Blues announce new naming-rights agreement: Centene Community Ice Center

ST. LOUIS - The City Of Maryland Heights, St. Louis Legacy Ice Foundation, St. Louis Blues and Centene Corporation today announced a building naming-rights agreement, introducing the soon-to-open, state-of-the-art ice center at 750 Casino Center Drive in Maryland Heights as "
Centene Community Ice Center
."
The 10-year agreement, which calls for signage, marketing and communication elements featuring the Centene brand and logo, underscores Centene's deep commitment to the health and well being of the region's youth, along with the economic growth and development of St. Louis, where the company was established and is headquartered.

"We are thrilled to have two St. Louis institutions extend their partnership with this naming-rights agreement to this new community asset that will benefit thousands of all ages from throughout the region," said St. Louis Blues Chairman Tom Stillman. "The Blues and Centene emerged from infancy here in St. Louis into two growing organizations that represent so much of what our hometown is all about. Michael Neidorff and his Centene team have been members of the Blues marketing partner community for years, and this new agreement is yet another example of Michael and his Centene's commitment to the Blues and to the entire St. Louis community. We are honored that this much-needed ice center and practice home of the Blues will open later this year as Centene Community Ice Center."

"We're delighted to take our partnership with the Blues to this new level, and to support St. Louis Legacy Ice Foundation and the City of Maryland Heights in their efforts to create this community resource," said
Michael Neidorff
, Chairman, President, and Chief Executive Officer. "Centene is committed to the health and wellness of the communities we serve. We are pleased to be part of this community resource where ice sports enthusiasts of all ages can practice. We look forward to the many memories that youth hockey teams, community members, and the St. Louis Blues will create at the Centene Community Ice Center."
Located in the heart of the Maryland Park Lake District in Maryland Heights, the Centene Community Ice Center is a $78 million project funded through a public-private partnership with support from the City of Maryland Heights, St. Louis County and the State of Missouri. Slated for a Sept. 7 grand opening, this state-of-the-art facility will feature four NHL sized ice sheets, including a covered outdoor rink designed as a multi-purpose venue for concerts, festivals and other events.
The primary tenants and major capital partners of the Centene Community Ice Center include the St. Louis Blues, the St. Louis Blues Alumni, Lindenwood University, the St. Louis Blues AAA program and the St. Louis Lady Cyclones. In addition to on-ice activity that will extend beyond hockey, the facility will offer sports medicine, therapy, training and other ancillary medical services through an on-site space. The ice center will also house retail and restaurant spaces as well as concourses and support facilities.
Overall, the facility projects to attract more than 1 million visitors and drive 16,000-plus hotel nights to deliver an estimated $20 million economic impact on an annual basis. The 277,000 square-foot facility will be managed by the St. Louis Legacy Ice Foundation as part of a 30-year agreement with the City of Maryland Heights, which will own the facility upon completion.

"Initiating construction of the Centene Community Ice Center was a major step forward in the City's overall development of the Maryland Park Lake District as an environmentally responsible community of recreation, sports, entertainment, hospitality and lifestyle amenities," said Mike Moeller, Mayor of Maryland Heights. "This ice sports complex fits perfectly into our vision of the Lake District as a catalyst for regional growth and development. Adding
Centene Corporation
to our team of partners brings additional excitement and commitment around what the future holds for this area."
"With more than 10 organizations coming together in partnership on this project, this facility is truly a symbol of the strength of the St. Louis community," said St. Louis Legacy Ice Foundation Chairman Patrick Quinn. "Beginning construction last August was a pivotal moment for the continued growth and development of hockey in our region and the fulfillment of our vision was a representation of what hockey is all about: teamwork, determination, leadership and perseverance.
"Be assured, however, that the Centene Community Ice Center will serve residents and guests well beyond the sport of hockey. It will be the premier destination for all ice sports and activities, providing recreational and wellness opportunities for all generations. In the end, this is about how we can make St. Louis the best possible place to live, work, play and visit. Today, the long-term commitment and belief in our vision shown by Michael and Centene validates that our team is on the right track to serve our youth and our community."
"We are beyond excited to have Michael and his Centene team expand their relationship with hockey in our community," said Blues President and CEO of Business Operations, Chris Zimmerman. "The Centene Community Ice Center is the culmination of a lot of hard work by a lot of people and serves to advance our efforts to continue to grow the game of hockey throughout St. Louis and our region as a whole. And, based on experiences in the cities of other Stanley Cup Finalists, our team's success on the ice will attract even more children and adults to hockey."
The Centene Community Ice Center is the premier development initiative included in the St. Louis Blues' 'Hockey STL 2020' campaign. Overall, the campaign aims to bring the St. Louis community together through the game of hockey. The ice center represents a regional movement to engage more youth in skating and ice sports at an early age. Its construction fills a major need in the St. Louis community and will provide the support and resources necessary to continue to foster the growth of hockey and the health and well-being of the region's youth.

About Centene
Centene Corporation, a Fortune 100 company, is a diversified,
multi-national healthcare enterprise
that provides a portfolio of services to government sponsored and commercial healthcare programs, focusing on under-insured and uninsured individuals. Many receive benefits provided under Medicaid, including the State Children's Health Insurance Program (CHIP), as well as Aged, Blind or Disabled (ABD), Foster Care and Long-Term Services and Supports (LTSS), in addition to other state-sponsored programs, Medicare (including the Medicare prescription drug benefit commonly known as "Part D"), dual eligible programs and programs with the U.S. Department of Defense. Centene also provides healthcare services to groups and individuals delivered through commercial health plans. Centene operates local health plans and offers a range of health insurance solutions. It also contracts with other healthcare and commercial organizations to provide specialty services including behavioral health management, care management software, correctional healthcare services, dental benefits management, commercial programs, home-based primary care services, life and health management, vision benefits management, pharmacy benefits management, specialty pharmacy and telehealth services.
About the St. Louis Blues
The St. Louis Blues have been a part of the NHL since 1967. During more than 50 years of operation, the organization has established itself as one of the premier professional sports franchises in the country. With nine division titles, a Presidents' Trophy and more than 20 former team members enshrined in the Hockey Hall of Fame, the Blues have etched one of the most storied histories in the NHL. Through their history, the Blues have hosted more than 35 million fans and invested millions in the St. Louis community via Blues for Kids, the team's charitable foundation.
About St. Louis Legacy Ice Foundation
The St. Louis Legacy Ice Foundation was founded to provide the St. Louis region - with an emphasis on youth - with the opportunity to develop their skills in ice sports in setting that foster personal growth and excellence. The St. Louis Community Ice Center is our "flagship" facility ensures that our region will attract major ice sport events and tournaments, contributing to economic development and job creation, with the resulting effect of strengthening ice sports across our region. In these and related endeavors, we champion the value inherent in ice sports: commitment, good sportsmanship, teamwork, personal integrity, and respect for others and self.
About Maryland Heights
Maryland Heights is home to more than 27,000 residents and 1,600 businesses, making it a major employment center for the region. The city is also a hospitality and entertainment destination, hosting over 3,800 hotel rooms and numerous dining, recreation and entertainment opportunities Maryland Heights is a great place to live, work and visit.