Chaifetz Arena

Chaifetz Arena St. Louis: Visiting Hours, Tickets, and Tourist Guide

Date: 03/07/2025

Introduction

Situated in the lively Midtown district of St. Louis, Missouri, Chaifetz Arena stands as a premier venue for sports, concerts, and community events. Since opening its doors in April 2008 on the campus of Saint Louis University (SLU), the arena has become a focal point for regional athletic excellence, cultural engagement, and civic pride. Named after SLU alumnus and philanthropist Dr. Richard Chaifetz, whose $12 million donation was instrumental to its creation, Chaifetz Arena is a testament to alumni commitment and the ongoing revitalization of St. Louis (Wikiwand; Chaifetz Arena Official Site).

This guide delivers a detailed overview of Chaifetz Arena’s history, architecture, and significance, as well as practical information on visiting hours, ticketing, accessibility, amenities, transportation, and nearby attractions. Whether you’re a sports enthusiast, concertgoer, or first-time visitor, you’ll find all the resources needed for an outstanding experience at this iconic St. Louis destination.

Chaifetz Arena exterior view with blue sky

Chaifetz Arena on Saint Louis University campus

Historical Background and Architectural Features
Significance and Cultural Impact
Visitor Guide
Major League Pickleball 2025 at Chaifetz Arena
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Summary and Visitor Recommendations
Sources and External Links

Historical Background and Architectural Features

Origins and Naming

Chaifetz Arena, pronounced “SHAY-fets,” broke ground in August 2006 and opened in April 2008 as part of SLU’s initiative to enhance its athletic and event capacities. The arena’s name honors Dr. Richard Chaifetz, a 1975 SLU graduate and philanthropist, whose $12 million gift—the largest in university history at the time—secured the naming rights and helped realize the university’s vision (Wikiwand).

Key Milestones and Events

Since its opening, Chaifetz Arena has served as the home court for the SLU Billikens men’s and women’s basketball teams. Adjacent to the main arena, the Chaifetz Pavilion accommodates volleyball and additional practice spaces. The inaugural event was a Harlem Globetrotters game in April 2008, followed by a student concert and SLU’s first on-campus commencement in six decades. Over the years, the arena has hosted headliners like Bruce Springsteen, Britney Spears, and Sabrina Carpenter—who set the attendance record at 11,727 (Concert Archives).

Design and Sustainability

Chaifetz Arena’s design, by Mackey Mitchell Architects and Sink Combs Dethlefs, merges modernity with tradition and is lauded as the “Jewel of Midtown” (Mackey Mitchell Architects). The single-concourse layout encourages easy navigation and spectacular sightlines. Glass facades offer panoramic views of the city and campus, and at night, the concourse becomes a glowing civic beacon. The event floor sits 25 feet below grade, minimizing the structure’s visual impact and enhancing accessibility.

Sustainability was integral to the project, including efficient lighting and climate systems. The arena earned the 2008 Quality Concrete Award for innovative use of materials, contributing to durability, energy efficiency, and excellent acoustics (Mackey Mitchell Architects).

Significance and Cultural Impact

Chaifetz Arena is more than a venue—it’s a catalyst for community, culture, and urban development:

Philanthropy and Community Roots: Dr. Chaifetz’s gift reflects the strong alumni support and SLU’s partnership with the city (Chaifetz Arena Official Site).
Sporting Excellence: The arena is considered one of the toughest Atlantic 10 Conference venues, and regularly hosts NCAA basketball, robotics competitions, gymnastics, and professional sporting initiatives (Wikipedia).
Cultural Hub: Top artists and family shows like Disney On Ice and Cirque du Soleil attract diverse audiences.
Civic Engagement: It has hosted commencement ceremonies, political rallies, and benefit events supporting local causes.
Youth and Innovation: Events such as the FIRST Robotics Competition inspire STEM education and local youth involvement.
Economic Driver: Located in Midtown, the arena stimulates local business and tourism (St. Louis Calendar).
Diversity and Inclusion: Programming reflects St. Louis’s rich diversity, including initiatives supporting women’s sports (Black Girls Bond).

Visitor Guide

Visiting Hours

Chaifetz Arena’s box office typically operates Monday through Friday, 10:00 AM–5:00 PM, with extended hours during events. For public access and tour schedules, check the official website or call 314-977-5000 for current information (Chaifetz Arena Tickets).

Ticketing

Event tickets are available online via the Chaifetz Arena Tickets page, through authorized vendors, or at the box office. Prices vary by event, with discounts often offered for students and groups. Advance purchase is strongly recommended for high-demand events (SLU Arena Ticket Info).

Accessibility

The arena is fully ADA-compliant, offering:

Accessible entrances and seating with clear sightlines
Wheelchair and companion seating on every side
Assistive listening devices and accessible restrooms
A dedicated drop-off/pick-up zone at 3520 Laclede Ave
Stroller check at the Guest Experience kiosk

For assistance, contact the box office at 314-977-5000 or guest services at 314-977-5018 (Chaifetz Arena Accessibility; Venue Llama; A-Z Guide).

Directions, Parking, and Transit

Address: 1 S. Compton Avenue, St. Louis, MO 63103
Driving: Accessible via I-44 East; recommended exits include Kingshighway and Bernard/Market streets (The Tourist Checklist).
Parking: Main garages are Olive/Compton and Laclede. Parking is cashless (credit/debit only). Arrive early during major events (Venue Llama).
Public Transit: MetroLink light rail and MetroBus routes serve the area. Rideshare services have dedicated drop-off/pick-up zones (Huff Sports).

Amenities and Guest Services

Food & Beverage: Delaware North Catering provides diverse concession options, including alcohol for guests 21+ with ID (A-Z Guide).
First Aid: Located across from section 104, staffed by certified EMS.
Lost & Found: Report items online or at the Guest Experience kiosk (Chaifetz Arena Guest Experience).
Premium Spaces: 14 private suites, two party rooms, and the open-air 1818 Lounge offer exclusive experiences (SLU Billikens Facilities).

Nearby Attractions

Gateway Arch: Iconic monument with city views
Forest Park: Home to art and history museums
Saint Louis University: Historic campus and green spaces
Midtown St. Louis: Dining, nightlife, and entertainment venues

Combine your arena visit with these attractions for a full St. Louis experience.

Special Events and Tours

While public tours are limited, group and educational tours may be arranged by contacting arena management. Notable photo spots include the glass-lined concourse and the 1818 Lounge (Mackey Mitchell Architects).

Visitor Tips

Arrive early for parking and security checks.
Review event-specific policies in advance.
Use MetroLink or MetroBus to avoid parking congestion.
Plan for accessibility by contacting guest services ahead.
Follow the clear bag policy to expedite entry (Homepage).

Major League Pickleball 2025 at Chaifetz Arena

Overview

From July 17–20, 2025, Chaifetz Arena will host Major League Pickleball (MLP), the largest indoor professional pickleball event ever in St. Louis (chaifetzarena.com). The event features co-ed team matches, with the St. Louis Shock—owned by Dr. Richard Chaifetz—headlining against top league contenders (stlshock.com).

Tickets and Schedule

Tickets: Sold exclusively via Ticketmaster. Four-day passes offer the best value.
Hours: Doors open 60–90 minutes before the first match. Matches run from morning to evening.
Sample Schedule (July 20): Championship matches begin at 10:00 AM and continue throughout the afternoon (official event page).

Amenities and Visitor Information

Modern seating and sightlines
Full ADA accessibility
Food, beverage, and exclusive merchandise
On-site parking (limited)—public transit or rideshare recommended
Numerous nearby dining and lodging options

Special Features

Interactive fan experiences and official photo spots
St. Louis Shock matches with home crowd energy
Opportunity to buy official MLP and Shock merchandise

More Events

Chaifetz Arena’s 2025 calendar also includes NCAA basketball, concerts, and other top-tier events (songkick.com).

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: What are Chaifetz Arena’s visiting hours?
A: Box office hours are Monday–Friday, 10:00 AM–5:00 PM, with event-based extensions. See the official website for specifics.

Q: How do I purchase tickets?
A: Buy online via the Chaifetz Arena Tickets page or at the box office.

Q: Is the arena accessible for people with disabilities?
A: Yes, with ADA-compliant seating, entrances, restrooms, and services. Contact guest services for personalized assistance.

Q: Where can I park?
A: Use Olive/Compton or Laclede garages (cashless). Early arrival is recommended.

Q: Are there guided tours?
A: Group tours may be arranged in advance; public tours are limited.

Q: What attractions are nearby?
A: Forest Park, Gateway Arch, Saint Louis University, and Midtown entertainment venues.

Summary and Visitor Recommendations

Chaifetz Arena is a standout destination for sports, entertainment, and civic events in St. Louis. Its thoughtful design, robust accessibility features, and diverse programming offer an exceptional visitor experience. As host to the 2025 Major League Pickleball championship and year-round concerts, it continues to drive economic growth and cultural vibrancy in Midtown (Mackey Mitchell Architects).

Plan your visit by checking event schedules, purchasing tickets early, and exploring St. Louis’s nearby attractions. Stay informed by visiting the official Chaifetz Arena website, downloading the Audiala app, and following social media channels for real-time updates.

A visit to Chaifetz Arena is more than attending an event—it’s an immersive experience at the heart of St. Louis’s dynamic and welcoming community.