leave firearms at home. Events such as baseball games are no place for firearms, as they are not allowed inside Busch Stadium and leaving them in a vehicle creates opportunity for criminals. Don’t let yourlegal firearm become an illegal firearm.

Event-goers are also advised to remain aware of their surroundings and if choosing to consume alcohol, are urged to drink responsibly. Criminals often target those who appear to be most vulnerable, including those who might be intoxicated.

There will be a significant law enforcement presence in all areas surrounding Downtown and Busch Stadium. Police strongly encourage anyone who sees criminal or suspicious activity to alert a nearby officer or dial 9-1-1.

 

   Baseball fans who plan to go downtown for today's opening day festivities may find their usual route to Busch Stadium blocked.  St. Louis Police are advising revelers to leave early because of road changes and closures due to construction of Ballpark Village.  

• 8th Street is now a two-way street between Clark and Market with two north and southbound lanes.
• Temporary stop signs are currently in place at the intersections of 8th Street and Clark, as well as 8th Street and Walnut.
• Walnut is now a two-way street between 8th Street and Broadway, with one westbound lane and two eastbound lanes.
• 7th Street is no longer in existence.

   Pedestrians should also note that the pedestrian bridge between the Stadium West garage and the ballpark has been removed.  

   Those choosing to drive are urged to “park smart” — park in well-lit, populated areas, concealing valuables by placing them in compartments or in the vehicle’s trunk prior to arrival. The department strongly encourages citizens to leave firearms at home. Events such as baseball games are no place for firearms, as they are not allowed inside Busch Stadium and leaving them in a vehicle creates opportunity for criminals. Don’t let your legal firearm become an illegal firearm.

   Event-goers are also advised to remain aware of their surroundings and if choosing to consume alcohol, are urged to drink responsibly. Criminals often target those who appear to be most vulnerable, including those who might be intoxicated.

   There will be a significant law enforcement presence in all areas surrounding Downtown and Busch Stadium. We strongly encourage anyone who sees criminal or suspicious activity to alert a nearby officer or dial 9-1-1.

Tickets are now on sale for the first ever non-baseball sporting event at the new Busch Stadium.

They May 23 soccer match will feature Premier league icons Manchester City and Chelsea.

Tickets start at $30.  For more information go to cardinals.com/soccer 

 

The Cardinal's will break ground today on phase one of the Ballpark Village development.

The team released new renderings of the development on Twitter yesterday.

The $100 million project will include the Cardinal Nation structure with a two-story restaurant, Cardinal Hall of Fame museum, and rooftop deck seating with a view of Busch Stadium.

A live concert venue and brew house will also be included in the first phase, which is set to be completed by opening day of 2014.

His Eminence, Cardinal Timothy Dolan, Archbishop of New York and long-time friend of the Musial family, will join the Father Robert J. Carlson the Archbishop of St. Louis, and Bishop Richard Stika in celebrating the Mass.

Lindell Boulevard will be closed between Taylor and Newstead following the Basilica’s regularly scheduled 8 a.m. Mass. The funeral is private and by invitation only.

Immediately following the Mass, the funeral procession will make its way to Busch Stadium where the family will lay a wreath at the base of the Stan Musial Statue as part of a prayer ceremony before proceeding to a private burial. Fans wishing to view the procession are encouraged to do so outside of Busch Stadium along 8th Street and be in place by 12:30 P.M.