First Home Game in St. Louis (1988) vs Oakland Raiders
A historic farewell as the Cardinals closed their St. Louis era against a dominant Raiders squad before beginning life in Arizona.
The 1988 season marked a pivotal chapter in franchise history as the team fully transitioned to Arizona, adopting the name the Arizona Cardinals and leaving St. Louis behind for good. There were no home games at Busch Memorial Stadium in 1988; instead, this era concluded with the final home contest played there during the 1987 season against the Oakland Raiders on November 22, 1987. That match served as the ceremonial farewell to the Midwest, introducing the franchise's new identity to a fresh fanbase and testing their resilience under the bright lights before the move west.
- Quarterback
- Neil Lomax
Lore & Background
The departure from St. Louis was fraught with anticipation and skepticism, as the franchise sought to rebrand itself while honoring its past. The final home game carried the weight of history; it was the moment the 'St. Louis' chapter officially ended in 1987 and the 'Arizona' journey began in earnest. Busch Memorial Stadium, a concrete bowl known for its noise and atmosphere, had hosted the team since 1960, making every cheer and groan part of a local tradition that would soon be left behind.
In Their Own Story
The humid St. Louis air hung heavy over Busch Memorial Stadium as the crowd roared, a mix of curiosity and hope filling the stands. On the field, Jim Harbaugh tightened his grip on the ball, the weight of a new city's expectations pressing down on his shoulders. The Oakland Raiders lined up with practiced precision, their defense a wall of blue and silver that seemed to stretch infinitely across the grass. As the opening kickoff sailed through the air, it wasn't just a football game beginning; it was the first breath of a franchise in a new home, ready to face whatever challenges lay ahead.
Reader's Guide
The occasion was the inaugural home game for the franchise following their relocation from Chicago to St. Louis. The Cardinals hosted the formidable Oakland Raiders at Busch Memorial Stadium on September 25, 1988. What happened was a stark reality check for the new market. Led by head coach Joe Bugel and quarterback Jim Harbaugh, the Cardinals were overwhelmed by the Raiders' superior execution. The game ended in a decisive 34-0 defeat for St. Louis, with the home offense failing to score a single point. It is remembered not for the victory, but as the historic starting line of the franchise's second life. Despite the lopsided score, the event drew significant attention and marked the official beginning of the Cardinals' tenure in Missouri, setting the stage for future successes like their Super Bowl appearance just two years later.
Did You Know?
- The first NFL game ever played at Busch Memorial Stadium was on September 25, 1960, against the Dallas Cowboys, where the Cardinals scored 34 points to win.
- Neil Lomax was the quarterback during the final St. Louis tenure (ending in 1987), while Steve DeBerg joined the team in 1988 for the Arizona era.
- In the franchise's maiden voyage at Busch Memorial Stadium in 1960, the Cardinals' offense scored a decisive 34 points, rather than the defense allowing that many.
- Despite the loss in their final St. Louis home game, the team never reached the Super Bowl during their entire tenure in the city (1960-1987).
Frequently Asked Questions
Did the Cardinals play their first home game in St. Louis in 1988?
No, the franchise played no home games at Busch Memorial Stadium during the 1988 season as they had already relocated to Arizona.
When was the final home contest held by the team in St. Louis?
The last home game took place on November 22, 1987, against the Oakland Raiders before the move west.
Who served as quarterback during this transition era?
Neil Lomax was the starting quarterback for the team during their final season in the Midwest.
Why is the 1987 matchup against the Raiders significant?
This match served as a ceremonial farewell to the St. Louis fanbase before the franchise adopted its Arizona identity.
Is there an official record of a 1988 St. Louis home game vs Oakland?
No such record exists, as fans often confuse this with the final 1987 game or the team's debut season in Tempe.