Energizer Park

Introduction

Energizer Park, located in the heart of downtown St. Louis, Missouri, is more than a Major League Soccer (MLS) stadium—it’s a symbol of the city’s resilience, rich history, and ongoing urban revitalization. Since its opening in 2022 and rebranding partnership with Energizer Holdings in 2025, Energizer Park has become a premier destination for sports, culture, and community events. This comprehensive guide offers all you need to know: visiting hours, ticketing, accessibility, stadium features, travel tips, and nearby attractions—ensuring you make the most of your St. Louis visit (St. Louis Magazine; Ministry of Sport).

Origins: Mill Creek Valley and Urban Transformation

The land Energizer Park occupies was once Mill Creek Valley, a historically Black neighborhood that played a central role in St. Louis’s cultural and economic life until its clearance in the 1950s. Over 20,000 residents were displaced during urban renewal, erasing a vibrant community (Wikipedia).

Today, the stadium honors this legacy with the “Pillars of the Valley” public art installation by Damon Davis, a tribute to the people and stories of Mill Creek Valley (Energizer Park official site).

The Journey to Major League Soccer

Efforts to bring MLS to St. Louis began in 2016, with the “MLS2STL” campaign. Despite an initial setback when public stadium funding was voted down, community leaders persisted. In 2018, the “MLS 4 The Lou” initiative, led by the Taylor family and Jim Kavanaugh, secured a privately funded stadium plan. This resulted in St. Louis City SC becoming the first MLS team with majority female ownership (Wikipedia).

Stadium Design and Architecture

Energizer Park is celebrated for its innovative and inclusive design, the work of HOK and Snow Kreilich Architects (HOK Design Annual). Key features include:

• Open Corners: Welcoming fans from all directions, eliminating the concept of a "back door."
• Recessed Playing Field: The pitch sits 40 feet below street level, reducing the stadium’s visual impact.
• Iconic Canopy: Inspired by the Gateway Arch, the 120-foot canopy maximizes comfort and amplifies the crowd.
• Urban Integration: The stadium is part of a 32-acre campus, seamlessly connecting with downtown St. Louis (Sport&Impianti).

Naming Rights and Stadium Identity

Originally opened as Centene Stadium, the venue was temporarily known as CITYPARK before Energizer Holdings secured naming rights in late 2024. The official rebranding to Energizer Park in January 2025 underscores the stadium’s strong community and corporate partnerships (St. Louis Magazine; Ministry of Sport; First Alert 4).

Visiting Energizer Park: Hours, Tickets, and Accessibility

Visiting Hours:

• Open primarily on matchdays and during scheduled events.
• Gates open approximately 90 minutes before kickoff.
• For non-event access or tours, check the Energizer Park website for updates.

Tickets:

• Purchase tickets online via SeatGeek or the official CITY SC app.
• Ticket prices for MLS matches range from $20–$80 depending on seat location and event.
• Premium experiences and club seats are available for an additional fee.

Accessibility:

• Fully ADA-compliant with accessible seating, entrances, elevators, and companion seating.
• Sensory rooms, ASL interpretation, audio description, and closed captioning are available (Energizer Park A-Z Guide).
• Dedicated ADA attendants and partnerships with KultureCity and St. Louis Children’s Hospital ensure a welcoming environment for all.

Getting to the Stadium

Public Transit:

• MetroLink light rail (Union Station stop) is the closest and most convenient.
• MetroBus routes serve the stadium vicinity.

Driving and Parking:

• Multiple nearby parking garages and lots are available; pre-paid parking is recommended for high-attendance events.
• Rideshare drop-off zones are located on Locust Street between 20th and 21st.

Walking:

• The stadium’s downtown location makes it easily accessible by foot from hotels, restaurants, and other attractions.

Unique Features and Visitor Experience

Pillars of the Valley:

• A powerful public art installation commemorating the Mill Creek Valley community and its history.

Stadium Layout:

• No seat is more than 120 feet from the pitch.
• The steep rake of the stands creates an electric atmosphere.

Technology:

• Entirely cashless and ticketless entry; all transactions are digital.
• Free Wi-Fi and advanced wayfinding systems enhance the visitor experience (HOK News).

Food and Beverage Program

Energizer Park’s CITY Flavor program, led by Chef Gerard Craft, brings the best of St. Louis’s culinary scene into the stadium. Over 20 local restaurants are represented, offering everything from BBQ to international cuisine (Sauce Magazine). Examples include:

• Pappy’s Smokehouse (burnt ends sandwich)
• Bolyard’s Meat & Provisions (pork panini)
• Chicken Scratch (pulled rotisserie chicken sandwich)
• Damn Fine Hand Pies (savory hand pies)

Most vendors offer affordable options (under $10), and CITY Pay digital payment provides 5% cashback for app users (10% for myCITY+ members). The stadium is often praised as “the best smelling stadium in the world” due to its fresh, local food (Spectrum News).

Nearby Attractions

Enhance your visit by exploring these downtown St. Louis landmarks:

• Gateway Arch National Park: Iconic monument and museum.
• Union Station: Restored train station with dining and entertainment.
• Busch Stadium: Home of the St. Louis Cardinals.
• 21c Museum Hotel: Boutique hotel and contemporary art museum.
• Forest Park: One of America’s largest urban parks.
• Ballpark Village: Dining and nightlife next to Busch Stadium.

Key Dates and Stadium Facts

• Mill Creek Valley clearance: Late 1950s
• MLS2STL group formation: 2017
• MLS 4 The Lou proposal: 2018
• MLS franchise awarded: August 2019
• Stadium construction began: February 2020
• Stadium opened: November 16, 2022
• Naming rights acquired by Energizer: October 31, 2024
• Official rebranding: January 1, 2025
• First MLS Home Match: March 4, 2023
• Stadium capacity: Approx. 22,500
• Campus size: 32 acres (Wikipedia; Energizer Park official site)

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: What are Energizer Park’s visiting hours?
A: Open primarily on event days; gates open 90 minutes before kickoff. Non-event visits and tours require advance arrangements.

Q: How do I buy tickets?
A: Purchase tickets online via SeatGeek or the CITY SC app.

Q: Is the stadium accessible for guests with disabilities?
A: Yes. The stadium is fully ADA-compliant and offers a range of accessibility services.

Q: What is the bag policy?
A: Only clear bags smaller than 14” x 14” x 6” and small clutches (under 5” x 7” x 2”) are allowed.

Q: Are guided tours available?
A: Occasionally. Check the official website for current schedules.

Q: What are the best transit options?
A: MetroLink (Union Station stop), MetroBus, rideshare, and walking from downtown hotels and attractions.