Busch Stadium preps for U2 concert
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Tony La Russa is a big rock fan, having hosted members of the Eagles and Journey among others in his office as manager of the St. Louis Cardinals.
He's a bit lukewarm on U2, though.
"I think they're all right," La Russa said. "They're not top 10, but they're good. They put on a good show."
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La Russa and his team will be in Cincinnati this weekend, meaning he won't have a chance to catch Sunday's U2 concert at Busch Stadium. Organizers anticipate a crowd of 52,000, which would be a record for the 6-year-old stadium.
Crews began tearing out sod hours after the Cardinals beat the Arizona Diamondbacks last Sunday, clearing the way for a massive revolving stage that features claw-like legs and a huge video screen behind the band.
The home and visitor's dugouts will serve as first-aid stations. The visitor's clubhouse will be the dressing room for U2; the Cardinals' clubhouse will be the only area off-limits to the band.
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Vicki Bryant, vice president of event services and merchandising at the stadium, said workers began hauling in 110 semi-truck loads of equipment on Tuesday. It will take two days to clear the stadium after the show, giving the grounds crew a week to lay new sod in preparation for the Cardinals' next home game on July 25.
"It's a tremendous undertaking," Martin said. "Everything's magnified by the sheer size of the event."
Last year, the Eagles and Dixie Chicks drew a crowd of about 36,000 at Busch and crews had to re-plant sod only in the outfield, working 40 consecutive hours to ready the stadium.
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U2's 360 Tour stop in St. Louis includes opening act Interpol. The bands next plays in East Rutherford, N.J., on July 20.