Get in the Game in St. Louis

Re-imagined fan stands have popped up all over the city. Next to heat lamps on patios, fire pits on decks, our couches, or even as cardboard cut-outs, St. Louisans are coming out to cheer on their favorite plays and players. No matter who you’re supporting, the St. Louis Blues, Saint Louis Billikens, Missouri Tigers, Fighting Illini and soon-to-be Cardinals, chances are you can’t experience the action in person right now. Unless you’re one of the selected fans allowed rink side, make yourown “home”-town arenas and stadiums more social — hotel it, hit a restaurant or bar responsibly, cable-up, cardboard-up, livestream, engage with team hashtags, chat, Zoom — the options are endless.

Road trip “stay-cation”? Make a night or weekend of it. Pack your team colors and logoed masks, load up the car and check into your favorite hotel, many of which offer special fan appreciation deals for Blues, Cards and Billiken fans; stunning skyline, Arch and stadium views; themed team décor and, yes, sports bars. (And, remotes for an ordering-in stay-cation.)

Whether from hotel, out on the town, or home, there’s plenty of edible,drinkable and playable sports action in town. Put “Gloria” on Airpod-replay, throw on your Blues team jersey (or blue robe) and watch the game on the 40-foot screen at Ballpark Village, on one of 35 tvs or the 150-inch outdoor projector at the Over/Under Bar & Grill or from your luxurious hotel bed. Visit Lord Stanley, the blue lobster at the Saint Louis Aquarium at Union Station.

Grab a locally crafted beer and some cocktails, or some delectable food from your favorite restaurant like Blue Moon ice cream from Clementine’s Naughty and Nice Creamery.  Bleed Blue at SqWires Front Room, which features happy hour specials and games/prizes between periods. Pre- and post-game specials are also available at PW Pizza and 21^st Street Brewers Bar; buy a 20-ounce Blues Tumbler and receive a 20-ounce draft for the price of a 16-ounce draft all-season long (or while supplies last).

And art lovers – no St. Louis sports vacation is complete without a stop at the insanely wacky City Museum where you can score a Hat Trick of deals on tickets, meals or take-out. Visit the Contemporary Gallery on the museum’s fourth floor to get a peek at the colorful stained-glass piece of art featuring the Blues that was rescued prior to the demolition of the St. Louis Arena.

And remember to order some logoed merch from your favorite online team store.

Game up and make a night of it. Bleed Blue, go Red!