Support Local Journalism. Join Riverfront Times Press Club.

Before They Were the Arizona Cardinals

Before they were the Super Bowl-bound Arizona Cardinals, the Cardinals played for more than two decades in St. Louis.

Scroll down to view images

Join the Riverfront Times Press Club

At a time when local-based reporting is critical, support from our readers is essential to our future. Join the Riverfront Times Press Club for as little as $5 a month

The final game at Busch Stadium in 1987, where the St. Louis Cardinals (football and baseball) played.
Unreal takes back the Big Red
The Ghosts of St. Louis Football

The final game at Busch Stadium in 1987, where the St. Louis Cardinals (football and baseball) played.

Unreal takes back the Big Red
The Ghosts of St. Louis Football

During the 1987 season, fans didn't know where the team was headed, just that Bill Bidwill was taking them out of town because the city would not help finance a stadium.
Unreal takes back the Big Red
The Ghosts of St. Louis Football

During the 1987 season, fans didn't know where the team was headed, just that Bill Bidwill was taking them out of town because the city would not help finance a stadium.

Unreal takes back the Big Red
The Ghosts of St. Louis Football

Jim Hart, who QB'ed the Big Red from 1966 to 1983.
Unreal takes back the Big Red
The Ghosts of St. Louis Football

Jim Hart, who QB'ed the Big Red from 1966 to 1983.

Unreal takes back the Big Red
The Ghosts of St. Louis Football

Neil Lomax (No. 15) was Cardinals quarterback from 1981-1988.
Unreal takes back the Big Red
The Ghosts of St. Louis Football

Neil Lomax (No. 15) was Cardinals quarterback from 1981-1988. Unreal takes back the Big Red
The Ghosts of St. Louis Football

Neil Lomax.
Unreal takes back the Big Red
The Ghosts of St. Louis Football

Neil Lomax.

Unreal takes back the Big Red
The Ghosts of St. Louis Football

Notoriously cheap Cardinals owner Bill Bidwill (left) in Busch Stadium with an unidentified guest.
Unreal takes back the Big Red
The Ghosts of St. Louis Football

Notoriously cheap Cardinals owner Bill Bidwill (left) in Busch Stadium with an unidentified guest.

Unreal takes back the Big Red
The Ghosts of St. Louis Football

Jim Hart (No. 17).
Unreal takes back the Big Red
The Ghosts of St. Louis Football

Jim Hart (No. 17).

Unreal takes back the Big Red
The Ghosts of St. Louis Football

Bill Bidwill. His son, Michael Bidwill, now manages day-to-day operations for the team in Arizona.
Unreal takes back the Big Red
The Ghosts of St. Louis Football

Bill Bidwill. His son, Michael Bidwill, now manages day-to-day operations for the team in Arizona.

Unreal takes back the Big Red
The Ghosts of St. Louis Football

Jim Hart.
Unreal takes back the Big Red
The Ghosts of St. Louis Football

Jim Hart.

Unreal takes back the Big Red
The Ghosts of St. Louis Football

Dan Dierdorf, a Hall of Fame Cardinal.
Unreal takes back the Big Red
The Ghosts of St. Louis Football

Dan Dierdorf, a Hall of Fame Cardinal.

Unreal takes back the Big Red
The Ghosts of St. Louis Football

Billboard Ad

Best of St. Louis

Best of St. Louis

St. Louis Guides

Bar Guide

City Guide

View More Guides

Digital Issue

June 29, 2022

View more issues