St. Louis Arena

The Arena. St. Louis. Mo (63215)

St. Louis Arena

The St. Louis Arena, also known as the Checkerdome, was an indoor arena located in St. Louis, Missouri. It was situated at 5700 Oakland Avenue, adjacent to Forest Park and the St. Louis Science Center. The arena was a significant venue for various sports, concerts, and other events from its opening in 1929 until its closure in 1994.

History

The St. Louis Arena was constructed in 1929 by the National Dairy Show to host their annual event. The building was designed by Albert B. Groves and featured a distinctive lamella roof structure, which provided a large, unobstructed interior space. The arena had a seating capacity of approximately 15,000 for hockey games and up to 20,000 for concerts and other events.

In 1977, the arena was renamed the Checkerdome after it was purchased by Ralston Purina, whose corporate logo featured a checkerboard pattern. The name reverted to the St. Louis Arena in 1983 when Ralston Purina sold the venue.

Sports

The St. Louis Arena was home to several professional sports teams, including:

• The St. Louis Blues of the National Hockey League (NHL) from 1967 to 1994.
• The St. Louis Eagles of the National Hockey League (NHL) for the 1934-35 season.
• The St. Louis Hawks of the National Basketball Association (NBA) from 1955 to 1968.
• The St. Louis Bombers of the Basketball Association of America (BAA) from 1946 to 1950.

The arena also hosted numerous college basketball games, including those of the Saint Louis Billikens.

Concerts and Events

In addition to sports, the St. Louis Arena was a popular venue for concerts and other entertainment events. It hosted performances by major artists and bands, including The Beatles, Elvis Presley, and The Rolling Stones. The arena was also used for circuses, ice shows, and political rallies.

Demolition

After the opening of the Enterprise Center (originally known as the Kiel Center) in 1994, the St. Louis Arena was closed. The building was demolished in 1999, and the site is now occupied by a business park.

Legacy

The St. Louis Arena remains a significant part of St. Louis's sports and entertainment history. Many residents fondly remember the events and games held there, and it is considered an iconic part of the city's past.

See Also

• Enterprise Center
• St. Louis Blues
• Forest Park (St. Louis)
• Saint Louis Billikens men's basketball