Military Appreciation Night Honored Service Members at Busch Stadium

It was a night of celebration, gratitude, and baseball at Busch Stadium as the St. Louis Cardinals hosted the Atlanta Braves for Military Appreciation Night, presented by Boeing. Before the first pitch, the Budweiser Terrace was alive with music and energy as the U.S. Air Force Band, Starlifter, performed on the Budweiser Stage as part of the team's Friday Night Live series. Their high-spirited set kicked off an evening at Busch Stadium dedicated to honoring the men and women who have served—and continue to serve—in the United States Armed Forces.

The Cardinals proudly welcomed over 29,000 ticketed fans to join in paying tribute to all who have worn the uniform. Those who purchased a special Military Appreciation Night Theme Ticket received an exclusive Cardinals 40 oz. tumbler honoring all six branches of the U.S. military. A portion of each ticket sold was donated to USO Missouri, which provides essential support and services to active-duty service members and their families throughout the region.

Pre-game festivities on the field featured heartfelt salutes, including a tribute to Kelly Brownfield, USO Regional Director, and her beloved therapy dog, Apache, a gentle Great Dane who brings comfort to troops and their families. Other active-duty personnel and veterans were also honored in a special ceremony that highlighted the strength, dedication, and service of the military community. In centerfield, USO of Missouri volunteers proudly held the Big Flag during the National Anthem, a stirring moment that set the tone for the evening.

That tribute was followed by a powerful and historic flyover, the first of its kind at Busch Stadium, featuring a combined formation of three F-15 aircraft: the F-15EX "Advanced Eagle" from DCMA Boeing St. Louis, an F-15E from Seymour Johnson AFB in North Carolina, and a "Legacy Eagle" from the New Orleans Air National Guard’s Bayou Militia. The crowd responded with awe and applause, honoring both the aircraft and the airmen behind them.

Later in the game, the Cardinals paused the action after the sixth inning for a standing ovation—first for the pilots involved in the flyover, and then for all current and former members of the military in attendance. It was a powerful display of gratitude and unity inside the ballpark, reinforcing the deep connection between the Cardinals and those who serve. From the music to the tributes to the action on the field, Military Appreciation Night was a memorable celebration of service and sacrifice.