Though talks are far from over, a proposal to renovate Scottrade Center–home of the St. Louis Blues–stalled after a committee voted against a funding plan.
St. Louis officials have been working with the Blues to plan future upgrades to the Scottrade Center. Costing an estimated $138 million, the proposal would lead to a drastic overhaul of the arena over multiple phases. Upgrades would address areas such as seating, the exterior, provide a new scoreboard, and more.
On Monday, the aldermanic Ways and Means committee was set to weigh in a proposed funding model that called for about $67.5 million in funds toward the project. By a narrow margin, the plan was rejected, though committee members emphasized that it does not end renovation talks. More from the St. Louis Business Journal:
Members of the city of St. Louis’ Ways and Means Committee voted the measure down by a vote of 4-3, with one present. The bill would have the city pay $4 million annually beginning perhaps in 2023 and lasting until 2048, totaling some $68 million in current dollars.
The project, however, is not dead. Alderman Steve Conway, the committee chairman, voted no on the bill so that it could be considered again after more negotiations between the city and the St. Louis Blues.
Proponents of the plan have argued that renovations are needed not only to ensure the future of hockey in the city, but to allow St. Louis to remain competitive when it comes to attracting other events. The city has had a lot on its plate of late when it comes to stadium/arena proposals, as the Board of Alderman have spent much of this month debating the merits of funding a proposed soccer stadium for an MLS expansion team.
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