Welcome to AutoZone Park, where future Cardinals prepare for their final flight toward The Show. Situated in downtown Memphis just blocks from the Mississippi River, there's no shortage of things to do in the city that produced music from the likes of B.B. King, Johnny Cash and, of course, Elvis Presley.
Memphis Redbirds (Triple-A affiliate of the St. Louis Cardinals since 1998)
Established: 1998
League: International League
Ballpark: AutoZone Park (opened 2000)
Championships: 2000, 2009, 2017, 2018
Notable alumni: Albert Pujols, Yadier Molina, Adam Wainwright, J.D. Drew, Matt Carpenter
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Art or Photo Credit: Memphis Redbirds
Memphis' long and rich relationship with professional baseball dates back to 1877. During those 147 years, the city failed to host a pro baseball team just seven times. A series of Minor League relocations and expansion led to the formation of the Redbirds in 1998, who immediately joined the Pacific Coast League as the Cardinals Triple-A affiliate. Memphis played its first two seasons at Tim McCarver Stadium before AutoZone Park rang in the new millennium. Prior to the 2021 season, as part of a larger reorganization of Minor League Baseball, the Redbirds shifted from the PCL to the International League.
AutoZone Park
Ballpark location (via Google Maps)
Memphis Redbirds schedule
Memphis Redbirds roster
200 Union Avenue
Memphis, TN 38103
901-721-6000
Capacity: Approximately 10,000 (6,500 fixed seats)
Dimensions: left field, 319 feet; center field, 400 feet; right field, 322 feet
Park Factors (2021-22)
100 = league average
Runs: 105 | Homers: 99 | Hits: 105
International League environment: 4.89 runs per team per game (seventh-highest among 11 full-season leagues)
Art or Photo Credit: Memphis Redbirds
In what has become a rarity in the age of corporate-sponsored stadiums, AutoZone Park has maintained its moniker during its two-plus decades of occupation. The 10,000-seat park played host to the Triple-A All-Star Game in 2003, MLB's first Civil Rights Game in '07 and again the following year, and the Triple-A National Championship Game in '16 and '19.
Alterations to the ballpark have actually decreased the seating capacity from a high of 14,384 to 10,000. Prior to the change -- and with the help of standing-room availability -- the Redbirds drew a club-record 18,620 fans on Aug. 31, 2008.
Art or Photo Credit: Memphis Redbirds
The exterior of the park is brick with plenty of ornamental iron, which adds to the nostalgic feel of an otherwise 21st-century stadium. Fans are greeted by a picturesque plaza just outside of the main gates to the ballpark itself. Once inside, spectators find themselves in an open concourse, providing a view of the field when heading to the concession stands. Patrons seated along the first-base and right-field lines or on the terrace have a view of the Memphis skyline beyond the third-base/left-field side of the park.
Art or Photo Credit: Memphis Redbirds
A fan-friendly staple in Minor League ballparks across the country is the outfield berm, and AutoZone Park has two of them. The Bluffs -- a play on Memphis' nickname "Bluff City" -- are two general admission lawn seating areas beyond left and right field. There is also a terrace/ party deck in right, over which one of the Minors' largest video boards resides, measuring 60 feet by 60 feet.
One of the more unique features, often unknown to fans, is a rooftop garden that overlooks the plaza. The garden grows a variety of fruits, vegetables and herbs, some of which are incorporated into the food at the ballpark.
The stadium enjoyed a number of upgrades prior to 2023, including a new playing surface, LED ribbons and an updated video screen for the aforementioned board in right field.
Concessions
There is no lack of food options at AutoZone Park. In addition to the traditional ballpark fare, American Dog offers several versions of hot dogs, including the Memphis Dog, veggie dogs and the always popular jumbo hot dog. The Farm to Fowl stand sells everything from burgers to fish 'n chips.
The stadium also provides a variety of vegetarian options, and for those with a sweet tooth, a visit to the Sweet Treats stand is a must. There are a number of fan-friendly promotions aligned with food, including Ice Cream Sundays and Nacho Average Tuesdays.
Mascot
From St. Louis on down, the Cardinals don't shy away from their identity. Rocky the Redbird has been a staple at Memphis games since the team's inception in 1998. Measuring "larger than life" and weighing "light as a feather," Rocky interacts with fans in the stands throughout AutoZone Park, dances during the seventh-inning stretch and takes part in on-field contests between innings.
Art or Photo Credit: Memphis Redbirds
Where to Stay
Headed to the stadium and looking for a hotel nearby? Your Wyndham is waiting. As the Official Hotel of Minor League Baseball, Wyndham Hotels & Resorts welcomes baseball fans with a portfolio of 24 trusted brands. Find Hotels by Wyndham closest to the ballpark below and book now at wyndhamhotels.com.
• Super 8 by Wyndham West Memphis
• La Quinta Inn & Suites by Wyndham Memphis Airport Graceland
• Ramada by Wyndham West Memphis
• Baymont by Wyndham Memphis I-240
• La Quinta Inn & Suites by Wyndham West Memphis
Local Attractions
Part of the charm of a downtown ballpark is the myriad of other things available to fans and Memphis certainly provides plenty of attractions.
AutoZone Park sits just east of the Cotton Row Historic District and is within a short walk of Beale Street. With music peppering the city's history, there is no shortage of local nightclubs plus the Rock 'n' Soul Museum, which offers insight into the origins of soul/blues music.
Memphis is also home to the National Civil Rights Museum, the popular Mississippi Riverfront area and the award-winning Memphis Zoo.
Of course, no trip to Memphis would be complete without a visit to Elvis Presley's Graceland, where "The King" held court from 1957-1977.
Food and Drink
Known for Memphis-style barbecue -- the dry-rubbed ribs and barbeque spaghetti are especially popular -- the city offers a plethora of fine and casual dining options. Memphis has become a culinary delight with plenty of local watering holes to quench the thirstiest of souls.
Some notable establishments to grab a bite include Central BBQ, Gus' World Famous Fried Chicken and Elwood's Shack. Looking for an after-dinner drink won't be a problem either. Whether it's traditional bars, breweries or music lounges, there are night spots aplenty.
Moving On
Memphis is one of four Minor League teams to call Tennessee home: Triple-A Nashville (Brewers), Double-A Chattanooga (Reds) and Double-A Tennessee (Cubs). Staying within the Cardinals system won't be a short journey. The closest stop is Busch Stadium itself, nearly 300 miles away.
The Road to St. Louis
Thankfully, Cardinals have wings. The chicks leave the nest in Palm Beach and head north to Peoria, Springfield and Memphis before settling down and making their nests in the shadows of the Gateway Arch.
Single-A: Palm Beach Cardinals
High-A: Peoria Chiefs
Double-A: Springfield Cardinals
Triple-A: Memphis Redbirds
