MARYLAND HEIGHTS, Mo. — Fans and families swarm around Westport Plaza Friday to snag a first look at the new Rawlings Experience.
The MLB's premier gear has built up its roster in St. Louis with a new interactive experience near its headquarters in Maryland Heights.
VP of Brand and Sports Marketing Eric Reinsfelder said that the Experience was exclusive for St. Louis and a first of its kind for the company.
"We are thrilled. We are thrilled. This has been three years in the making from concept to really digging in and making it a reality," he said.
“The Rawlings Experience” includes two stories filled with retail for baseball and softball gear.
Visitors can pay homage to winners of the Rawlings Gold Glove Awards that the best fielders in MLB receive. They can also customize their own gloves.
On the second floor, young baseball players can test out bats in a virtual simulator batting case.
There are also photo opportunities with a giant baseball and a giant Gold Glove.
"I think my favorite part was checking out the Golden Glove area. I was always a big fan of being a fielder. I didn't like hitting as much as I liked being in the field," said Tyler Phillip, a baseball player and fan.
"I can see kids coming for tournaments, definitely stopping by here. Saying 'Hey mom let's look at some gloves. 'This place is awesome. It's truly everything you want or need," one fan said.
During the first look, people were able to take pictures with Red Bird, meet and greet Cardinals legends Ozzie Smith and Ted Simmons, and enjoy the attraction's grand opening.
"I think it's going to bring people together. I think it's going to help represent baseball really well," Phillip said.
The Rawlings Experience opens every day of the week at 10 a.m.