The Cardinals' new ballpark opened in April 2006, and is called "Busch Stadium." It carries on a tradition that started more than 50 years ago. "This was a proud day for all of us at Anheuser-Busch," said August A. Busch IV, president, Anheuser-Busch, Inc. "Our company has an enduring, half-century partnership with the Cardinals. We were thrilled to continue this relationship for the passionate fans of this great team and because the Cardinals mean so much to all of us in our hometown. "By extending our agreement and keeping our name on the stadium, we wanted the St. Louis community and all Cardinals' fans - who are the best in baseball - to know that we were committed to being a player in this team's success for many years to come." The new ballpark is the third to bear the name "Busch Stadium." In fact, the Cardinals are the only current Major League Baseball team that is still based in its original city and have played in three different stadiums of the same name. Anheuser-Busch purchased the Cardinals in 1952. A year later the company bought Sportsman's Park, renamed it "Busch Stadium," and of course placed its stadium signage there. The company took active part in building a new downtown stadium in the mid-1960s. When it opened in 1966, it was named "Busch Memorial Stadium". The Cardinals continued to play there until they moved to the new ballpark in April 2006. "Anheuser-Busch has played a vital role in the Cardinals proud history for more than 50 years, and we're honored to continue this partnership for the next 20 years," said William O. DeWitt Jr., chairman of the board, St. Louis Cardinals. "From the day we began planning for the new ballpark, we wanted to keep the name 'Busch Stadium.' August Busch IV and Anheuser-Busch share our vision for continuing that tradition for our great fans and the entire St. Louis community." Anheuser-Busch sold the Cardinals to their current owners in 1995. Their agreement allowed the brewer to be the exclusive alcohol advertiser in: all team broadcasts on radio, local network and cable TV; interior and exterior stadium signage - including stadium naming rights; use of the Cardinals logo; and team promotions. In August 2004, they announced the extension of this existing agreement for the next 20 years. "When you think of the Cardinals, you think of a winning tradition and all the great players who have worn our uniform. But the team and our great fans also think of Anheuser-Busch and the contributions the company has made to our success for over a half century," Cardinals President Mark Lamping said. "It just wouldn't be 'Cardinals baseball' without 'Busch Stadium' and the playing of 'Here Comes the King' during the game." Three large "Busch Stadium" signs, similar to Bronx billboards, were placed above the main entrances on the outside of the new field. One can see Budweiser and Bud Light brand stadium signage inside. The stadium appeared prominently, including over the scoreboard, above the press box and on the outfield wall, and Busch Stadium signage appear at various locations.