The St. Louis Cardinals: A Franchise in Decline
The St. Louis Cardinals, a team once known for its loyal and enthusiastic fan base, are now facing a concerning trend. After 65 home games at Busch Stadium, the team’s average attendance has plummeted to just 28,829. This marks a significant decline for a franchise that was once known for consistently leading the league in attendance.
According to a recent article by Fox2Now’s Joey Schneider, the decline in attendance at Busch Stadium has reached levels not seen in three decades. This alarming trend highlights the growing frustration among fans and the team’s struggle to find its identity.
The Cardinals, who have a rich history and a strong fan base, are now facing a critical moment. The decline in attendance not only affects the team’s revenue, but it also reflects the disappointment and disillusionment of the fans. As the team continues to search for its identity, it is clear that something needs to change in order to regain the trust and support of its loyal fan base.
Despite this decline, the Cardinals remain a beloved and respected team in the city of St. Louis. However, it is crucial for the team to address this issue and make necessary changes in order to maintain its reputation and continue to thrive in the future. Only time will tell if the Cardinals can turn things around and reclaim their spot as a top team in terms of attendance. the direction of the franchise, and a pivotal moment for the team’s future.
The St. Louis Cardinals: A Franchise in Crisis
The St. Louis Cardinals, once known for their league-leading crowds, are now facing a major attendance crisis. Through 65 home games at Busch Stadium, the team has averaged just 28,829 fans, a sharp decline from their usual numbers. This downward trend highlights growing fan frustration and a team struggling to find its identity.
Fox2Now’s Joey Schneider recently reported on the extent of the decline, noting that the Cardinals are on pace for their lowest attendance in three decades. With a current average attendance of 28,829, the team is projected to draw around 2,335,137 fans by the end of the regular season. This would be their lowest attendance for a non-pandemic-restricted season since 1995, when they drew 1,756,727 fans.
The decline in attendance is a stark contrast to the Cardinals’ reputation as one of the most loyal markets in baseball. From 2000 to 2022, the team consistently drew over 3 million fans per season. However, with the team currently two games under .500 and out of playoff contention, fans have grown restless and attendance has suffered.
One major factor in the decline is the absence of franchise icons Albert Pujols and Yadier Molina, who both retired after the 2022 season. Their departures coincided with a decrease in payroll and a shift towards younger, unproven talent. This has left fans skeptical about the direction of the franchise and voicing their displeasure both at the stadium and on social media.
While MLB attendance overall is trending upward in 2025, the Cardinals have experienced a nearly 19 percent drop compared to last season. And with Chaim Bloom set to take over as head of baseball operations after the season, the team is facing a pivotal moment for its future. Bloom, known for his analytically driven and cost-conscious approach, will have a significant influence on roster decisions and the team’s overall direction.
The bottom line is clear: the Cardinals are facing more than just a drop in ticket sales. The attendance crisis reflects frustration from a fan base accustomed to success, doubts about the team’s direction, and a crucial moment for the future of the franchise.
