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For more information, contact: ST. LOUIS SHOOTS AND SCORES TO GET FROZEN FOUR SAVVIS CENTER WILL HOST COLLEGE HOCKEY'S NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIP
IN 2007 "This is a tremendous accomplishment for us — and of course the entire community," said Sports Commission President Frank Viverito. "For nearly four years, we've been working to bring the Frozen Four to St. Louis because of how special it would be to our region. The excitement and electricity generated by the event resembles what we've experienced hosting other major NCAA championships. For a town that loves its hockey and always rises to the occasion to embrace the events that come here, the Frozen Four is a great match." The Men's Frozen Four has been a sellout for the last four years — and nine of the last 11. In 2007, the event will take place in the 20,000-seat Savvis Center, one of North America's premier hockey buildings. Based on previous Frozen Fours, the Sports Commission estimates the event will bring more than 12,000 visitors to the region and generate millions in economic impact. Because the event takes place over Easter weekend in 2007 — typically a slow period for the local hotel community — the 12,500 hotel room nights associated with the Frozen Four will be particularly meaningful. ESPN broadcasts the Frozen Four to a national audience. SECOND TIME IS THE CHARM "We entered this process as a long-shot — mostly because of geography and the fact there's no Division I team in St. Louis," Viverito said. "But we did our best to turn that into a positive and drive home the point that St. Louis offers college hockey an opportunity to expand its reach. By bringing the Frozen Four to St. Louis, the game can cultivate a fan base in a region that has been relatively untapped at the college level. "Most importantly, we tried to convey how much we care about this event. We've developed a passion for the Frozen Four just like St. Louis has developed a rich hockey tradition and passion for the sport over the years." The Frozen Four in St. Louis is scheduled for April 5 and 7, 2007. The semifinals occur Thursday afternoon and evening. The championship game takes place Saturday night. On Friday, several events will be held in conjunction with the Frozen Four, including the Hobey Baker and Humanitarian award presentations, and the U.S. College Hockey Online Town Hall Meeting. The Hobey Baker Memorial Award is presented each year to the nation's best collegiate ice hockey player. St. Louis actually was a previous host for the Frozen Four. The event took place at the Saint Louis Arena in 1975. Three decades later, St. Louis has once again become a prime destination for NCAA championship events. In addition to the '07 Frozen Four, the region will host the Division I Wrestling Championships in 2004 and 2005, and the Men's Final Four in 2005. St. Louis hosted the Wrestling Championships in 2000 and the Women's Final Four in 2001. In producing the 2007 NCAA Frozen Four, the Sports Commission will partner with the CHA. Formed in 1999, the CHA is one of the six Division I men's ice hockey conferences. "The CHA is pleased and proud to be selected, along with the St. Louis Sports Commission, as host of the 2007 NCAA Men's Division I Frozen Four Championship," CHA Commissioner R.H. "Bob" Peters said. "I have every confidence in the combined efforts of the St. Louis Sports Commission and the CHA in putting forth a superb tournament operation and atmosphere." ST. LOUIS' FUTURE EVENT LINEUP 2003 Missouri-Illinois Football NCAA DIVISION I CHAMPIONSHIPS IN ST. LOUIS |
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