The Checkerdome *Original*

Title: The Checkerdome
Size: 24 x 36 in.
Year: 2016
Location: St. Louis, MO, USA
Medium: Acrylic on canvas

A bold tribute to St. Louis hockey history

The Checkerdome by Kyle Lucks captures the iconic energy of the St. Louis Arena, the original home of the Blues and one of the most storied venues in American sports. From 1967 to 1994, this building hosted legends, heartbreaks, and historic Stanley Cup matchups. With bold colorwork and an abstract nod to Ralston Purina’s red-and-white checkerboard logo, this piece honors the building fans still call “The Old Barn.” It's a nostalgic, electric tribute to a true St. Louis landmark.

Inside the Art: The Story Behind The Checkerdome

Before Enterprise Center, there was The Checkerdome, a gritty, unforgettable arena at the heart of St. Louis sports. Originally named the St. Louis Arena, this venue opened in 1929 and was, at one point, the second-largest indoor entertainment space in the U.S. It became home to the St. Louis Blues in 1967, witnessing decades of unforgettable moments and hosting three consecutive Stanley Cup Finals in the team’s first three seasons. Fans were spoiled to witness Blues legends like Bernie Federko, Garry Unger, the Plager brothers, Brett Hull, Red Berenson, Al MacInnis, Brian Sutter and Curtis Joseph. 

From 1977 to 1983, the arena was known as The Checkerdome during its ownership by Ralston Purina, whose checkerboard branding left a lasting visual legacy. In this 24"x36" original acrylic painting, Kyle Lucks brings that era to life, melding nostalgia, fandom, and bold design into one expressive tribute. The red and white theme, layered textures, and subtle nods to architectural structure honor both the space and the generations of fans who filled it.

This piece speaks directly to St. Louis diehards and collectors who understand the emotional weight of a place like “The Old Barn.” It’s more than a building. It’s part of the city’s sports soul.

Why Buy The Checkerdome:

• St. Louis landmark, immortalized
  Pays tribute to the original home of the Blues, a venue packed with raw energy and iconic memories.
• Deep fan connection
  The Checkerdome hosted Stanley Cup Finals, unforgettable matchups, and some of the Blues’ most beloved players.
• Vibrant legacy on canvas
  The 24"x36" original is bold, high-energy, and filled with visual nods to the arena’s signature checkerboard era.
• For the true Blues historian
  Ideal for fans who lived through the early days and want a piece that honors St. Louis hockey’s roots.
  
  

Perfect For:

• Blues fans who grew up watching games at The Checkerdome
• St. Louis natives who remember the roar of “The Old Barn”
• Collectors building a shrine to classic hockey history and hometown arenas
• Sports bars, offices, or media rooms filled with vintage memorabilia
• Buyers who love architectural sports art with strong cultural ties