My hotel of choice for the weekend (Blues NHL game & Rams NFL game the following day) was the Drury Plaza Hotel at the Arch. According to TripAdvisor, this hotel is currently ranked #3 of 120 hotels in St. Louis, and for good reason!
Firstly, the location. I would technically be walking distance to the Edward Jones Dome (0.6 miles) and Scottrade Center (0.8 miles) --- not to mention, as the name implies, about a block from the St. Louis Arch.
Interior View - Drury Plaza Hotel
Secondly, the amenities at the hotel were excellent! After checking in, relaxing, and taking a quick walk down to the Arch area, I came back to the hotel to get ready to head to the game. On my way out (approximately 5:30), I noticed that people were lining up for the 5:30 "Kickback" --- which entails FREE hot food (e.g., hot dogs, chicken strips, nachos, etc.) and beverages, including beer, mixed drinks and wine (3 free drink tickets).
The Drury Hotel also has a free breakfast in the morning with eggs, sausages/bacon, biscuits and gravy, and more. For a $125 (ish) hotel, you certainly get your money's worth from a food and drink standpoint as it's all included!
And the view (pictured below) isn't too shabby either!
View of St. Louis Arch from Drury Plaza Hotel
Needless to say, that provided a nice "tailgate party" before heading down to the NHL game. Took a cab (approx. $6) to save time since I wanted to get there early to look around.
Fans File into Scottrade Center
After arriving, I took a walk around the concourse, and was pleasantly surprised with the historical displays --- not only the Blues but also other sports as well (e.g., annual NCAA "Busch Braggin' Rights" Basketball Game between Missouri and Illinois).
A trip to the Blues' store yielded more gems! In fact, they had some game used sticks and such for very affordable prices (many in the $50-$100 range). Needless to say, if I was driving or had somewhere to put them for my return trip, I might have made a purchase at that price!
Bernie Federko Statue in the Concourse
As for my seats, I got a "Plaza End" seat in advance through Ticketmaster, which worked out to $50 USD (Section 113, Row T). Pretty awesome to be 20 rows off the ice for that price --- considering I'm used to "Air Canada Centre Pricing".
My Seat Location (Section 113, Row T)
One nice touch was that the fans had "free reign" during the warmups. You could go right down to the glass to take pictures and the like. As I was seated in the direction where the Capitals were warming up, I focused my photography on their players:
Alexander Ovechkin warming up...
You might be surprised to know that the Blues made the playoffs for 25 consecutive seasons (!), ending in the 2005-06 season. Though there are no Stanley Cup or Conference Championship banners, the Blues have their fair share of Division Titles (7 at the time of my attendance) and captured the 1999-2000 President's Trophy.
Banners in the Rafters at Scottrade
With regards to concessions, there was certainly a wide variety of items available --- prices are high but "in line" with what you'd expect to pay at a sporting event. A few specialty items also caught my eye (Chicken Mac'N'Cheese, Freshly-Cut Pork Sandwiches), though I went traditional on this evening with a hot dog and fries.
Drink selection was also very good; a wide-variety of alcoholic (everything from beer to wine and in between) and non-alcoholic selections were available.
St. Louis 4, Washington 3
The game itself started quickly, with the Blues (Brad Boyes) scoring 0:45 into the contest. Another St. Louis goal (Brewer, 8:58) and a Washington reply (Mike Green, 9:38) had it 2-1 midway through the first period.
The Blues found themselves in penalty trouble in the second period, where they took three minors in the span of 1:24. Washington was only able to manage one goal (Green's second of the game).
David Backes made it 4-2 early in the third period, and then survived another 2-man disadvantage situation midway through the frame. Michael Nylander scored with just over 1:00 to go to cut the lead to 4-3, but that would be the final.
Announced attendance was 16,863 (86.1% capacity).
Overall Impressions
Certainly, a place that was well worth the investment, and the game itself that I attended was entertaining which only added to my impression.
I'll be back!
Mark's Rating:
Location: 9/10
Amenities (Concessions, Souvenirs, Etc.): 9/10
Stadium Aesthetics (History, Seat Views, Etc.): 8.5/10
Fan Experience: 8/10
Overall Impression: 9/10
Total Score: 43.5 out of 50 (87%)
