The arrival of City SC to St. Louis has been an exciting addition for families across the region! As moms, we know that packing up the family for a sporting event can be a bit daunting and require lots of preparation, but we’re here to help! Here’s a comprehensive guide on how best to prepare your family to take in a match this season. Mark your calendars for the season home opener on February 22!
Key Dates and Times
- The new home kit (jersey) reveal is on Friday, February 14. Teams get one new jersey each season, so we will get a new home jersey this season, replacing our original red jersey from the first 2 seasons. The team will continue wearing the white & red away jersey from last season for away games.
- There is a pre-season event on Sunday, February 16, from 2 – 4 pm at the Factory in Chesterfield. This is sold out, but I would expect there to be media coverage and CITY posts about it. It’s just a season kickoff, and the tickets were first released to season ticket holders.
- Most matches are at 7:30 pm on Saturday nights. This season, a handful of matches are earlier, including “Sunday Night Soccer” at 6:00 pm on Sunday evenings, better for older kids who can stay up past 8:00 on a school night.
- Click here for the St. Louis CitySC 2025 Schedule!
Here is a list of matches that are not the typical 7:30 pm game times.
⚽️ Sunday, March 30 – 1:00 pm vs. Austin FC
There is also a CITY2 match this day at 4:00 pm
⚽️ Sunday, April 13 – 6:00 pm vs. Columbus Crew – “Sunday Night Soccer” match
⚽️ Saturday, May 31 – 1:30 pm vs. San Jose Earthquakes
⚽️ Saturday, June 14 – 3:30 pm vs. LA Galaxy
⚽️ Sunday, July 13 – 6:00 pm vs. Portland Timbers – “Sunday Night Soccer” match
All matches are available to watch live by purchasing MLS Season Pass on Apple TV. Sometimes, a promo code is available in the stadium when you attend a home match, so keep your eyes open! Apple TV also often airs some matches for free, so stay tuned to CITY’s social media for information on when free viewing will be. Many bars and restaurants around St. Louis show the games, so that is also an option to strategically catch a game.
Logistics and Pre-Game Festivities
- Parking – Street parking is a good option. There are lots nearby, but plan to spend some money! Check out the parking map in the CITY app with the ability to reserve parking in some areas, including the nearby Union Station lots.
- Kid-friendly eats – there are 2 kids’ meal food stands in the stadium, one near the southeast entrance on the first level, and one behind section 218 on the 2nd level. Last year these meals were $9.99 and included a hot dog, kettle chips, cookie and canned soda.
- There is a block party before each home match. This includes a DJ, food and drinks available, some kid-friendly activities, giveaways (think koozies, key chains, rally towels), fan photos, etc.
- Some games have giveaways, so check CITY social media pre-game to determine if you should enter early. The stadium holds 22,500 fans, so if giveaways are limited to the first 10,000, plan to get in early.
Pre-Match Eats Nearby
There are tons of restaurants nearby: Syberg’s, Union Station, Maggie O’Brien’s, and The Pitch are some faves. These can get pretty busy, so arrive early. Schlafly Tap Room always has a block party with food trucks – check their social media ahead of game days for available options. You can eat at the CITY block party at Lou Fusz Plaza with limited food options, usually items that are also available inside the stadium (Steve’s Hot Dogs, Balkan Treat Box). The stadium usually opens 90 minutes before game time, so if you want to grab food inside and eat before the game, this is also an option.
TIP: Pre-game, the players warm up on the field, so enter the stadium early and get to your seats to watch!
Game Duration
- Start times: the game may be listed as a 7:30 pm start, but this usually means 7:39 pm based on TV air time. The national anthem, game ball presentation, and pre-game hype video usually start around 7:25 pm for a “7:30” match.
- Matches typically last right around 2 hours from the published start time. This includes two 45-minute halves with a running clock and “stoppage time” that is usually 1-8 minutes per half. MLS matches CAN end in a tie, so do not expect any overtime.
Restrictions on Diaper Bags, Water Bottles, Outside Snacks, Etc.
- Clear bags smaller than 14” by 14” by 6” will be allowed into Energizer Park.
- Wallets/clutches under 5” x 7” x 2” that are not clear will be permitted and subject to inspection.
- Other bag types that will NOT be allowed at Energizer Park include: coolers, luggage, large purses, non-clear bags over 5” x 7” x 2” or other similar bags that exceed the size restriction.
- Guests with medical conditions and diaper bags will be granted a bag exemption on a case-by-case basis.
- Outside food and beverages are prohibited.
- One exception (outside of food allergy exceptions) – if you attend a lot of games, you can purchase a season YETI rambler (I think these cost $89.49 this season since they are reusable at every game) that you can bring in to every game (including CITY2 games!) and fill with soda or water for free.
Children’s Tickets
- Children aged 2 and under do not require a ticket, but must sit in the accompanying adult’s lap.
- Something to note: in many sections, especially in the lower bowl/100 sections, all fans stand the entire game. Shorter kids have stood on their chairs, but adults and kids should know that you may need to stand the entire game to see the action!
- If you are looking for a more rambunctious time, you can sit in the supporters sections (Sections 116-122). Know that if you purchase a ticket here, this is General Admission, and many people arrive early to claim seats. Be prepared with sensory headphones (there is chanting and drumming all game) and be prepared to stand as this section does not have seats available at home matches.
Lactation Room
This room is available for anyone, regardless of gender, in need of a space where they can nurse, pump, calm or feed an infant, warm a bottle, or generally provide a baby with a break from the action on the concourse.
Strollers
Energizer Park welcomes guests with strollers. Strollers must be checked-in at the Guest Services Center.
Merchandise
All merchandise at the stadium is going to be pricey. For local merchandise, check out Series Six (they have an official partnership and t-shirts under $30), Sweet Mama Blair, Rally House, and Arch Apparel.
Ways to Stay Cool in Summertime
- Bring cooling towels, hats, and hand fans. At hot matches, they have compostable cups for free water.
- A Sensory Room is presented by St. Louis Children’s Hospital. City SC and CityPark are accessible in many ways!
Are Tickets Available at the Gate?
Tickets will be available online at SeatGeek.com. Please note that tickets will NOT be available at the box office, however they can be purchased through the CITY app.
CITY2 Matches
If you’re looking for a low-pressure, less expensive way to introduce your kids to CITY soccer, CITY2 is the answer! The organization’s reserve team offers the same access to the stadium and experience that a pro match does at a fraction of the cost.
- All CITY2 matches have pre-game activities, and often have the bubble bus or other kid-friendly draws outside of the stadium on the Lou Fusz Plaza starting 2 hours pre-game.
- Single-game ticket prices are $13 (before fees) and are general admission. Often, school groups, sports groups, etc. will have deals throughout the season with group pricing for $10 each.
Tip: Get a group of 10 or more together to get $10 tickets.
- Players typically stop by for autographs after the game. Bring things to sign (posters, hats, jerseys) and a permanent marker! Note that you cannot bring soccer balls into the stadium on game days, but you can buy one at the team store.
- At some games, they offer face painting, caricatures, and more, so check out the social media ahead of the game to see what might be available.
- Similar to CITY matches, these games typically last right around 2 hours from the published start time. This includes two 45-minute halves with a running clock and “stoppage time” that is usually 1-8 minutes per half. MLS Next Pro matches will not end in a tie, so if the game is tied at the end of the 2nd half, they will do penalty kicks until there is a winner. This usually adds about 15-30 extra minutes.
What Payment Methods are Accepted at Energizer Park?
Energizer Park is a cashless facility. Visa, US Debit Cards, Mastercard and American Express are accepted.
Tip: Download the CITY app ahead of the game and store your payment method. Use the CITY app to pay inside the stadium, and you will get a 10% cash back on every purchase made for use on merchandise or food!
