We end 2018 with a countdown of the 10 biggest stories of the year on Arena Digest, as chosen by editors and partially based on page views. Today, #10: Enterprise Center renovations at the home of the NHL’s St. Louis Blues.
In more ways than one, the Enterprise Center experienced a new beginning in 2018. While a naming-rights deal between the Blues and Enterprise Holdings gave the former Scottrade Center a new identity, it also received an elaborate round of renovations that brought major changes to the fan experience.
The Blues are in the midst of a multi-phase renovation to Enterprise Center. An initial round of upgrades completed before the 2017-18 season brought several changes–including a new videoboard–but the subsequent slate of projects more directly affected the fan experience, thanks to the introduction of new gathering spaces and premium areas.
One of the key tasks completed in the second round of renovations was the conversion of the arena’s former atrium along Clark Avenue, as the space was infilled at two different levels. That allowed for the addition of a variety of amenities, including a new retail store and a gathering space known as The District on the Mezzanine level, which offers a striking view of downtown St. Louis. Furthermore, Enterprise Center also received the Anheuser-Busch Biergarten–an area just inside the 14th Street Entrance that opens 90 minutes before game time and stays in business for up to two hours after its conclusion.
With that broad slate of upgrades, Enterprise Center was able to receive new spaces that benefit all fans and arena event attendees. Premium areas were also a focus on the project, with The Bommarito Automotive Group Lounge (above) and Scott Credit Union Rinkside Club on the Event Level among the highlights. Perhaps most impressively, the work took place on a tight schedule, with construction beginning in June and the arena reopening September 13 for a Maroon 5 concert and a Blues’ preseason game following on September 21.
An upcoming third phase of renovations will lead to even more changes at Enterprise Center, but 2018 ultimately saw the Blues make extensive changes that improve the experience for all fans at the 24-year-old arena. For a closer look at the Enterprise Center renovations completed this year, see our September story that featured insight from project officials with lead architect Generator Studio.
Renderings courtesy Generator Studio.
