ST. LOUIS — If you want to see where some of the Ram's settlement money is going, drive on over to the America's Center. The convention center expansion project is partially funded by the multi-million dollar settlement.
Explore St. Louis runs the convention property owned by the city of St. Louis. Explore St. Louis is hoping that by expanding the exhibition hall space and adding a lobby, they'll be able to book multiple conventions at one time.
Pointing to the new lobby under heavy construction, Catherine Neville, Vice President of Communications for Explore St. Louis explained, "This entrance will be able to allow us to connect people to halls 4x, 4 and 5 so we can host two contiguous conventions."
Neville took a crew from 5 On Your Side on a tour of the expansion. While most convention goers will not see the loading dock, it is a nice improvement for the neighborhood. Instead of an exposed area for trucks to pull in, the dock has been covered. Neville says the enclosed loading dock will limit noise for the neighbors and protect workers during loading. For anyone driving on Cole Street, be sure to look up at the giant Saint Louis sign on the dock wall.
The expanded and covered dock is designed to entice convention planners to bring their shows to St. Louis. Another addition aiming to please prospective planners, a sustainable garden. Adjacent to the convention center on 10th Street is a fenced off 40-bed raised garden. Neville says the garden will allow chefs to provide a farm to table experience.
So why the expansion? Explore St. Louis Chief Commercial Officer Ed Skapinok explained, "Conventions bring economic impact to the community. That's really the reason convention centers exist. When conventions come here, we have special events. It's something that really gives a shot in the arm to the local economy."
Conventions bring people to St. Louis area hotels, restaurants and attractions. The hope is more conventions equals more revenue for St. Louis.