St. Louis Music Park was ready to debut in May 2020 with a concert by Kesha and Big Freedia, but the pandemic had other plans.
More than a year later, the concert venue at the Centene Community Ice Center in Maryland Heights makes its grand opening next week with Blackberry Smoke, Jason Mraz and Brothers Osborne.
The inaugural season also includes Machine Gun Kelly, Wilco, Judas Priest, Rod Wave, Alice Cooper, Faith No More, Needtobreathe, the Urge, Trippie Redd, Louis the Child, 311, Counting Crows, Brett Eldredge and more.
Lance Rosenberg, general manager for Centene Community Ice Center and St. Louis Music Park, previews the new concert venue in Maryland Heights.Â
With a capacity of 4,500, St. Louis Music Park is a companion venue to nearby 20,000-capacity Hollywood Casino Amphitheatre. Live Nation produces and promotes concerts and sells tickets for both venues.
For comparison, Family Arena in St. Charles seats 10,000, the Fox Theatre seats 4,500, Chesterfield Amphitheater seats 3,200 and the new Factory in Chesterfield seats 3,000.Â
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The $9 million St. Louis Music Park completes the final phase of the $83 million Centene Community Ice Center, which opened in 2019 and serves as the practice facility for the Blues.Â
“What we're seeing is shows want to come through St. Louis now because of the new venue,â€Â says Lance Rosenberg, general manager of the complex.
The debut of concerts at the venue came with “the flip of a switch, not a gradual return, and it's 100% concerts coming back," he says. "For two years, our focus has been hockey. Now we can transition into what the facility was intended to be (fully) — bringing in touring acts and partnering with local acts. That's why I'm in the business — hockey and live music.â€
The Street Fighting Band performs a concert at the new St. Louis Music Park on Friday, July 16, 2021. The group is a Rolling Stones tribute band.
Photo by Jerry Naunheim Jr.
About 1,000 of the seats at the outdoor venue are uncovered, and the floor seating area (an ice rink in colder months) is flexible.
The venue offers food trucks and concessions. 314 Social restaurant and bar inside the Centene Community Ice Center is available to patrons before and after concerts.Â
The current condensed season includes 24 shows, running August through October. The last scheduled concert is Nathaniel Rateliff (Oct. 9), but another could pop up.
“Tours that want to perform outdoors will perform in St. Louis before the weather changes,†Rosenberg says.
“We have every genre coming through when you think about it," he says. "It’s hard to find a genre we didn’t cover. We’re bringing people from all facets of the community to see shows at the venue."Â
The original 2020 lineup wasn’t as diverse but was improved for this year. Shows already booked for 2022 include Alicia Keys, Goo Goo Dolls and David Gray.
The venue opened softly July 16 with a show by Street Fighting Band, a St. Louis-based Rolling Stones tribute act.
Gloria Krause (left) of Belleville and Sherry Wilhelm of Mascoutah attend a Street Fighting Band concert at the new St. Louis Music Park on Friday, July 16, 2021. The group is a Rolling Stones tribute band. Photo by Jerry Naunheim Jr.
“It went spectacularly," Rosenberg says. "The sound, the acoustics — we had a lot of positive feedback, and they put on a tremendous show for our inaugural event."
The stages at St. Louis Music Park and nearby Hollywood Casino Amphitheatre face different directions, so there should be no sound interference from shows happening at the same time. On Aug. 3, Blackberry Smoke plays at St. Louis Music Park, and Foo Fighters play at Hollywood Casino Amphitheatre.
The parking situation at St. Louis Music Park will be closely monitored. Rosenberg recommends that patrons allow for extra time before heading to a show while also looking for parking details on the ice center's website.
Looking back at the originally scheduled 2020 opening, Rosenberg says, “it was disheartening. We had a tremendous inaugural year planned.â€
What made it even worse, he says, was that the venue never got to announce a big-name act that was being finalized. (Though that show could still happen in the future.)
“I couldn't believe they were coming here," Rosenberg says. "It's a major band that sells out major arenas. In the back of our minds, we kept watching the news and hoping (the pandemic) wouldn't play out the way it did."
Now that the venue’s wheels are rolling, he says, music fans should show up at St. Louis Music Park expecting “the ultimate concert experience — somewhat like a festival.â€Â
iParty • Street Fighting Band emulates the Rolling Stones at St. Louis Music Park
Rolling Stones tribute band performs at the new St. Louis Music Park
The Street Fighting Band performs a concert at the new St. Louis Music Park on Friday, July 16, 2021. The group is a Rolling Stones tribute band.
Photo by Jerry Naunheim Jr.
Rolling Stones tribute band performs at the new St. Louis Music Park
Performing in the role of Keith Richards of The Rolling Stones guitarist Jimmy Griffin of the Street Fighting Band plays during a concert at the new St. Louis Music Park on Friday, July 16, 2021. Photo by Jerry Naunheim Jr.
Rolling Stones tribute band performs at the new St. Louis Music Park
Guitarist Jim Peters of the Street Fighting Band plays during a concert at the new St. Louis Music Park on Friday, July 16, 2021. The group is a tribute band of The Rolling Stones. Photo by Jerry Naunheim Jr.
Rolling Stones tribute band performs at the new St. Louis Music Park
Andy Shadburne (as Mick Jagger) of Street Fighting Band, a Rolling Stones tribute act, performs July 16, 2021, at St. Louis Music Park.
Rolling Stones tribute band performs at the new St. Louis Music Park
Andy Shadburne (left) and Erminie Cannon perform during a concert at the new St. Louis Music Park on Friday, July 16, 2021. The group is a tribute band of The Rolling Stones. Photo by Jerry Naunheim Jr.
Rolling Stones tribute band performs at the new St. Louis Music Park
Ralph Morse of Imperial attends a Street Fighting Band concert at the new St. Louis Music Park on Friday, July 16, 2021. The group is a Rolling Stones tribute band. Photo by Jerry Naunheim Jr.
Rolling Stones tribute band performs at the new St. Louis Music Park
Sharon Beye pf St. Louis attends a Street Fighting Band concert at the new St. Louis Music Park on Friday, July 16, 2021. The group is a Rolling Stones tribute band. Photo by Jerry Naunheim Jr.
Rolling Stones tribute band performs at the new St. Louis Music Park
Andy Shadburne of the Street Fighting Band performs July 16, 2021, at St. Louis Music Park.
Rolling Stones tribute band performs at the new St. Louis Music Park
The role of Mick Jagger of The Rolling Stones is sung by Andy Shadburne of the Street Fighting Band during a concert at the new St. Louis Music Park on Friday, July 16, 2021. Photo by Jerry Naunheim Jr.
Rolling Stones tribute band performs at the new St. Louis Music Park
Tandra Williams (left) and Erminie Cannon perform with the Street Fighting Band performs a concert at the new St. Louis Music Park on Friday, July 16, 2021. The group is a Rolling Stones tribute band. Photo by Jerry Naunheim Jr.
Rolling Stones tribute band performs at the new St. Louis Music Park
Guitarist Jim Peters (left), vocalist Andy Shadburne and guitarist Jimmy Griffin of the Street Fighting Band play during a concert at the new St. Louis Music Park on Friday, July 16, 2021. The group is a tribute band of The Rolling Stones. Photo by Jerry Naunheim Jr.
Rolling Stones tribute band performs at the new St. Louis Music Park
Bassist Andy Coco with the Street Fighting Band performs a concert at the new St. Louis Music Park on Friday, July 16, 2021. The group is a Rolling Stones tribute band. Photo by Jerry Naunheim Jr.
Rolling Stones tribute band performs at the new St. Louis Music Park
Ralph Morse of Imperial attends a Street Fighting Band concert at the new St. Louis Music Park on Friday, July 16, 2021. The group is a Rolling Stones tribute band. Photo by Jerry Naunheim Jr.
Rolling Stones tribute band performs at the new St. Louis Music Park
The role of Mick Jagger of The Rolling Stones is sung by Andy Shadburne of the Street Fighting Band during a concert at the new St. Louis Music Park on Friday, July 16, 2021. Photo by Jerry Naunheim Jr.
Rolling Stones tribute band performs at the new St. Louis Music Park
The role of Mick Jagger of The Rolling Stones is sung by Andy Shadburne of the Street Fighting Band during a concert at the new St. Louis Music Park on Friday, July 16, 2021. Photo by Jerry Naunheim Jr.
Rolling Stones tribute band performs at the new St. Louis Music Park
Bassist Andy Coco with the Street Fighting Band performs a concert at the new St. Louis Music Park on Friday, July 16, 2021. The group is a Rolling Stones tribute band. Photo by Jerry Naunheim Jr.
Rolling Stones tribute band performs at the new St. Louis Music Park
Guitarist Jim Peters of the Street Fighting Band plays during a concert at the new St. Louis Music Park on Friday, July 16, 2021. The group is a tribute band of The Rolling Stones. Photo by Jerry Naunheim Jr.
Street Fighting Band Concert
The role of Mick Jagger of The Rolling Stones is sung by Andy Shadburne of the Street Fighting Band during a concert at the new St. Louis Music Park on Friday, July 16, 2021. Photo by Jerry Naunheim Jr.
Street Fighting Band Concert
The role of Mick Jagger of The Rolling Stones is sung by Andy Shadburne of the Street Fighting Band during a concert at the new St. Louis Music Park on Friday, July 16, 2021. Photo by Jerry Naunheim Jr.
Street Fighting Band Concert
Ben Scheve of St. Charles attends a Street Fighting Band concert at the new St. Louis Music Park on Friday, July 16, 2021. The group is a Rolling Stones tribute band. Photo by Jerry Naunheim Jr.
Street Fighting Band Concert
Guitarist Jim Peters of the Street Fighting Band plays during a concert at the new St. Louis Music Park on Friday, July 16, 2021. The group is a tribute band of The Rolling Stones. Photo by Jerry Naunheim Jr.
Street Fighting Band Concert
The Street Fighting Band performs a concert at the new St. Louis Music Park on Friday, July 16, 2021. The group is a Rolling Stones tribute band. Photo by Jerry Naunheim Jr.
Street Fighting Band Concert
Performing in the role of Keith Richards of The Rolling Stones, guitarist Jimmy Griffin of the Street Fighting Band plays during a concert at the new St. Louis Music Park on Friday, July 16, 2021. Photo by Jerry Naunheim Jr.
Street Fighting Band Concert
The Street Fighting Band performs July 16, 2021, at the new St. Louis Music Park. The group is a Rolling Stones tribute band.Â
Street Fighting Band Concert
The role of Mick Jagger of The Rolling Stones is sung by Andy Shadburne of the Street Fighting Band during a concert at the new St. Louis Music Park on Friday, July 16, 2021. Photo by Jerry Naunheim Jr.
Street Fighting Band Concert
The role of Mick Jagger of The Rolling Stones is sung by Andy Shadburne of the Street Fighting Band during a concert at the new St. Louis Music Park on Friday, July 16, 2021. Photo by Jerry Naunheim Jr.
Street Fighting Band Concert
Trumpeter Adam Hucke (left) and saxophonist Charlie Cerpa perform with the Street Fighting Band performs a concert at the new St. Louis Music Park on Friday, July 16, 2021. The group is a Rolling Stones tribute band. Photo by Jerry Naunheim Jr.
Street Fighting Band Concert
Drummer Kevin Bower with the Street Fighting Band performs a concert at the new St. Louis Music Park on Friday, July 16, 2021. The group is a Rolling Stones tribute band. Photo by Jerry Naunheim Jr.
Street Fighting Band Concert
Trumpeter Adam Hucke (left) and saxophonist Charlie Cerpa perform with the Street Fighting Band performs a concert at the new St. Louis Music Park on Friday, July 16, 2021. The group is a Rolling Stones tribute band. Photo by Jerry Naunheim Jr.
Street Fighting Band Concert
Bassist Andy Coco with the Street Fighting Band performs a concert at the new St. Louis Music Park on Friday, July 16, 2021. The group is a Rolling Stones tribute band. Photo by Jerry Naunheim Jr.
Street Fighting Band Concert
Trumpeter Adam Hucke performs with the Street Fighting Band performs a concert at the new St. Louis Music Park on Friday, July 16, 2021. The group is a Rolling Stones tribute band. Photo by Jerry Naunheim Jr.
Street Fighting Band Concert
Bassist Andy Coco with the Street Fighting Band performs a concert at the new St. Louis Music Park on Friday, July 16, 2021. The group is a Rolling Stones tribute band. Photo by Jerry Naunheim Jr.
STREET FIGHING BAND CONCERT
The Street Fighting Band performs a concert at the new St. Louis Music Park on Friday, July 16, 2021. The group is a Rolling Stones tribute band. Photo by Jerry Naunheim Jr.
STREET FIGHING BAND CONCERT
The Street Fighting Band performs a concert at the new St. Louis Music Park on Friday, July 16, 2021. The group is a Rolling Stones tribute band. Photo by Jerry Naunheim Jr.
STREET FIGHING BAND CONCERT
Attendees dance and shout as the Street Fighting Band performs a concert at the new St. Louis Music Park on Friday, July 16, 2021. The group is a Rolling Stones tribute band. Photo by Jerry Naunheim Jr.
STREET FIGHING BAND CONCERT
Guitarist Jim Peters of the Street Fighting Band plays during a concert at the new St. Louis Music Park on Friday, July 16, 2021. The group is a tribute band of The Rolling Stones. Photo by Jerry Naunheim Jr.
STREET FIGHING BAND CONCERT
The role of Mick Jagger of The Rolling Stones is sung by Andy Shadburne of the Street Fighting Band during a concert at the new St. Louis Music Park on Friday, July 16, 2021. Photo by Jerry Naunheim Jr.
STREET FIGHING BAND CONCERT
The role of Mick Jagger of The Rolling Stones is sung by Andy Shadburne of the Street Fighting Band during a concert at the new St. Louis Music Park on Friday, July 16, 2021. Photo by Jerry Naunheim Jr.
STREET FIGHING BAND CONCERT
Kathy Brewer (left) of St. Charles and Kelli Stochl (cq) of Barnhart attend a Street Fighting Band concert at the new St. Louis Music Park on Friday, July 16, 2021. The group is a Rolling Stones tribute band. Photo by Jerry Naunheim Jr.
STREET FIGHING BAND CONCERT
Attendees socialize before a Street Fighting Band concert at the new St. Louis Music Park on Friday, July 16, 2021. The group is a Rolling Stones tribute band. Photo by Jerry Naunheim Jr.
STREET FIGHING BAND CONCERT
Kelli Stochl (cq) (left) of Barnhart, Kathy Brewer of St. Charles and Andrea Ingoldsby of St. Charles attend a Street Fighting Band concert at the new St. Louis Music Park on Friday, July 16, 2021. The group is a Rolling Stones tribute band. Photo by Jerry Naunheim Jr.
Street Fighting Band Concert
Stephanie Sadler (left) of St. Peters and Jon Dickerson of Maplewood attend a Street Fighting Band concert at the new St. Louis Music Park on Friday, July 16, 2021. The group is a Rolling Stones tribute band. Photo by Jerry Naunheim Jr.
Rolling Stones tribute band performs at the new St. Louis Music Park
Gloria Krause (left) of Belleville and Sherry Wilhelm of Mascoutah attend a Street Fighting Band concert at the new St. Louis Music Park on Friday, July 16, 2021. The group is a Rolling Stones tribute band. Photo by Jerry Naunheim Jr.
Rolling Stones tribute band performs at the new St. Louis Music Park
Heather Cobillas (left), of Millstadt, Ill., Rylee Fahs, 12, and Annika Fahs, 23, both of Town and Country, Emilie Cobillas, 12, of Millstadt, Ill., and Michelle Fahs of Town and Country attend a Street Fighting Band concert at the new St. Louis Music Park on Friday, July 16, 2021. The group is a Rolling Stones tribute band. Photo by Jerry Naunheim Jr.
Rolling Stones tribute band performs at the new St. Louis Music Park
Brothers Tim Dolan (left) of Chesterfield and Dan Dolan of Town and Country attend a Street Fighting Band concert at the new St. Louis Music Park on Friday, July 16, 2021. The group is a Rolling Stones tribute band. Photo by Jerry Naunheim Jr.
Rolling Stones tribute band performs at the new St. Louis Music Park
Lindsey Wright (left) of St. Louis, Derrick Greene of Des Peres, Ellen Reichart of St. Charles, Becky Domyan and Mark Domyan, both of St. Charles, and Jess Anderson of St. Louis attend a Street Fighting Band concert at the new St. Louis Music Park on Friday, July 16, 2021. The group is a Rolling Stones tribute band. Photo by Jerry Naunheim Jr.
Rolling Stones tribute band performs at the new St. Louis Music Park
Brian Krueger (left), and Sharie Krueger, both of St. Louis, Tishia Nichols of Waterloo, Ill., and Rob Farnam of South St. Louis County attend a Street Fighting Band concert at the new St. Louis Music Park on Friday, July 16, 2021. The group is a Rolling Stones tribute band. Photo by Jerry Naunheim Jr.
Street Fighting Band Concert
“BJ the DJ†James (left) and Gina James both of Florissant attend a Street Fighting Band concert at the new St. Louis Music Park on Friday, July 16, 2021. The group is a Rolling Stones tribute band. Photo by Jerry Naunheim Jr.
Street Fighting Band Concert
Dustin “Haze†Monroe (left) of University City and Gina Buffa of Brentwood attend a Street Fighting Band concert at the new St. Louis Music Park on Friday, July 16, 2021. The group is a Rolling Stones tribute band. Photo by Jerry Naunheim Jr.
STREET FIGHING BAND CONCERT
Eric Meyer (left) and Tricia Meyer, both of St. Charles, attend a Street Fighting Band concert at the new St. Louis Music Park on Friday, July 16, 2021. The group is a Rolling Stones tribute band. Photo by Jerry Naunheim Jr.
STREET FIGHING BAND CONCERT
Asher “Smash†Benrubi (left) of St. Louis, and Pam Remstedt and John Remstedt, both of Defiance, attend a Street Fighting Band concert at the new St. Louis Music Park on Friday, July 16, 2021. The group is a Rolling Stones tribute band. Photo by Jerry Naunheim Jr.
STREET FIGHING BAND CONCERT
Kathy Brewer (left) of St. Charles and Kelli Stochl (cq) of Barnhart attend a Street Fighting Band concert at the new St. Louis Music Park on Friday, July 16, 2021. The group is a Rolling Stones tribute band. Photo by Jerry Naunheim Jr.
STREET FIGHING BAND CONCERT
Amy Burroughs (left) and Lisa Sell, both of Ballwin, attend a Street Fighting Band concert at the new St. Louis Music Park on Friday, July 16, 2021. The group is a Rolling Stones tribute band. Photo by Jerry Naunheim Jr.
STREET FIGHING BAND CONCERT
Kathy Brewer (left) of St. Charles and Kelli Stochl (cq) of Barnhart attend a Street Fighting Band concert at the new St. Louis Music Park on Friday, July 16, 2021. The group is a Rolling Stones tribute band. Photo by Jerry Naunheim Jr.
STREET FIGHING BAND CONCERT
Gabby (left) and Zane Bowen of Grafton attend a Street Fighting Band concert at the new St. Louis Music Park on Friday, July 16, 2021. The group is a Rolling Stones tribute band. Photo by Jerry Naunheim Jr.
Rolling Stones tribute band performs at the new St. Louis Music Park
Cari Hess (left) and Max Molino, both of Chesterfield, attend a Street Fighting Band concert at the new St. Louis Music Park on Friday, July 16, 2021. The group is a Rolling Stones tribute band. Photo by Jerry Naunheim Jr.
