A bill proposing to rename the stretch of highway was first introduced by Missouri Representative Nick Schroer in May 2021, just two months after Plager passed away at the age of 78.
"Spending more than half a century with our team, it is hard to put into words how important Bobby Plager was to the Blues organization and our city," Schroer told stlouisblues.com. "Renaming the highway that sits in front of the Blues' home seemed an appropriate way to honor him. His name will now forever be on the road that leads to every home game for our organization, a road Mr. Plager paved with his memorable career."
"We are pleased with the decision the Missouri Senate has made to rename a portion of I-64/40 in honor of Bobby," added Blues President and CEO Chris Zimmerman. "As everyone knows, Bobby loved the Blues, and his contributions to the organization and the city of St. Louis for more than half a century are beyond measure. As our fans drive to Enterprise Center for our games and see the Bobby Plager Memorial Highway signs, it will be a great reminder to all of us about his commitment to the Blues."
Plager, an original Blue, joined the team as a 21-year-old in an expansion draft trade with the New York Rangers in 1967. He became an instant fan-favorite with his vicious hip checks and hard-nosed defense in 10 seasons with the Blues.
As a Blue, Plager played in 615 regular-season games, recording 141 points and 762 penalty minutes.
After his retirement following the 1977-78 season, Plager served the organization in a variety of capacities, including head coach, vice president, director of pro scouting, director of player relations and community relations ambassador.
Plager's No. 5 became the seventh jersey retired to the rafters on Feb. 2, 2017.
