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MLB Dedicates Right-Field Section to Shirtless “Tarps Off” Fans

5/23/2026

50 6 Full Breakdown

Summary

Story summary

MLB reserved a right-field section at Busch Stadium for the shirtless “Tarps Off” fans.
Trend began when Stephen F. Austin players went shirtless at a Cardinals-Royals game that ended with a walk-off.
Manager Oliver Marmol bought tickets for those fans and later secured the right-field section.
MLB reports attendance is 1,000 fans per game higher than last year as crowds have appeared in Seattle, Tampa Bay, Philadelphia, Detroit and Anaheim.

History

Historical Context

On August 12, 1994 the MLB players’ strike began, ending the season after the August 11 games and prompting acting commissioner Bud Selig to cancel the rest on September 14, ending the World Series for the first time since 1904. To recover attendance, Cardinals manager Oliver Marmol now reserves a right-field section for shirtless “Tarps Off” fans, a promotion echoing post-strike crowd-boosting efforts after the 34-day work stoppage.

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Story summary

MLB reserved a right-field section at Busch Stadium for the shirtless “Tarps Off” fans.
Trend began when Stephen F. Austin players went shirtless at a Cardinals-Royals game that ended with a walk-off.
Manager Oliver Marmol bought tickets for those fans and later secured the right-field section.
MLB reports attendance is 1,000 fans per game higher than last year as crowds have appeared in Seattle, Tampa Bay, Philadelphia, Detroit and Anaheim.

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