But the 73-year-old Waterloo, Ill., resident had observed the construction of the new Busch Stadium over the last two years while driving on nearby Highway 40, and he couldn't resist taking a look inside.

"It's fantastic, and I'm not a baseball fan, either," Goeddel said. "They did a beautiful job. ... It's beyond my expectations. I didn't think it would turn out like this."

Goeddel was among the estimated 60,000 fans that got an early glimpse of the new stadium in downtown St. Louis on Saturday afternoon. The Cardinals, who will dedicate the new stadium on Monday before hosting the Milwaukee Brewers, held two three-hour sessions for fans to explore the new park, its many new features and soak in the atmosphere.

It is unlikely any of those 60,000 fans left unimpressed.

"This could make me start following baseball," Goeddel said.

The weather was a bit chilly, but the smell of hot dogs and hamburgers filled the air. Organist Ernie Hays serenaded the crowd with the music from his magic fingers, as fans clapped along just like they used to at the old Busch. Many in the crowd looked for their seats for future games, stopping to snap photos at every opportunity.

"This is unbelievable," one man said as he walked through the Redbird Club.

"What a view," said a woman near the Cardinals' dugout, as she surveyed the backdrop behind the outfield that includes the Gateway Memorial Arch, Old Courthouse and several prominent features of the downtown skyline.

The fans got to watch the Fox Sports Midwest broadcast of the Cardinals-Cubs game from Chicago on the large scoreboard video screen beyond center field. They cheered when John Rodriguez punched a double down the left-field line in the first inning, and later voiced their displeasure with a call that went against the Cardinals.

"It's got the atmosphere of a game," said Ken Johnston, 41, of O'Fallon, Ill., "just not the players."

Johnston said the new Busch Stadium was "more than what I expected" and that it brings everybody closer to the game. He watched some of the Cardinals-Cubs game on the big screen from behind the bleachers out in left field.

Around him, fans enjoyed the scene as if the Cardinals were playing on the bright green grass in front of them. Many enjoyed a cold beverage or two while sampling some new and old favorite foods from the stadium vendors.

"Welcome to Baseball Heaven" flashed across one of the many new electronic signs at the stadium as workers hurried to put the finishing touches on the shiny new ballpark.

Larissa Grady and her husband watched the Memphis Redbirds play the Springfield Cardinals at Busch Stadium during Tuesday night's Fox Sports Midwest broadcast.

The Gradys made the almost three-hour drive from their home outside of Quincy, Ill., to St. Louis on Saturday so they could get a look at the new home of the Redbirds. Grady said the announcers described the stadium perfectly on Tuesday.

"It's a beautiful stadium," she said.