That would be an awful idea.chaifetz10 wrote:Speaking of facility renovations and/or upgrades, I heard some clatter through the Blues a while back about a possible pedestrian bridge on the south side of Scottrade towards the Civic Center Metrolink station. I saw a decent rendering too, but haven't heard anything in quite some time. Anyone know if that project ever gained legs or was just one of those exploratory ideas?
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It didn't actually cross over the street if I remember correctly. It looked like it went over the parking garage entrance/exit down toward the NE corner of 16th & Clark.
My apologies... not towards the Civic Center station, but out west towards the Union Station Metrolink stop.
My apologies... not towards the Civic Center station, but out west towards the Union Station Metrolink stop.
If you can scour something up, that would be cool.chaifetz10 wrote:Speaking of facility renovations and/or upgrades, I heard some clatter through the Blues a while back about a possible pedestrian bridge on the south side of Scottrade towards the Civic Center Metrolink station. I saw a decent rendering too, but haven't heard anything in quite some time. Anyone know if that project ever gained legs or was just one of those exploratory ideas?
But yes, the pedestrian traffic and everyone entering/leaving the city-owned Kiel garage is a horrible mix.
That's actually not a bad idea. When was that proposed?chaifetz10 wrote:Google to the rescue!
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Looks like a projection onto the parking garage facade rather than a screen... pretty crazy.chaifetz10 wrote:Google to the rescue!
btw, Blues had another sell-out last night with 19,000+.... with the next home ice on the 29th they'll match the Rams regular season attendance.
Probably just a banner. They've had them up on the garage before.moorlander wrote:Is it a projection or just a banner?
Here's a second image:chaifetz10 wrote:Google to the rescue!
Was this merely a proposal or did it ever get serious consideration? It's a good idea.
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I'm not a big fan. I don't know if it is the ugly concrete overpasses that I have seen in the past that are swaying my opinion. I don't think that it is really needed either. That street isn't that wide, there isn't much traffic, and there is usually police directing traffic during events. If anything they need can liven up the sidewalk down to Union Station a bit, especially now with that being redone.
I also don't think that the arena needs an upgrade. I go to a decent amount of games there and there are no amenities that it lacks. Granted I haven't been to games in other cities so maybe there is something I don't know about but I can't think of anything. I'd rather not have to pay higher ticket prices and/or taxes so that we get some larger screens and nicer corporate boxes.
On a bit of a tangent I would like to mention the EJ Dome. I hear people always talk about how we need an open air venue and that is why they don't go and I don't get it. I would think that they go for the team/atmosphere. I have only been to a couple of games and the Rams were booed by their own fans. I don't think sitting outside in the freezing cold would have made it more fun. I get that some people would prefer to be outside, even though it may be cold, but is that really worth $1B? I didn't really see any problem with the dome except that the top seats are a little too steep. Of course none of this may matter much longer anyway.
I also don't think that the arena needs an upgrade. I go to a decent amount of games there and there are no amenities that it lacks. Granted I haven't been to games in other cities so maybe there is something I don't know about but I can't think of anything. I'd rather not have to pay higher ticket prices and/or taxes so that we get some larger screens and nicer corporate boxes.
On a bit of a tangent I would like to mention the EJ Dome. I hear people always talk about how we need an open air venue and that is why they don't go and I don't get it. I would think that they go for the team/atmosphere. I have only been to a couple of games and the Rams were booed by their own fans. I don't think sitting outside in the freezing cold would have made it more fun. I get that some people would prefer to be outside, even though it may be cold, but is that really worth $1B? I didn't really see any problem with the dome except that the top seats are a little too steep. Of course none of this may matter much longer anyway.
Cars and pedestrians conflicting are the reason it takes 45 minutes (not exaggerating) to get out of the Kiel Garage. It doesn't seem that big a deal if the pedestrian bridge hugs up against the garage. Plus they could be thinking safety: the same way the St. Louis Zoo has guests cross a bridge from the parking lot.flipz wrote:I'm not a big fan. I don't know if it is the ugly concrete overpasses that I have seen in the past that are swaying my opinion. I don't think that it is really needed either. That street isn't that wide, there isn't much traffic, and there is usually police directing traffic during events. If anything they need can liven up the sidewalk down to Union Station a bit, especially now with that being redone.
And until the Post Office leaves downtown I don't know what you could do to Clark between the arena and Union Station to liven it up.
I'm not talking about huge upgrades: just some freshening up so it doesn't look like 199X in there. Paint, new flooring, fix the ceiling tiles and water stains, a few more TVs, hide the pipes and wires on the concourse. I'm not saying we should bling the building out and turn Scottrade into the United Center or Staples Center: but when compared to other similar aged arenas in other cities (Nashville, Indianapolis, Tampa, Dallas) Scottrade seems behind the times.flipz wrote:I also don't think that the arena needs an upgrade. I go to a decent amount of games there and there are no amenities that it lacks. Granted I haven't been to games in other cities so maybe there is something I don't know about but I can't think of anything. I'd rather not have to pay higher ticket prices and/or taxes so that we get some larger screens and nicer corporate boxes.
EDIT: and take the pastel neon down. Makes it look like the food court from the late 80's/early 90's.
For the most part, I agree. Dome bashing is overrated as it is a fine place to watch football. It is certainly not an ideal venue, and an outdoor stadium would be cool, but as far as the experience, i think it's fine and I don't mind being indoors for a few hours to watch. In fact, the way I attended the last few home games of the season, I hung out in the party zone the whole time, getting in for around 10 dollars. Big screen TVs for the television perspective mixed with live action. Close access to beer and snacks if needed, climate controlled, and was able to watch the Blues simultaneously for the Thursday night game. What more do you want on a cold night in December?
The humdrum product over the last decade has been largest hindrance. Between the loss of Bradford, noncomittal ownership, lack of creativity on the offensive side of the ball, and the perpetual losing, it's been a tough road for Rams fans. Similarly, when I'm at Blues games, I could really care less about the venue. The team is why you go and responsible for the majority of "the experience." One need only to look to 14th and Clark for what committed ownership can do with a struggling franchise in STL once establishing strong roots with the fanbase.
The humdrum product over the last decade has been largest hindrance. Between the loss of Bradford, noncomittal ownership, lack of creativity on the offensive side of the ball, and the perpetual losing, it's been a tough road for Rams fans. Similarly, when I'm at Blues games, I could really care less about the venue. The team is why you go and responsible for the majority of "the experience." One need only to look to 14th and Clark for what committed ownership can do with a struggling franchise in STL once establishing strong roots with the fanbase.
I agree with the previous posts. Now, I don't have a lot of experience in other major league-level stadiums outside of baseball, but I never saw anything wrong with Scottrade or the Dome. Yeah, the Dome is a little bland, but who really cares when you're at the game? As far as hockey, the only other arena I've been in has been TD Garden in Boston, and I honestly preferred Scottrade. The concourses at the Garden just felt darkand terminal-like (probably because it is indeed a train station). But, a little makeup I'm sure won't hurt. Once inside the actual arena part, well, most arenas are going to be pretty much the same anyways. I'll be at the Blues-Caps game on February 1st and get to checkout the Verizon Center, which is also supposed to be nice. Then again, TD Garden has been called by some the best hockey arena in the game, and I just didn't it. Though granted, I may have been blinded by my hatred towards all Boston teams and their arrogant fan base.
Seating area is the seating area. I've found little difference except with all the arenas I've been to except I'm not a fan of the design of Atlanta's arena with the wall of luxury boxes all on one side.shimmy wrote:I agree with the previous posts. Now, I don't have a lot of experience in other major league-level stadiums outside of baseball, but I never saw anything wrong with Scottrade or the Dome. Yeah, the Dome is a little bland, but who really cares when you're at the game? As far as hockey, the only other arena I've been in has been TD Garden in Boston, and I honestly preferred Scottrade. The concourses at the Garden just felt dark and terminal-like (probably because it is indeed a train station). But, a little makeup I'm sure won't hurt. Once inside the actual arena part, well, most arenas are going to be pretty much the same anyways. I'll be at the Blues-Caps game on February 1st and get to checkout the Verizon Center, which is also supposed to be nice. Then again, TD Garden has been called by some the best hockey arena in the game, and I just didn't it. Though granted, I may have been blinded by my hatred towards all Boston teams and their arrogant fan base.
Not much needs to be done at Scottrade inside the actual seating area except for a truly HD scoreboard along with fixing the missing ceiling tiles and repairing the water stains.
Blues owner Tom Stillman was on 101.1 last night. He said:
- their main push is for an outdoor game and it could come soon. He admitted they have talked to the Cardinals about Busch as the site and that they'd much prefer to host than going to play in another city.
-the outdoor game is their target and no interest in the HNL All Star Game at this time.
- their main push is for an outdoor game and it could come soon. He admitted they have talked to the Cardinals about Busch as the site and that they'd much prefer to host than going to play in another city.
-the outdoor game is their target and no interest in the HNL All Star Game at this time.
We hosted the NHL all star game in 88, I would think that the league would reward the city for their commitment to the team yet nothing on the stadium series front as Chicago is looking at their 4th outdoor game, the bitterness of the 1991 Scott Stevens fiasco should be over as all the players in that confrontation with league are no more.dweebe wrote:Blues owner Tom Stillman was on 101.1 last night. He said:
- their main push is for an outdoor game and it could come soon. He admitted they have talked to the Cardinals about Busch as the site and that they'd much prefer to host than going to play in another city.
-the outdoor game is their target and no interest in the HNL All Star Game at this time.
Won't be 2016.
Bob McKenzie @TSNBobMcKenzie ·
As I just said on @NBCSN pre-game show, expectation is NHL will announce this weekend outdoor games next season for COL and MIN.
MIN's opponent expected to be CHI; COL's opponent expected to be DET. BOS, of course, will host MTL on Jan. 1 in Winter Classic in Foxboro.
I keep hearing from multiple sources now that an outdoor game (at least the Stadium Series) is challenging in STL because it is sponsored by Coors. Busch Stadium logos and verbage would be involved in the marketing aspect of the event and Coors is obviously not down with that. Although it seems trite, I can understand it given how much money and advertising potential likely plays a role in such endeavors.
However, now that the original six have all participated, it's time to share the wealth. The fact that two original expansion teams (Dallas and STL) still have not participated, some of the original 6 have done it multiple times, and teams like Colorado and Minnesota are getting a shot is a slap in the face.
The way STL seems to get passed over for such things, expect the California Seals to get an outdoor game in Stan Kroenke's new LA stadium before the Blues get one. I'd love to hold out hope that the Blues could face off in 2020 on the banks of the Mississippi on the 50 yard line, however, with Peacock leading that effort, what are the odds AB-InBev could be involved in naming rights for our possible new digs?
However, now that the original six have all participated, it's time to share the wealth. The fact that two original expansion teams (Dallas and STL) still have not participated, some of the original 6 have done it multiple times, and teams like Colorado and Minnesota are getting a shot is a slap in the face.
The way STL seems to get passed over for such things, expect the California Seals to get an outdoor game in Stan Kroenke's new LA stadium before the Blues get one. I'd love to hold out hope that the Blues could face off in 2020 on the banks of the Mississippi on the 50 yard line, however, with Peacock leading that effort, what are the odds AB-InBev could be involved in naming rights for our possible new digs?
Your points make me fear a Dallas Stars/St. Louis Blues game at Jerry's World in Arlington Texas.blzhrpmd2 wrote:I keep hearing from multiple sources now that an outdoor game (at least the Stadium Series) is challenging in STL because it is sponsored by Coors. Busch Stadium logos and verbage would be involved in the marketing aspect of the event and Coors is obviously not down with that. Although it seems trite, I can understand it given how much money and advertising potential likely plays a role in such endeavors.
However, now that the original six have all participated, it's time to share the wealth. The fact that two original expansion teams (Dallas and STL) still have not participated, some of the original 6 have done it multiple times, and teams like Colorado and Minnesota are getting a shot is a slap in the face.
I can understand Minnesota and Colorado getting one, no problem. Especially Minnesota. Minnesota is a hockey-crazed state and they packed the University of Minnesota's football stadium (50,000) for a college game between U of M and Ohio State. I think it's ridiculous that Boston is getting their second before Minnesota gets their first. And to see the same teams over and over again is getting old (especially Chicago and Boston).
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I think you're forgetting that the NHL is doing these games to increase their exposure and to create "events" like the NFL has with Thanksgiving and to a lesser extent, the NBA on Christmas. Best way to do that is to have teams that are nationally marketable, with marketable and recognizable stars and, if also possible, a known rivalry. Chicago is the largest, by sheer population, single market team in the US, as well as being very successful in the past 5 years and having numerous marketable players. Oh yeah, they are also an "Original 6" team, which the NHL seems to favor. Given, the last two outdoor games the Hawks have played were against Pittsburgh and Washington, which they don't have traditional rivalries with nor are they Original 6 teams, but they have Sidney Crosby and Ovechkin. How do the Blues stack up? Population, small. Recent success, decent? Star Power, Oshie? (On a national level, his flame is weakening everyday since the US-Russia game). Rivals, Chicago & Detroit (both have already played numerous outdoor games). [I don't know what Colorado really has to offer that St. Louis doesn't, except for it's prettier. Minnesota has the history of being a hockey hotbed and not much else.]shimmy wrote: And to see the same teams over and over again is getting old (especially Chicago and Boston).
Lastly, I don't know that I'd trust the weather in St. Louis to cooperate for an outdoor game. We've got probably a similar climate to DC, which just hosted an outdoor game & had to delay it because the weather was too nice.
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Unbelievable stretch for the Blues... Tuesday should be a lot of fun down at Scottrade with division leading Lightning in. We've already matched the Rams season attendance, btw, with 15 home dates to go plus hopefully a deep run into the playoffs.
Good stretch indeed. I hope Shattenkirk not out too long. But what's the point about matching Rams' attendance?
I think the point is simply to provide some context to the idea that having the Rams in St. Louis is a boon for downtown.blzhrpmd2 wrote:Good stretch indeed. I hope Shattenkirk not out too long. But what's the point about matching Rams' attendance?
The NHL is a tiny David to the NFL's Goliath, and we haven't invested significant public dollars on the Blues in a couple decades, and yet in just over half their season, they're bringing an equal and more frequent amount of people downtown.
Obviously the decision isn't one between the Rams and the Blues. It's just a note that it's an awfully steep price to pay for a return on downtown that can be matched and exceeded by other things.
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so if we're going to have another downtown franchise wouldn't it be better to have a NBA franchise? More games, more impact downtown?