Bettman visits newly-renovated Enterprise Center

The home opener is always special in St. Louis, but the Heartland of Hockey welcomed a VIP guest to this year's festivities: NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman.

Bettman was in town Oct. 4 at the invitation of Blues Chairman Tom Stillman and President & CEO Chris Zimmerman. Not only did he take in the Blues' season-opening game against the Winnipeg Jets, but the commissioner also had the opportunity to tour the newly-renovated Enterprise Center and visit the site of the future St. Louis Community Ice Center.
"I think the Blues, Tom (Stillman), and Chris (Zimmerman) have done an incredible job of doing the things to take the club to the next level," Bettman said.
Enterprise Center underwent
dramatic changes this summer
, introducing new gathering spaces, elevating the food and beverage experience and increasing fan comfort at every level.

"The money that was spent this summer was put to very good use," he said. "I don't think this building has ever looked better, and that's exciting to see."
Is it ready for a marquee NHL event? Bettman thinks so.
"Yes, at some point we could and should and would hold an All-Star Game here," he said.
The Blues have
noted their interest in hosting in 2020 or 2021
. While Bettman stressed there was no date or timeframe as of now, he said the prospect of St. Louis hosting an All-Star Game is "more than realistic."

Bettman's day started in Maryland Heights at the site of the St. Louis Community Ice Center, which is currently under construction and expected to open in September 2019.
"Having four new sheets of ice and a state-of-the-art practice facility is great, not just for the Blues but for the development of hockey at the grassroots level," Bettman said.
After getting his first look at arena renovations, Bettman participated in a Q&A with Blues staff members before attending a press conference with the media. When asked by a reporter if this was the healthiest the Blues franchise has been in some time, the commissioner didn't hesitate.
"I believe it is," he said. "Maybe the healthiest ever."