BillP. wrote: Sun Apr 19, 2020 2:07 pm
Story on HF Boards I had never heard before. Anyone else ever hear about the Blues almost leaving in mid seventies?
St. Louis: Sidney Salomon (II or III - I can't remember if it was father or son) was looking at selling the St. Louis Blues due to a ridiculous lease in an aging arena in St. Louis. By December 1975, four cities are mentioned as relocation spots: Seattle, Denver, Miami and New Orleans. Salomon had visited the Superdome earlier that year and felt it could host hockey. He further claimed that people in New Orleans had contacted him about buying the team. In January 1976 the NHL gave him permission to move. Ultimately a better lease was worked out (I think but can't remember the details) and they stayed.
That’s about 95% right, Bill. If I’m not mistaken, the Salomons owned the Arena from the beginning of the franchise (bought it from the Wirtz family for $4 mil), and then when things definitely got tough for the franchise in the mid-70’s, as you indicate. Ultimately, they sold both the team and the Arena to Ralston Purina in 1977. So most of what you’re saying is correct, but i don’t think it had to do with a bad lease since they owned the building. But it was an old place that was a total money pit, so that was definitely an issue.