ST. LOUIS – There is nothing quite like seeing St. Louis Blues hockey at the Scottrade Center – or concerts, family shows and other sporting events for that matter – but those experiences will improve dramatically as soon as possible. at the end of September thanks to the renovations that will be underway at the Scottrade Center in the coming weeks.

Fans can expect an all-new, state-of-the-art dashboard above the central ice rink, complete with a new audio system and improved arena lighting when they return to watch Blues games. at the start of the 2017-18 season.

“There are a number of things we are trying to do,” said Blues President and CEO Chris Zimmerman in an exclusive one-on-one interview for stlouisblues.com. “The most visible will be the new video board. Right now we have the second smallest (scoreboard) in the League. The board will essentially double in size, but it’s not just size. is really the sharpness of the video and the image. Obviously, that’s exciting.

“Also in the bowl we’ll be making new lights and sounds,” Zimmerman added. “In terms of how people will feel inside the bowl, these are a few key things.”

Video: Zimmerman on upcoming arena renovations

Other renovations underway this summer include upgrading locker rooms to help attract concerts and major sporting events, like basketball and NCAA wrestling. The building will also receive a limited number of new theater-style lodges, which are all-inclusive and will include access to a members-only bar and lounge. Theater boxes are available now by calling 314-622-BLUE (2583).

Behind the scenes, the equipment responsible for making and preserving ice will also be replaced by a state-of-the-art ice plant, requiring the installation of new pipes and partial demolition of the floor. the arena.

Zimmerman said that once the Phase One renovations are complete, Phases Two and Three are expected to resume in the summer of 2018 and 2019, respectively. These projects will include replacing all seats in the building, improving concession stands and bringing in more local partners like Sugar Fire, as well as providing refurbished toilets and more.

“Whether it’s some of the amenities, new seating areas, or new dining options, we’re going to try to touch as many different things that affect the fan experience,” Zimmerman said. “We compete with new buildings (to attract sporting events, shows and concerts) and we compete with renovated buildings. The expectations of the NCAA or the SEC or the Missouri Valley Conference keep growing. Part of the work will be in terms of events, improving the changing rooms, improving the press area. All of those things are part of ensuring that we continue to be able to host these sporting events, and on the concert side it’s the same. “

“We will continue to make the building feel more and more uniquely in Saint-Louis. “