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Catch a Double Dose of The Blues in St. Louis

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Credit: 2018 Scott Rovak/Enterprise Center
Enterprise Center on October 11, 2018 in St. Louis, Missouri.
Credit: (Photo by Jeff Le/NHLI via Getty Images)
Credit: 2018 NHLI, Scott Rovak
Credit: 2018 NHLI, Joe Puetz

You’re coming to St. Louis and hope to catch the blues – St. Louis Blues Hockey, that is.

With tickets for the game in hand, you’re excited for the puck drop but aren’t sure how to spend your free time in the hours leading up to the game. More importantly, you’re not sure what you’ll do afterward.

Fret not. Once you get to St. Louis, immerse yourself in the blues. After all, the city is home to the renowned National Blues Museum, which chronicles the history of this important musical genre.

National Blues Museum – St. Louis

Opened in the spring of 2016, the National Blues Museum found a fitting home in downtown St. Louis, a city that played a significant role in the development of the blues.

And it just so happens the hockey team you’re clamoring to see was named for a popular song, “The St. Louis Blues,” by a blues musician named W.C. Handy. That’s also why the logo is a musical note.

St. Louis gave rise to several prominent musicians who had an impact on and were influenced by the blues. Perhaps the most famous is music icon and St. Louis native Chuck Berry, whose unique sound sprang from the blues, though he’s widely known as “The Father of Rock ‘N Roll.”

Berry is just one of the musicians whose story unfolds at the National Blues Museum. Perhaps most surprising is an exhibit focusing on British bands such as The Beatles, who played their version of Delta blues songs to screaming audiences.

Plan to spend a couple of hours in the museum where – through a series of interactive exhibits – you’ll walk away with a blues tune of your own creation. Afterward, hit the St. Louis Metrolink for a great transportation option. With a handful of stops throughout downtown St. Louis and a brand-new hub station outside the Enterprise Center, getting to the game is a breeze on Metrolink.

Short on time before the game? No problem, just head straight to the Enterprise Center for some pre-game excitement. Recent renovations to the center better connect the spirit of St. Louis to the fan experience. In addition to traditional concessions like pretzels and hot dogs, the introduction of local favorites from Sugarfire Smoke House, Byrd and Barrel fried chicken, Hi-Pointe Drive-In, Kohn’s Kosher and Lion’s Choice have enhanced the Enterprise Center’s food game. What’s more, a new beer garden and performance stage at the 14th street vestibule provide regular pre- and post-game entertainment.

While St. Louis’ ties to the blues run deep, they’re continually growing, thanks to blues-focused clubs and restaurants.

Broadway Oyster Bar – St. Louis

Spots like Beale on Broadway, Blues City Deli, Broadway Oyster Bar, Highway 61 Roadhouse and Kitchen, and BB’s Jazz, Blues and Soups are excellent places to hear live blues music (and grab a bite to eat) after watching the home team skate.

In short, St. Louis is an ideal place to catch a major dose of the blues … and be perfectly happy about it.