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With tens of thousands of people from across the country lining the streets to enjoy the home opener of CITY SC at CITYPARK, the annual Arch Madness basketball tournament, and more, Downtown St. Louis was on national display — and shined in the spotlight.
“This weekend showed the metro and country how wonderful Downtown St. Louis is, with events activating the streets, people enjoying our restaurants, bars, and public spaces, and the type of enhanced public safety presence that ensured a safe time for everyone,” said Kurt Weigle, Chief Downtown Officer for Greater St. Louis, Inc. “It reminds us all how great Downtown can be when it’s at its best.”
Highlights from the Weekend
Several businesses Downtown — including the Schlafly Tap Room, Maggie O’Brien's, and the newly opened The Pitch at Union Station — were filled to standing room only capacity. The 22,500 seat CITYPARK was sold out and the Enterprise Center was teeming with college basketball fans attending Arch Madness, the annual Missouri Valley Conference tournament.
Said one Arch Madness attendee: “It's been fabulous. Like, you couldn't even have drawn it up any better. The wins, the big win today, hospitality of St. Louis and the fun downtown — it's been off the charts."
Stifel Theatre was at capacity for the two-night performance by comedian Trevor Noah and football fans filled Ballpark Village to watch the Battlehawks game on the big screen.
“All the activity and feet on the street showed everyone the vibrant, walkable neighborhood at the heart of our metro that Downtown should be,” added Weigle. “And the visible presence of public safety officers helped ensure a safe weekend for everyone. It really showcased the direction we are working to take Downtown.”