Beer Distributor Seeks To Purchase Blues

[strocklen083]

I don't understand why everyone is blaming "Scottrade Center" as the culprit here. It's the city of St. Louis that's causing the issue. The Blues own the lease to occupy and manage the building so Checketts & Co are responsible for running the whole damn building. That includes consessions, parking, etc. A cut of the total revenues goes to city as well as the "entertainment tax" that the city charges on each ticket sold (thank you "service fees").

The Kiel Parters are the ones who set up this horrible lease when they owned the team back in the early 90's. That's when all was hunky dory, all of their respective companies were doing fantastic and Hullie was lighting the lamp every night. When that consortium sold to an individual who didn't have the cash flow to handle all the non-standard costs this franchise incurs, that when we went wrong.

The team needs to be owned by a large corporation or someone who owns a large corporation (Andy Taylor!). Unfortunately no one has stepped forward to this point. I'm not an expert at Tom Stillman's finances by any means, but you gotta have a huge f'n beer wholesalership to have the $$$ to operate a professional franchise. I know he's got guys like DeWitt behind him, but Christ, enough of these partnerships. We need a single individual that can wield power without answering to a financier!

I'm sure this will all shake out in the end. But the longer it takes the more frustrating it becomes for everyone involved. Especially the fans.

[cardsfan04]

Bring in Mark Cuban IMO!!!!

I'm only 1/2 kidding. I doubt anything like that even becomes a rumor much less reality. But, he's an owner I would love to have.

[SIU LAW]

I am fairly certain that the only parking the Blues earn revenue on is their garage. The rest of the parking is owned by the City, and that is a huge loss of revenue.

[AlsWoodenStick]

Bring in Mark Cuban IMO!!!!

I'm only 1/2 kidding. I doubt anything like that even becomes a rumor much less reality. But, he's an owner I would love to have.

Who wouldn't want a billionaire owner who's wildly enthusiastic about his team?

Anyway, I'm disappointed that we haven't heard any other news about the ownership situation but maybe this will get the ball rolling.

[DaDitka]

I am fairly certain that the only parking the Blues earn revenue on is their garage. The rest of the parking is owned by the City, and that is a huge loss of revenue.

I know my ticket rep tried to sell me a season pass for the 15th street parking across from the Scott, so they must get revenue off that surface lot as well.

[cprice12]

Scottrade is one of the most profitable arenas in the country...it's a good facility that houses a lot of events. Checketts and Co. actually make a lot of money off of the building since they own it. It was sold to Checketts along with the Blues and the Kiel Opera House (which is reopening soon) when he/they bought the team from Laurie.
You'd think the owner of the building would have more say over how much they make from concessions, parking, etc.

The city's tax laws are a large part of the problem. The Blues get F'd compared to a lot of teams.

Ideally, they would move across the river to Collinsville. They have a lot of land over there, only 15 minutes from downtown St. Louis, the area I'm talking about is right next to 255 & 55. That is where they were talking about building an MLS stadium but that's not happening now. I imagine, financially, they'd be better off there...but then you have to figure lack of enough hotels nearby and other surrounding amenities that fans can walk to, eat, drink, etc. That may be an issue.
And the U.S. Ice complex in Fairview Heights is only 10 minutes south...so the Blues and visiting teams could practice there if need be.

Just rambling...

[DaDitka]

Scottrade is one of the most profitable arenas in the country...it's a good facility that houses a lot of events. Checketts and Co. actually make a lot of money off of the building since they own it. It was sold to Checketts along with the Blues and the Kiel Opera House (which is reopening soon) when he/they bought the team from Laurie.
You'd think the owner of the building would have more say over how much they make from concessions, parking, etc.

The city's tax laws are a large part of the problem. The Blues get F'd compared to a lot of teams.

Ideally, they would move across the river to Collinsville. They have a lot of land over there, only 15 minutes from downtown St. Louis, the area I'm talking about is right next to 255 & 55. That is where they were talking about building an MLS stadium but that's not happening now. I imagine, financially, they'd be better off there...but then you have to figure lack of enough hotels nearby and other surrounding amenities that fans can walk to, eat, drink, etc. That may be an issue.
And the U.S. Ice complex in Fairview Heights is only 10 minutes south...so the Blues and visiting teams could practice there if need be.

Just rambling...

your information may be much better then mine and the article I'm referencing (I believe was in the St. Louis Business Journal last year) was sighting how mush less money the venue was making then when Checketts purchased it. They are not only loosing all these concerts and performances to the Chafitz, but they also lost the Bills right off the bath.

I'm not defending Dave nor rebutting your information, just stating where mine came from.



Oh, and look no further then the 14 empty sky boxes Monday night and the black advertisement 'section' (like the McBride and Homes) that they couldn't sell so they pated a tribute to the 7's on it as the loss of MAJOR revenue. Even the elevator operator commented on how dead the skybox level is now.

[thedoc]

It would be nice if Peabody Coal would take an interest in the team. They are one of the largest companies in St. Louis/world. My brother in law works for them and he says they are the main benefactors behind the Opera House Restoration.

[stlbluz]

Scottrade is one of the most profitable arenas in the country...it's a good facility that houses a lot of events. Checketts and Co. actually make a lot of money off of the building since they own it. It was sold to Checketts along with the Blues and the Kiel Opera House (which is reopening soon) when he/they bought the team from Laurie.
You'd think the owner of the building would have more say over how much they make from concessions, parking, etc.

The city's tax laws are a large part of the problem. The Blues get F'd compared to a lot of teams.

Ideally, they would move across the river to Collinsville. They have a lot of land over there, only 15 minutes from downtown St. Louis, the area I'm talking about is right next to 255 & 55. That is where they were talking about building an MLS stadium but that's not happening now. I imagine, financially, they'd be better off there...but then you have to figure lack of enough hotels nearby and other surrounding amenities that fans can walk to, eat, drink, etc. That may be an issue.
And the U.S. Ice complex in Fairview Heights is only 10 minutes south...so the Blues and visiting teams could practice there if need be.

Just rambling...

They are not making $$ there and there are a lot of factors as to why; city taxes, other venues housiing concerts, the loss of college basketball, etc.

As for moving to Collinsville, I'd say KC has a better chance.

[TheoSqua]

Kansas City Blues


That's just so depressing on multiple levels.

[cprice12]

Scottrade is one of the most profitable arenas in the country...it's a good facility that houses a lot of events. Checketts and Co. actually make a lot of money off of the building since they own it. It was sold to Checketts along with the Blues and the Kiel Opera House (which is reopening soon) when he/they bought the team from Laurie.
You'd think the owner of the building would have more say over how much they make from concessions, parking, etc.

The city's tax laws are a large part of the problem. The Blues get F'd compared to a lot of teams.

Ideally, they would move across the river to Collinsville. They have a lot of land over there, only 15 minutes from downtown St. Louis, the area I'm talking about is right next to 255 & 55. That is where they were talking about building an MLS stadium but that's not happening now. I imagine, financially, they'd be better off there...but then you have to figure lack of enough hotels nearby and other surrounding amenities that fans can walk to, eat, drink, etc. That may be an issue.
And the U.S. Ice complex in Fairview Heights is only 10 minutes south...so the Blues and visiting teams could practice there if need be.

Just rambling...

your information may be much better then mine and the article I'm referencing (I believe was in the St. Louis Business Journal last year) was sighting how mush less money the venue was making then when Checketts purchased it. They are not only loosing all these concerts and performances to the Chafitz, but they also lost the Bills right off the bath.

I'm not defending Dave nor rebutting your information, just stating where mine came from.



Oh, and look no further then the 14 empty sky boxes Monday night and the black advertisement 'section' (like the McBride and Homes) that they couldn't sell so they pated a tribute to the 7's on it as the loss of MAJOR revenue. Even the elevator operator commented on how dead the skybox level is now.

My info comes from a few years ago. I hadn't thought about the lost events to Chafitz Arena...that's a big deal...and makes sense.

Moving to Collinsville is a great idea. Granted, I have no idea on what it would take to get that done. I'm sure it would be a pain, if not impossible...at least until the lease expires. Would it suck not to have them downtown? Sure...but the team would be better off money wise I am sure. It's not a goofy idea either...there are a lot of teams that don't actually play in the city they are named after. Plus they'd only be 10 minutes from me.

[thedoc]

The Blues stay in St. Louis go ride the worlds largest Catsup Bottle.

[xbleed83bluex]

I could be wrong, but didn't the Blues have one of the highest team salaries in the NHL a few years ago in the Keith Tkachuck, Demitra, Mellanby, MacInnis, Pronger days? If I remember correctly, the total salaries of the team were much closer to the Red Wings and the Rangers, who at the time were the highest salaried teams in the league, and not so much the lower salaried teams like the Wild and Thrashers. If that's the case, what has changed from then until now?

[xbleed83bluex]

Scottrade is one of the most profitable arenas in the country...it's a good facility that houses a lot of events. Checketts and Co. actually make a lot of money off of the building since they own it. It was sold to Checketts along with the Blues and the Kiel Opera House (which is reopening soon) when he/they bought the team from Laurie.
You'd think the owner of the building would have more say over how much they make from concessions, parking, etc.

The city's tax laws are a large part of the problem. The Blues get F'd compared to a lot of teams.

Ideally, they would move across the river to Collinsville. They have a lot of land over there, only 15 minutes from downtown St. Louis, the area I'm talking about is right next to 255 & 55. That is where they were talking about building an MLS stadium but that's not happening now. I imagine, financially, they'd be better off there...but then you have to figure lack of enough hotels nearby and other surrounding amenities that fans can walk to, eat, drink, etc. That may be an issue.
And the U.S. Ice complex in Fairview Heights is only 10 minutes south...so the Blues and visiting teams could practice there if need be.

Just rambling...

What teams don't play in the city they're named after? I know you're right, I was just curious.

And what about moving the venue to South County, maybe next to River City Casino? There is a bunch of land next to River City that's not used yet, and there is also space across the River Des Peres. They'd pay less taxes since it's in Lemay, and, it's the ideal location because it'd be right off the Mississippi River. And fans would have the great view of River City to look at and to go after games.


your information may be much better then mine and the article I'm referencing (I believe was in the St. Louis Business Journal last year) was sighting how mush less money the venue was making then when Checketts purchased it. They are not only loosing all these concerts and performances to the Chafitz, but they also lost the Bills right off the bath.

I'm not defending Dave nor rebutting your information, just stating where mine came from.



Oh, and look no further then the 14 empty sky boxes Monday night and the black advertisement 'section' (like the McBride and Homes) that they couldn't sell so they pated a tribute to the 7's on it as the loss of MAJOR revenue. Even the elevator operator commented on how dead the skybox level is now.

My info comes from a few years ago. I hadn't thought about the lost events to Chafitz Arena...that's a big deal...and makes sense.

Moving to Collinsville is a great idea. Granted, I have no idea on what it would take to get that done. I'm sure it would be a pain, if not impossible...at least until the lease expires. Would it suck not to have them downtown? Sure...but the team would be better off money wise I am sure. It's not a goofy idea either...there are a lot of teams that don't actually play in the city they are named after. Plus they'd only be 10 minutes from me.

[xbleed83bluex]

Scottrade is one of the most profitable arenas in the country...it's a good facility that houses a lot of events. Checketts and Co. actually make a lot of money off of the building since they own it. It was sold to Checketts along with the Blues and the Kiel Opera House (which is reopening soon) when he/they bought the team from Laurie.
You'd think the owner of the building would have more say over how much they make from concessions, parking, etc.

The city's tax laws are a large part of the problem. The Blues get F'd compared to a lot of teams.

Ideally, they would move across the river to Collinsville. They have a lot of land over there, only 15 minutes from downtown St. Louis, the area I'm talking about is right next to 255 & 55. That is where they were talking about building an MLS stadium but that's not happening now. I imagine, financially, they'd be better off there...but then you have to figure lack of enough hotels nearby and other surrounding amenities that fans can walk to, eat, drink, etc. That may be an issue.
And the U.S. Ice complex in Fairview Heights is only 10 minutes south...so the Blues and visiting teams could practice there if need be.

Just rambling...

your information may be much better then mine and the article I'm referencing (I believe was in the St. Louis Business Journal last year) was sighting how mush less money the venue was making then when Checketts purchased it. They are not only loosing all these concerts and performances to the Chafitz, but they also lost the Bills right off the bath.

I'm not defending Dave nor rebutting your information, just stating where mine came from.



Oh, and look no further then the 14 empty sky boxes Monday night and the black advertisement 'section' (like the McBride and Homes) that they couldn't sell so they pated a tribute to the 7's on it as the loss of MAJOR revenue. Even the elevator operator commented on how dead the skybox level is now.

My info comes from a few years ago. I hadn't thought about the lost events to Chafitz Arena...that's a big deal...and makes sense.

Moving to Collinsville is a great idea. Granted, I have no idea on what it would take to get that done. I'm sure it would be a pain, if not impossible...at least until the lease expires. Would it suck not to have them downtown? Sure...but the team would be better off money wise I am sure. It's not a goofy idea either...there are a lot of teams that don't actually play in the city they are named after. Plus they'd only be 10 minutes from me.

What teams don't play in the city they're named after? I know you're right, I was just curious.

And what about moving the venue to South County, maybe next to River City Casino? There is a bunch of land next to River City that's not used yet, and there is also space across the River Des Peres. They'd pay less taxes since it's in Lemay, and, it's the ideal location because it'd be right off the Mississippi River. And fans would have the great view of River City to look at and to go after games.

[theohall]

What teams don't play in the city they're named after? I know you're right, I was just curious.

NY Giants are a classic example, but that's football.

[Ruutu15]

What teams don't play in the city they're named after? I know you're right, I was just curious.

And what about moving the venue to South County, maybe next to River City Casino? There is a bunch of land next to River City that's not used yet, and there is also space across the River Des Peres. They'd pay less taxes since it's in Lemay, and, it's the ideal location because it'd be right off the Mississippi River. And fans would have the great view of River City to look at and to go after games.

Coyotes (Glendale), Panthers (Sunrise), Capitals (used to play in Maryland), Senators (Kanata)

I may be missing some, but this is off the top of my head.

[theohall]

What teams don't play in the city they're named after? I know you're right, I was just curious.

And what about moving the venue to South County, maybe next to River City Casino? There is a bunch of land next to River City that's not used yet, and there is also space across the River Des Peres. They'd pay less taxes since it's in Lemay, and, it's the ideal location because it'd be right off the Mississippi River. And fans would have the great view of River City to look at and to go after games.

Coyotes (Glendale), Panthers (Sunrise), Capitals (used to play in Maryland), Senators (Kanata)

I may be missing some, but this is off the top of my head.

Since it's the "Florida" Panthers, they are playing in their home state and don't have a specific city. I know the Capitals "used" to play in Maryland, but they are in the heart of Washington DC now. Actually playing within the suburbs of a city the team is named for should count as playing in that city, IMO.

[cardsfan04]

I could be wrong, but didn't the Blues have one of the highest team salaries in the NHL a few years ago in the Keith Tkachuck, Demitra, Mellanby, MacInnis, Pronger days? If I remember correctly, the total salaries of the team were much closer to the Red Wings and the Rangers, who at the time were the highest salaried teams in the league, and not so much the lower salaried teams like the Wild and Thrashers. If that's the case, what has changed from then until now?

Laurie sold the team (after a firesale ) to Checketts.

[cardsfan04]

And, if we're moving the team, might as well go to Earth City. 5 years ago, the Cardinals were talking about moving there, so there at least was room for a stadium/arena. I guess a lot could have happened to that land in 5 years though lol. But, I live 5 mins from there.