St. Louis Cardinals: Memphis Redbirds Continue to Improve AutoZone Park

The St. Louis Cardinals AAA-affiliate is housed in Memphis, TN in what is kindly-known as “Little Busch.” The Memphis Redbirds continue to make improvements to AutoZone Park and to fan experiences.

Under new majority ownership of Peter Freund, the Memphis Redbirds (the AAA-affiliate of the St. Louis Cardinals) continues to improve upon their home ballpark. As many of you know, I write a lot about the Redbirds since I live in Memphis and cover the affiliate for us here at Redbird Rants.

Let me say right out of the gate how excited I am about the improvements. I have written recently about the Redbird improvements and there- as here- I have noted my excitement. I love attending AutoZone Park and love how it is often referred to as “Little Busch.”

I believe I have written this before, but if you have never attended a game in Memphis then you are truly missing out. You should come down to the delta blues city and experience AAA baseball in a truly miraculous ballpark.

Fast-forward a little to today’s news released from the Memphis Redbirds. Today, the Redbirds have announced that AutoZone Park will include yet another addition this season along with the new team store. This new addition is the culmination of a partnership with Miracle-Gro and will be a new rooftop garden.

The St. Louis Cardinals and the Memphis Redbirds will not be the first rooftop garden or patio in Memphis– these things keep popping up all around the bluff city. The popularity of these gardens/patios are due in large part to the sunny climate that permeates Memphis. One of the most popular rooftop hangouts in Memphis is directly across the street from AutoZone park located atop the historic Peabody hotel.

The Memphis Redbirds’ rooftop garden will be the first of its kind in Major League Baseball. This connection with the community will provide educational opportunities as well as a source of renewable resources for AutoZone Park’s concessions and the greater Memphis community.

"“As we continue to prioritize connectivity within the Memphis community, we are proud to build the first urban rooftop garden in all of Minor League Baseball,” said Redbirds Principal Owner Peter Freund. “And to have an opportunity to partner with Miracle-Gro on this project, one of the most innovative corporations in America, will ensure its long-term success and opens the door for an exciting evolution of how the garden can grow.” [Memphis Redbirds Press Release, March 21, 2017]"

The Memphis Redbirds’ press release on the rooftop garden notes that the garden is constructed with over 3,200 linear feet of Cypress lumber. The raised garden beds will cover about 1,200 square feet, which is one-quarter of the entire landing area, and the beds will hold eighty cubic yards of soil.

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This rich, southern soil will be used to grow many different varieties of fruits, vegetables, and herbs. Currently, veggies such as broccoli, carrots, cauliflower, lettuce, onions, peppers, spinach, and tomatoes are planned for the garden. In addition, herbs such as basil, cilantro, dill, mint, oregano, and many more are planned. The St. Louis Cardinals’ affiliate plans to add more varieties throughout the growing seasons.

All-in-all, this addition, joining the already-announced team store and renewed agreement with the famous Rendevous BBQ restaurant of Memphis, will add more and more reasons for fans to flood the gates and watch some AAA St. Louis Cardinals baseball.

Next: Questions Facing Pitching Staff

Memphis is a great town with a great team. The efforts of new ownership joined with promising players who are strengthening the St. Louis Cardinals farm system will bring only positive dividends to the Memphis Redbirds. Who will be joining me for a game or two this season?