Major League Baseball

Busch Stadium preps for U2 concert

Published Jul. 15, 2011 5:34 p.m. ET

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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.''

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.

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.

U2's 360 Tour stop in St. Louis includes opening act Interpol. The bands next plays in East Rutherford, N.J., on July 20.

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