MARYLAND HEIGHTS, Mo. – The city of Maryland Heights has announced a new five-year management agreement for the Centene Community Ice Center.
In July, the city terminated its management agreement with the Legacy Ice Foundation, a nonprofit group tied to the St. Louis Blues. The city has now hired Oak View Group to run the complex.
Maryland Heights officials say Oak View Group will now have exclusive rights to manage all food and beverage operations at the center, including the option to subcontract these services. The city says the change “aims to bolster revenue generation and financial stability.”
“This new management agreement underscores the City’s dedication to preserving the Centene Community Ice Center as a premier venue for sports and community events,” said the City of Maryland Heights via a news release.
The change comes after FOX 2 learned of tax troubles around the center earlier this year. The venue reportedly did not collect sales tax for four years, a mistake that reportedly cost the public about $1.5 million. Those tax dollars should have gone to the state of Missouri, St. Louis County, and the city of Maryland Heights.
The St. Louis Blues will begin training camp for the 2024-25 NHL season at the Centene Community Ice Center on Sept. 19.
