
Enterprise Center St. Louis: Complete Guide to Visiting Hours, Tickets, and Attractions
Date: 03/07/2025
Introduction
Located in the vibrant downtown district, the Enterprise Center has stood as a premier venue for sports, concerts, and cultural events in St. Louis since opening in 1994. Built on the historic site of Kiel Auditorium, this state-of-the-art arena is not only home to the NHL’s St. Louis Blues but also a hub for major concerts, family shows, and community gatherings. Its modern amenities, flexible event spaces, and strategic location make it a must-visit for anyone exploring St. Louis.
This comprehensive guide covers everything you need to know for your visit: the arena’s rich history, architectural highlights, ticketing and entry policies, accessibility features, and the best nearby attractions. For the most current event schedules and tickets, visit the official Enterprise Center website.
(Sportskeeda, The Stadium Wanderer, stlouisarts.org)
Table of Contents
- Introduction
- Arena Origins and Evolution
- Naming Rights and Historical Highlights
- Architectural Features and Accessibility
- Home of the St. Louis Blues
- Visiting Hours, Tickets, and Entry
- Major Events and Signature Attractions
- Amenities and Visitor Experience
- Parking and Transportation
- Nearby Attractions and Travel Tips
- Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
- Conclusion
- References
Arena Origins and Evolution
The Enterprise Center’s story began in the early 1990s as St. Louis sought to modernize its major event spaces. Kiel Auditorium, the predecessor, was razed in 1992. Construction on the new arena—designed by Ellerbe Becket and built by J.S. Alberici Construction—commenced that December, with a final cost of $135 million. The venue officially opened its doors as the Kiel Center on October 8, 1994, marking a new era for sports and entertainment downtown. (The Stadium Wanderer)
Naming Rights and Historical Highlights
Since opening, the arena has undergone several naming transitions, reflecting its evolving corporate partnerships:
- Kiel Center (1994–2000)
- Savvis Center (2000–2006)
- Scottrade Center (2006–2018)
- Enterprise Center (2018–present)
Notably, the venue hosted the St. Louis Blues’ momentous 2019 Stanley Cup victory, cementing its place in local sports lore. It has also welcomed NCAA basketball tournaments, the 2020 NHL All-Star Game, and numerous high-profile concerts. (Sportskeeda)
Architectural Features and Accessibility
The Enterprise Center was conceived as a flexible, multi-purpose arena. Key features include:
- Seating Capacity: 18,096 for hockey; up to 22,000 for concerts and basketball.
- Sightlines & Acoustics: Designed for unobstructed views and superior sound.
- Accessibility: The arena is fully ADA-compliant, providing accessible seating, restrooms, entrances, elevators, and assistive listening devices. Service animals are welcome and staff can assist with special needs.
- Modern Upgrades: A three-phase renovation (2017–2019) enhanced lighting, sound, climate control, and food and beverage options, while adding theater boxes and premium lounge areas. (stlouisarts.org)
The arena’s central location at 1401 Clark Ave. places it within walking distance of public transit, hotels, and key city attractions.
Home of the St. Louis Blues
The St. Louis Blues have called the Enterprise Center home since 1994. The arena is renowned for its electrifying game-night atmosphere, particularly since the Blues’ historic 2019 Stanley Cup win. Beyond games, the Blues’ connection to the community is celebrated with statues of team legends outside and regular fan events inside the arena. (The Stadium Wanderer)
Visiting Hours, Tickets, and Entry
Visiting Hours:
Enterprise Center operates on an event-driven schedule. Doors typically open 90 minutes before events and close shortly after. Always confirm specific hours on the official schedule.
Tickets:
Tickets can be purchased online, at the box office, or through authorized vendors. Digital and accessible ticketing options are available. For popular events, purchase early to secure the best seats.
Entry and Security:
All guests pass through security screening, including metal detectors and bag checks. The clear bag policy permits only small clutches (up to 4” x 6” x 1.5”) and prohibits backpacks and oversized bags. Allow extra time for entry during peak events. (mindseyeradio.org)
Major Events and Signature Attractions
Enterprise Center’s event calendar is packed year-round:
- NHL Games: Home to the St. Louis Blues, with lively crowds and themed nights.
- Concerts: Hosts top international acts; recent and upcoming performers include Taylor Swift, Elton John, and Ghost.
- Broadway and Family Shows: Touring musicals, Disney on Ice, Cirque du Soleil, and monster truck rallies.
- Sports Tournaments: NCAA basketball, wrestling championships, professional wrestling (WWE), MMA, and figure skating.
- Community and Special Events: Charity galas, conventions, and festivals. (explorestlouis.com)
Amenities and Visitor Experience
- Entrances: T-Mobile Entrance (Gate 1, west), Hall of Fame Plaza (Gate 2, south), Ford Entrance (Gate 3, east).
- Food & Beverage: Diverse local and classic stadium fare, vegetarian and gluten-free options, bars with local craft beers.
- Team Stores: Multiple shops offer St. Louis Blues gear and event souvenirs.
- Premium Seating: Luxury suites, club seats, and VIP lounges available for an elevated experience.
- Family Services: Nursing stations, family restrooms, and cashless transactions for safety and convenience.
Parking and Transportation
- Parking: No official arena lots, but adjacent garages (Kiel Center Garage, 14th Street Garage) provide direct access. Event parking ranges from $20–$40; reserve in advance via the ParkWhiz app. (stadiumhelp.com)
- Public Transit: The Civic Center MetroLink Station is just steps away for easy city access. Ride-share and taxi drop-off zones are located near each entrance.
Nearby Attractions and Travel Tips
The Enterprise Center’s downtown location allows visitors to easily combine their event experience with sightseeing:
- Gateway Arch National Park: Iconic riverfront monument and museum.
- Union Station: Restaurants, aquarium, Ferris wheel, and entertainment.
- Ballpark Village: Dining and nightlife adjacent to Busch Stadium.
- Stifel Theatre, City Museum, Soldiers Memorial: All within walking distance.
Travel Tips:
Arrive early to avoid crowds, especially during NHL season and summer concerts. Use public transportation when possible, and check the official schedule for event updates. (st-louis.events)
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: What are the typical visiting hours?
A: Hours vary by event; doors usually open 90 minutes prior. Always check the official website for your event.
Q: How do I buy tickets?
A: Online via the Enterprise Center website, at the box office, or authorized vendors.
Q: Is the arena accessible?
A: Yes, fully ADA-compliant with accessible seating, restrooms, and services.
Q: What is the bag policy?
A: Only small clutches (up to 4” x 6” x 1.5”) are allowed; larger bags are restricted and must pass security screening.
Q: Are tours available?
A: Guided tours are offered occasionally; check the website or social media for announcements.
Conclusion
The Enterprise Center is a cornerstone of St. Louis’s sports and entertainment scene, seamlessly blending rich history with modern amenities. Whether you’re catching a Blues game, a world-class concert, or exploring nearby attractions, the arena promises an engaging and accessible experience for all.
For the latest schedules, tickets, and visitor tips, visit the official Enterprise Center website. Download the Audiala app and follow Enterprise Center on social media for real-time updates and exclusive offers.
References
- Enterprise Center St. Louis Guide – The Stadium Wanderer
- Enterprise Center Visitor Information – stlouisarts.org
- Official Enterprise Center Plan Your Visit
- St. Louis Blues Arena – Sportskeeda
- Explore St. Louis – 25 Things to Do
- Parking Tips – Stadium Help
- Mind’s Eye Radio Visitor Guide
- St. Louis Events Calendar