The Checkerdome, aka The Arena, The Barn (Oakland, Diamond: high school, tornado)

[ShadowCaver]

As found a tear wanting to course across my cheek, reading the thread http://www.city-data.com/forum/st-lo...t-louis-8.html and looking at some photos and other sites devoted to her history. So, while sitting here in a yellow chair set [thanks mom! (b-day/Christmas present) ] from the grand old building, thought would be good to have a thread dedicated just to this beautiful structure.

To me, my generation, she was known as The Checkerdome. Can not recall how many concerts, Blues & Steamers games, and other events that enjoyed being in there. However, one Blues game in particular will remain with me 'till last breath. Yes, it was the amazing Monday Night Miracle vs. the Flames. Parked up on the hill as normal in the Steak 'n Shake parking area, and as was walking down the road w/ lady in hand, as we discussed the win-or-die situation that beloved boys found themselves in, said to her that "if the Blues would win tonight, I'd marry her". Well,,, up until those last seconds thought I was in the clear! But, ummmm yea, for mooooostly better and not too much worse , as Pas tied it and then Wick scored the winner in OT, my fate, it was sealed. Walking back up that hill, with a special energy, got my regular fare of a shake and bacon-double-steakburger & fries, sat in booth w/ the woman, us eating late yet delectable meals, reveling in the excitement.

Fast forwarding ~13 [] years, found myself later, that sad winter day in '99, standing in the parking lot off of Oakland Avenue,,, with a tear cascading then too, a TV reporter canvasing for stories, inquired of my memories, what the building meant to me, and so forth. There was, IMHO, good means and options to rebuild and reuse this unique structure - aquarium, whatever - but politics being money grubbing under-the-table politics, that special structure was imploded and demolished.

Anyhow, sorry, ,,, let this thread be a repository of fun, exciting, and enjoyable memories, memories of time spent within and around the building known as The Checkerdome, Arena, Barn, insert your favourite moniker here...

Here, also, is a link to a pretty durn good post - be sure to watch the slideshow; nice work putting this together: Ballparks, Arenas and Stadiums

[RickMG]

Great thread ShadowCaver. As mentioned in the other thread, I remember going to the Arena many times over the years with my mom and dad. Saw Annie Oakley, Roy Rogers and many other shows as a kid. As an adult, I too saw more concerts than I can remember there, including, The Monkeys (yes, took my kids), Billy Joel numberous times. He used to playfully joke (meaning he was serious) at how bad the acoustics were in there. Saw Neil Diamond and many, many others. We (our business) had season tickets to the Blues the entire time they played there, but I bet I never went to ten games total as my uncle was the big hockey fan. I used to make special deliveries there as they were a great customer. I remember you drove down a ramp to a tunnel on the back side of the place and would go in where the locker rooms for the teams and dressing rooms for the entertainers where. Many times the Blues were on the ice practicing and I could be there standing where they would park the zambonie machine. It was fun seeing all the props and everything around there. I wasn't there when they imploded the place, but saw it on TV. I, like you, thought something could be done to save the building.

[ShadowCaver]

Thanks Rick

lol, just remembered about this!


YouTube - Putting the Check Back in the Checkerdome!

[Fishtacos]

There was no better place to be than the old Barn on a Saturday night. I feel sorry for any local hockey or Blues fan that never had the opportunity to experience it.

[aragx6]

I really only remember them tearing it down and my parents being really sad and nostalgic about it. And I remember how neat it was to be able to see it come down- I remember they had cameras inside it too.

I never had a chance to go - I was what maybe 10 when the Blues quit playing there and didn't go to any Blues games until high school.

Guess I'm showing my young age...

[Northwoods Voyager]

'The Arena'...The place to go for Rodeos and Circuses for my older generation. Then, The place to go for skating events. Friends of ours had children in competitions. Never missed an event. Of course one of the worst happenings was the tornado of Feb.10, 1959. Remember that one very clearly! So many of us just had to drive, walk, ride a bus, etc. to our beloved Arena to witness the damage. . How sad . But, restored it was and we were happy. Unfortunately my DH is not a sports fan and cannot believe that I never saw our Blues play there. I know many refer to the building/emotional setting, as the Checkerdome. I kind of like that! This will remain alive so long as so many of the various generations that fell in love with the Arena/Checkerdome, etc. dig down and share our 'stories'.

Thank you ShadowCaver and others for your 'remembories'. (my word) Good thread here.

[Fishtacos]

Originally Posted by aragx6

I really only remember them tearing it down and my parents being really sad and nostalgic about it. And I remember how neat it was to be able to see it come down- I remember they had cameras inside it too.

I never had a chance to go - I was what maybe 10 when the Blues quit playing there and didn't go to any Blues games until high school.

Guess I'm showing my young age...

I'd like to think I'm pretty young myself. ...just a terrific place.