Central STL News

It was a night dedicated to honoring military service members at Busch Stadium, where the St. Louis Cardinals faced off against the Atlanta Braves during Military Appreciation Night. Sponsored by Boeing, the event featured various tributes and performances.

The evening began with a lively performance by the U.S. Air Force Band, Starlifter, on the Budweiser Stage as part of the Friday Night Live series. The Cardinals welcomed over 29,000 fans to join in paying tribute to those who have served in the United States Armed Forces. Attendees who purchased a special Military Appreciation Night Theme Ticket received an exclusive Cardinals tumbler honoring all six branches of the U.S. military. A portion of these ticket sales was donated to USO Missouri.

Pre-game activities included salutes to Kelly Brownfield, USO Regional Director, and her therapy dog Apache, as well as other active-duty personnel and veterans. Volunteers from USO Missouri held the Big Flag during the National Anthem.

A significant highlight was a historic flyover featuring three F-15 aircraft: an F-15EX "Advanced Eagle" from DCMA Boeing St. Louis, an F-15E from Seymour Johnson AFB in North Carolina, and a "Legacy Eagle" from New Orleans Air National Guard’s Bayou Militia.

During the game, after the sixth inning, there was a standing ovation for both the pilots involved in the flyover and all current and former military members present. This gesture emphasized gratitude and unity between the Cardinals and military personnel.