Gateway Game

Official Review by Paul Swaney, Stadium Journey Co-Founder

Just six miles east of Busch Stadium, across the mighty Mississippi, you'll find GCS Ballpark, home of the Gateway Grizzlies. There is no doubt that this part of the country is baseball country, and you'll feel that when you attend a game in Sauget, Illinois. You won't be blown away, but there are some unique features and niceties that make this an above average minor league experience.

Food & Beverage    5

There's no reason to eat before you make it out to the ballpark, unless of course you would like something healthy. Guilty pleasures abound as you walk and smell your way through the concourse. At the Grizzly Grill, you'll find the park's pride and joy: Baseball's Best Burger ($4.50). Served between two Krispy Kreme donuts, I can't say it's the best ballpark burger I've ever had, but two patties layered with bacon and cheese isn't a bad thing. It is definitely an unusual and tasty little sandwich.

They also offer the Best Ballpark Hot Dog, a polish sausage covered with sauerkraut, grilled onions, bacon, and cheese sauce. I added a few spicy peppers, and had a messy, yet satisfying experience. Of the two "best" this is the one I would recommend. Get the combo with waffle fries and a soda for $8 and you'll be set for the night.

Down the right field line you'll find Senor Izzy's Cantina. Try the Taquitos ($5) served with red pepper and jalapeno jelly. It's another strange combination, but it works well.

Beer offerings are Budweiser or Bud Light on draft for $4, or a few 12-ounce bottles for $3.50, including Shock Top Belgian Wheat. Pepsi products are available, although they do not offer a souvenir cup size.

Prices are very reasonable with ballpark favorites like a hot dog ($1.75), pizza ($3), or cheeseburger ($4) all below average as far as cost.

Atmosphere    3

St. Louis is perhaps the best baseball town in the United States, and that sensibility carries across the state line into Illinois. The game I attended was preceded by an absolute monsoon that threatened to cancel the game. An hour before the scheduled first pitch, I thought there was no way the game would be played. I went anyways, hoping to snap a picture or two.

The game was played, and well over half of the seats were full. Most of the time, I would have expected a few hundred people with extreme weather like this.

It's a small park, only 305 down the right field line, and dimensions 305, 342, 385, 345, and 318 moving right to left. There's not much of a scoreboard in right field, which I prefer. All I need is the score and some basic stats on the hitter, so it seemed just right.

There are plenty of comfortable chairs, and many are angled to provide the best view of the field as possible. Bleachers are available down the right field line, but they are uncomfortable, and aren't a great view. There is a pretty good chance you'll get a foul ball in there however. The outfield grass seats seemed to be very popular, and many fans had their folding chairs with them to get a comfortable seat at half the price.

Neighborhood    1

St. Louis is a short drive away, so there are options near the park, but not anything I would call the "neighborhood." Fischer's Sports Bar in East St. Louis is only a couple of miles away, and offers nightly karaoke, but they were closed for remodeling.

I tried Outsider's Sports Bar in Cahokia for a beer and some grub. It's a divey locals-only sort of feel, and they do have food available from the microwave in back. I tried the BBQ rib sandwich, and a draft Busch beer. Total tab was $4.50, so it is definitely an inexpensive place to spend some time.

Fans    4

I really was impressed by the fan turnout after the horrendous weather. But they also showed the quality of being a smart group of baseball fans. I heard good baseball critiques on missing the cutoff man and not tagging up appropriately.

Access    3

It was an easy parking lot to enter and to exit, although it would be nice if it was paved, as the rain really made it one giant mud puddle. Restrooms in the park left something to be desired as they were incredibly hot and there was a line due to the limited number of stalls. Handicap access is easy throughout the park.

Return on Investment    4

Tickets are fairly priced, and food is a bargain, especially considering the unique options available. Staff are very friendly, and the experience focuses on baseball, and not just zany entertainment. Izzy the Grizzlie, the team mascot, is a little low key as minor league mascots go, but still does a good job of spending time entertaining the kids in attendance.

Extras    3

One big extra point for the team in charge of maintaining the field, as it was truly amazing that a game could have been played with all of the rain that came down on the day of my visit.

Additional points for the focus on the menu, and just for its location in the heart of baseball land. It provides for a great opportunity to see some major league action and minor league action on the same day or the same trip.

Final Thoughts

GCS Ballpark isn't flashy, but you will have a good time at their old ballyard. Be sure to take notice of the lone retired number (#34) for former manager and St. Louis Cardinals pitcher, Danny Cox.