A quarter-century ago, AutoZone Park gave Downtown a jump-start
In 1998, the St. Louis Cardinals’ Triple-A affiliate moved from Louisville to Memphis. For two years, the Redbirds played at an aging Tim McCarver Stadium, with aches and creaks in every joint.
So, the relocation to Memphis was made with the promise of building a new ballpark.
On April 1, 2000, delivery was made on that promise as the Redbirds opened AutoZone Park at Third Street and Union Avenue by playing the Cardinals in an exhibition game before a full house.