NFL/MLS Stadium A Better Fit In St. Clair County Illinois

It was recently suggested by former St. Louis Mayor Vince Schoemehl that a new NFL/MLS stadium be built across the river in Illinois. Over the last few years I’ve thought this as well, regular reader & prolific commenter “JZ71” has mentioned several times building a stadium specifically between the approaches to the MLK & Eads bridges. It would be visible from downtown St. Louis and be located adjacent to an existing MetroLink light rail station. I’ve thought that was too tight but knew there’s lots of vacant land there awaiting new use.

In June I got married at the beautiful Malcolm W. Martin Memorial Park — directly across from the Arch — maybe South of there? Or to the North of the MLK bridge approach? Looking at maps and serial images only gets you so far, so Saturday afternoon I drove around checking out the Metro East riverfront/bottoms.

I crossed the river on the Eads Bridge since it was direct, I quickly ruled out the land to the South of the Martin Memorial/geyser because of access issues and future CityArchRiver plans, wildlife, etc. So then I looked at the space between the Eads & MLK approaches — as I suspected it appears way too tight for a stadium with enough buffer to keep the bridges open game days.

So access here kinda sucks too — but not for long. Since it opened in February 2014 I’ve driven across the new Stan Musial Veterans Memorial Bridge (I-70) many times, but this weekend was my first seeing how it connected to IL Route 3. Later this year will mark 25 years I’ve lived in St. Louis, I know the region pretty well, including the Metro East — but the new I-70 approach to the new bridge is very different than it has been. Connectivity is greatly improved and will get better.

This is within St. Clair County, an analysis of future MetroLink light rail expansion into neighboring Madison County four of seven possible alignments would pass by to the East along the Route 3 corridor.  Additionally transportation officials are working to improve Amtrak speeds between Alton & St. Louis while also considering a new stop in St. Clair County. No historic buildings/districts razed, fewer/no businesses/residents displaced.

A new NFL/MLS stadium, light rail expansion into Madison County, and an Amtrak stop could transform this area and further connect the St. Louis region. Sorry Gov Nixon, Illinois make much more sense!

— Steve Patterson

Sunday Poll: Reaction to the following: The public should build & own a new stadium to keep the Rams in St. Louis

Friday the two men appointed by Gov. Nixon presented a bid to keep the St. Louis Rams in St. Louis, the new stadium would be publicly owned:

The financing, they acknowledged, is now just a pitch: $200 million from the National Football League. As much as $250 million more from Rams owner Stan Kroenke. Perhaps $130 million from the sale of personal seat licenses to fans. Some tax credits. Plus as much as $350 million from an extension of the $24 million a year in tax dollars that still pay down debt on the Edward Jones Dome, where the Rams now play. (Nixon team proposes open-air stadium, and no new taxes)

Opinions on their proposal are varied, from support to opposition.  Perfect for the Sunday Poll. There are many issues within this, I’ve picked one for the poll: Reaction to the following: The public should build & own a new stadium to keep the Rams in St. Louis.

The poll is in the right sidebar, it’ll remain open until 8pm.

— Steve Patterson

Happy Holidays

Most likely you’re off work today, last night you might’ve celebrated the 8th night of Hanukkah or a family Christmas Eve tradition.  We attended a party in the Shaw neighborhood.

Today we’re staying home, my husband’s family is coming from Springfield IL for a late lunch. Well, I’ve gotta get back in the kitchen.

Peace…

— Steve Patterson

Tree of Books At St. Louis Central Library

The St. Louis Central Library has the best “tree” on display right now.

Beautiful, plus no watering necessary or pine needles to clean up!

— Steve Patterson

Readers Like New York Thin, St. Louis, & Chicago Deep Dish Pizza Styles

In the Sunday Poll readers picked their favorite pizza styles:

Q: Pick two (2) favorite styles of pizza from the following:

1. New York Thin Crust 14 [25%]
2. St. Louis Style 13 [23.21%]
3. Chicago Deep Dish (and stuffed) 12 [21.43%]
4. The Original: Neapolitan 9 [16.07%]
5. Detroit Style 4 [7.14%]
6. California Style 2 [3.57%]
7. TIE
   1. New England Greek 1 [1.79%]
   2. Unsure/no answer 1 [1.79%]
8. Chicago Thin Crust 0 [0%]
9. Tomato Pie 0 [0%]

See descriptions of each here. I like most styles of pizza — except St. Louis. I’ve been here over 24 years but the St. Louis style trio (crust, sauce & cheese) just doesn’t work for me.

— Steve Patterson