Missouri state Sen. Dave Schatz yesterday made a proposal that would "allow the state to contribute" up to $6M per year to upgrading the Blues' 23-year-old Scottrade Center, according to Austin Huguelet of the ST. LOUIS POST-DISPATCH. Officials have said that the arena "needs urgent fixes if it is to continue attracting top-flight sporting events and concerts." St. Louis Mayor Francis Slay yesterday "led a small group of city leaders urging lawmakers to pitch in on renovations." Blues President & CEO of Business Operations Chris Zimmerman told a Senate committee that the state's money would "go toward fixing a laundry list of issues, including failing plumbing, obsolete lighting and an overtaxed air conditioning system." The St. Louis Board of Aldermen approved issuing $64M in bonds for its part in the renovations last month. The debt, which could cost the city more than $100M over 30 years after interest is paid, will "buy new seating throughout the arena, a new scoreboard in the center of the arena and renovated locker rooms." The Blues ownership group "plans to chip in" $50M of its own over the next 20-30 years for additional projects. Scottrade is owned by the city and leased to the Blues, who operate and manage it (ST. LOUIS POST-DISPATCH, 3/15).
