St. Louis Sports Commission President Frank Viverito has "been in discussions with the Blues about possible updates" for the 21-year-old Scottrade Center in an attempt to "keep pace with other venues that are competitors," according to Stu Durando of the ST. LOUIS POST-DISPATCH. Some updates "already have started or are in the works." The hope is to "finalize a plan that will allow the sports commission to address the changes when it bids this year on NCAA championships" from '19-22. Blues President & CEO of Business Operations Chris Zimmerman: "The idea is that over the next 24 months we can get much of this completed. We have to give people the confidence they’re going to be looking at a building that’s competitive with its peers." Durando noted a complete list of renovations "has not been finalized, thus the cost is not known." The Blues, who are "responsible for the expenditures, are having wireless Internet installed" for nearly $2M. Some renovations for locker rooms "have been completed." Zimmerman said that it is "likely the arena will get new seats" -- estimated at $6M -- which could "decrease the arena’s capacity." He added a new heating, ventilation and air conditioning system would “probably would be one of the higher ticket items." Viverito said that other key elements in discussions with various entities that decide on where events will be held "include the need for high definition capabilities inside Scottrade and better space for locker rooms, media and hospitality." Scottrade will host the first and second rounds of the NCAA Tournament this year, the NCAA wrestling championships in '17 and the SEC men's basketball tournament in '18. Viverito’s next focus is a "late-year bid package for various NCAA championships." The new WiFi is "expected to be running for the Missouri Valley Conference and NCAA tournaments" (ST. LOUIS POST-DISPATCH, 1/3).
