Busch Stadium is a fantastic place to watch baseball, though direct sun exposure during day games can make seats uncomfortable, especially in the summer. Shade at Busch Stadium isn’t evenly distributed, so knowing where shade develops and which sections benefit most can make a big difference.
Table of Contents
How Shade Changes Throughout the Season
Shade at Busch Stadium shifts depending on month and game time, with sun exposure peaking during summer day games.
Using the 3D Shadow Map tool on shady-seats.com, you can:
- Select a specific game date
- Choose the exact first pitch time
- See how shadows move across Busch Stadium during the game
How Shade Works at Busch Stadium
Busch Stadium is oriented so that early afternoon games receive heavy sun exposure, particularly in the lower seating bowl. Shade develops gradually as the sun moves west, meaning there is no fully shaded side early in the game.
Because of this, the best shaded seats are created by:
- Structural overhangs
- Higher seating rows
- Elevated seating levels
Best Shaded Seats at Busch Stadium (Regular Seating)
Upper Rows of Field Level Sections
For Field Level seats, row selection is critical. Target:
- Upper rows of sections 150-170 (third base side)
- Upper rows of sections 132-140 (first base side)
These seats benefit from shade cast by the Terrace Level above, while lower rows remain exposed much longer.
Upper Deck
For early starts, the Upper Deck is often more comfortable than lower levels. Look for:
- Upper rows of sections 361-372
- Upper rows of sections 431-454
Third Base Side vs. First Base Side
For mid-afternoon and later starts, the third base side typically becomes shaded earlier than the first base side as the sun sets. For early starts, however, overhangs and row depth matter more than the side of the stadium.
Seats to Avoid for Day Games
If shade is important, try to avoid:
- Outfield and bleacher sections
- Lower rows close to the field
- First base side lower sections early in the day
These areas often stay sunny for most, if not all, of the game.
Shade Timing for Day Games
For most 12:15–1:15 PM starts:
- Early innings: Most seats are sunny
- Middle innings: Shade reaches Terrace and upper rows
- Later innings: Third base side sees the most shade
Final Thoughts
Shade at Busch Stadium is predictable once you know what to look for. Upper rows, structural overhangs, and elevated seating levels offer the best protection during day games, while outfield and lower Field Level seats are the most exposed. We recommend targeting the third base side, if possible!
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