ST. LOUIS — The ownership group of the St. Louis Blues hockey team has purchased the remaining equity stake in Stifel Theatre from Joe McKee III and Chris McKee, assuming complete ownership of the long-term lease for the historic venue.
This acquisition marks the first time the landmark will be under single ownership since its reopening in 2011, which is expected to streamline operations for the theatre and its year-round event schedule.
The McKee brothers played a crucial role in financing, renovating, and reopening the former Kiel Opera House. The venue, which celebrated its 90th anniversary in 2034, reopened as Peabody Opera House in 2011 and was renamed Stifel Theatre in 2018 under a partnership with Stifel Financial Corp.
“The renovation and reopening of Kiel Opera House was presented to us some 15 years ago as an opportunity. Our family loves St. Louis, and the more that love factored into our thinking, the more we saw this project as both an opportunity and an obligation,” states Joe McKee III, Chairman of PARIC Holdings. “Today, as our chapter in the history of Stifel Theatre comes to a close, we thank Tom Stillman for the exceptional partnership we have enjoyed with Tom and his team. We consider our experience a privilege and are forever grateful to everyone who believed in and supported us throughout this journey.”
Under the Blues organization’s management, with input from the McKee brothers, the theatre has hosted a wide range of events including musical performances, comedy shows, family entertainment, live theatre, dance, and political gatherings. It also serves as a venue for special events such as weddings and graduations.
Since 2023, Stifel Theatre has been the temporary home of the St. Louis Symphony, which previously resided there from 1934 to 1968, while renovations are underway at Powell Hall.
The City of St. Louis owns the nearby Enterprise Center, where the St. Louis Blues are the primary tenant.
