Barely three miles from campus, downtown St. Louis is the heart and soul of our city's cultural activities. On a given night, you could dine in one of the area's countless restaurants, enjoy a ballgame in America's best sports city and conclude the night's festivities in historic Laclede's Landing.

Next to the Arch, Busch Stadium (250 Stadium Plaza, 421-2400) is the city's calling card. The St. Louis Cardinals play in one of America's most revered ballparks, and tickets are always a hot item. Still, discount Cards tickets drift onto campus at regular intervals throughout the academic year. If you stumble upon one of these "Cards nights," don't hesitate to throw down 15 bucks–the stadium will be demolished soon, and countless memories will fall with it.

The beleagured Rams will look to avenge last season's disappointments at the Edward Jones Dome (701 Convention Plaza, 342-5201), but you're probably better off watching the football action on television. Tickets sell out at warp speed, and unless you had a particularly impressive night at the casinos, good luck finding the cash for eBay prices.

Until further notice, the Billiken basketball team will continue to ball at the Savvis Center (1401 Clark, 622-5435). Missing the Cincinatti game is unforgivable, so snag your ticket early. The Savvis also hosts perennial NHL heavyweights, the St. Louis Blues, and a variety of A-list musical acts.

For a pre-game dinner, Morgan Street Brewery (721 N. Second, 231-9970) boasts a mouth-watering selection of homebrewed beers that compliment its excellent burgers. The outdoor tables provide a perfect background for conversations along the Landing's cobblestones. Those less carb-conscious would be wise to visit The Old Spaghetti Factory (727 N. First, 421-3853). It's one of the few downtown eateries where you can wine and dine for a reasonable price and enjoy a quality meal.

Just down the street, The Big Bang (807 N. Second, 241-2264) has a unique place in the St. Louis bar scene. Where other watering holes feature house bands or DJs, The Big Bang offers an ensemble of dueling pianists for a soundtrack. Audience participation is fervently encouraged, and the staff is ready to break into a dance number at a moment's notice. You haven't lived until you've heard the notes of "Pour Some Sugar On Me" tickling the ivories.

Def Leppard isn't for everyone, but if you really want to party like a rockstar, check out Velvet (1301 Washington, 241-8178). Ditch the beer-and-blue-jeans routine, because Velvet requires a strict dress code. Once inside, it's pretty clear why–the club looks like it's torn from a Hollywood movie set. Magnificent lighting, posh furniture and exotic drinks are par for the course in this cornerstone of St. Louis club culture. Major electronic artists include Velvet as a tour stop, and the front room spins hip-hop for traditionalists.

Mississippi Nights (914 N. First, 421-3853) is a great place to catch emerging artists before they graduate to MTV and the Pageant. Tickets usually retail for under $20 and are worth their weight in gold if you happen to catch the next great band "before they were famous."

No trip downtown would be complete without a trip to "the boats." The President Casino (St. Louis Riverfront, 622-3000) and Casino Queen (200 S. Front, 618-874-5000) are fine choices for riverboat gambling.

Slots, tables and live entertainment abound at both venues, which stay open late to seduce those unwilling to leave before one last roll or hand.

Nightclubs, ballgames and casinos are great ways to spend a paycheck, but even the cash-strapped can enjoy a taste of downtown at Union Station (1820 Market, 421-6655). Once the world's largest train station, the 110-year-old Union Station is now a haven for fine dining, entertainment and shopping.

Dining at the Hard Rock Cafe (Under the Train Shed, 621-7625) is essential for lovers of rock 'n' roll history and connoisseurs of pub cuisine alike.

Its signature Pig Sandwich is a delicious affront to Kosher living, and those of drinking age would be wise to sample a Hard Rock Hurricane.

The exact contents of this concoction remain a mystery, but it's potent enough to transform even the ugliest of barflies into a movie star.

Fans of "Whose Line Is It Anyway?" needn't wait for next week's episode–the City Improv Comedy Club (Second Level, across from the Grand Hall, 241-1527) tickles funny bones with six shows every week.

Two or three teams compete in totally unscripted comedy based on audience participation, and applause determines the winners. The Improv features college leagues, so don't be surprised if you see your fellow Billikens working for laughs.

With over 90 different stores inside Grand Hall, Union Station is an ideal place to get your shop on. At the very least, snag some fresh fudge at The Fudgery (First Level, 239-1901) and enjoy the show.

You might look like a tool while clapping in tune with the a capella stylings of the staff, but chocolate is supposed to be an aphrodisiac and it's probably worth the effort if you're on a date.

– Jon Butler