ST. LOUIS – A limited number of frontline workers are invited to the Enterprise Center for the St. Louis Blues’ home opener Monday, Jan. 18, when they play the San Jose Sharks.
The first game of the season is presented by BJC HealthCare and Washington University Physicians.
There will be a “special dedication puck drop honoring frontline workers and the heroic work they have done in our community over the last 10 months.”
“We are proud to welcome this group of local heroes as our guests to the arena as a way to express our admiration and appreciation for their selfless work to keep the St. Louis area healthy and safe,” Blues President of Business Operations/CEO Chris Zimmerman said.
“The most common feedback I get is that ‘I miss hockey.'”
The team is working with BJC HealthCare, Washington University physicians, and public safety organizations to choose the frontline workers who the Blues said will be in attendance at all January home games. The team said those that are invited “will sit in socially-distanced seating pods throughout the Plaza Level of the arena.”
Alison Cole, a music therapist at BJC, knows she’s invited because she’s been asked to sing the national anthem at one of the games.
“It’ll be my first Blues game so I’m excited for that. I guess I’ll feel like I earned my keep because I get to sing,” she said. “Our hospice director asked if I’d be interested. … It’s something I’ve done for several BJC events.”
Cole said she’s glad to be singing but she’s also excited the frontline workers are getting the recognition they deserve.
“It’s been a in important all along, but especially now. I know our health care workers are going through it,” she said.
So far, the Blues have been given guidance that tells them that allowing less than 300 people is the safest way to start the season. Other guidelines include, face masks must be worn by all guests and staff, bags are not permitted and the Enterprise Center is completely cash-free.
Even though many die-hard Blues fans won’t be able to be in attendance, they can still be there in spirit with the Fan Cutout program.
