ST. LOUIS: The Missouri House of Representatives today approved House Bill 2934 with a strong bipartisan vote of 121 to 24, advancing legislation that modernizes governance of two of the St. Louis region’s most important public assets, America’s Center and The Dome. The bill now moves to the Missouri Senate for consideration.
House Bill 2934 aligns oversight of the St. Louis Regional Convention and Sports Complex Authority with the Regional Convention and Visitors Commission, creating a unified governance structure that will help streamline decision-making, strengthen accountability and ensure long-term stewardship of the convention center campus.
Explore St. Louis and regional leaders expressed gratitude to Representative Brad Christ, who sponsored the legislation, along with co-sponsors Marty Joe Murray, Brian Seitz, John Hewkin, Steve Butz and David Dolan. Together with the broader St. Louis delegation, lawmakers from both parties came together to advance the bill in recognition of the critical role that conventions, tourism and major events play in the region’s economic vitality.
“America’s Center and The Dome are cornerstones of the St. Louis visitor economy and vital assets for the entire region,” said Joe Blanner, chairman of the St. Louis Regional Convention and Sports Complex Authority board. “Bringing their oversight together under a unified governance structure strengthens transparency, accountability and long-term planning. We are grateful to Representative Christ and the bipartisan coalition of lawmakers who recognized the importance of modernizing how these assets are managed.”
House Bill 2934 expands the role of the Regional Convention and Visitors Commission, allowing it to assume the responsibilities of the sports complex authority while also supporting the development and promotion of sports and entertainment attractions that drive tourism and economic activity.
“Today’s vote is an important step forward for the St. Louis region,” said Brad Dean, president and CEO of Explore St. Louis. “Unified oversight of America’s Center and The Dome will help ensure these public assets are managed strategically and responsibly, positioning St. Louis to compete more effectively for conventions, sporting events and major entertainment opportunities that bring visitors and economic impact to our community.”
Regional leaders also emphasized the importance of the bipartisan support behind the legislation.
“We are deeply appreciative of Representative Christ and the co-sponsors for coming together in support of this legislation,” said Steve O’Loughlin, chair of the Explore St. Louis board of commissioners. “Their leadership reflects a shared commitment to strengthening the governance of these facilities and protecting the long-term value they deliver to the region.”
America’s Center Convention Complex and The Dome are among the region’s most significant economic drivers, hosting major conventions, sporting events and entertainment experiences that generate tourism spending, support local businesses and create jobs across the St. Louis metropolitan area.
With passage in the Missouri House, House Bill 2934 now advances to the Missouri Senate for further consideration.
