Audit Reveals Major Funding Shortfall for St. Louis Downtown Dome

A recent audit has exposed significant financial hurdles facing the Dome at America’s Center in downtown St. Louis, raising urgent questions about the facility’s future and its ability to remain competitive as a major events venue.

Key Findings from the Audit

• The Dome requires approximately $155 million in investments over the next decade to address critical upgrades and maintenance needs, according to a report commissioned by the St. Louis Regional Convention and Sports Complex Authority (RSA).
• Available funding for the Dome is currently about $88 million, which includes $69 million remaining from the city’s share of the Rams NFL settlement. This leaves a shortfall of roughly $67 million.
• The facility no longer receives annual preservation funds from the state, county, or city, as those obligations ended when the original construction debt was paid off.

Urgent Needs and Risks

The audit, conducted by Venue Solutions Group, highlighted several urgent infrastructure needs:

• Technology upgrades, including new AV systems, LED lighting, telecommunications, and security equipment. The current speaker system is described as “right on the edge of unusable,” with failures likely to disrupt events if not replaced soon.
• Replacement of aging broadcast cabling and failing video production equipment.
• Major investments in fire protection, roof repairs, food and beverage equipment, and vertical transportation (elevators and escalators).

The report recommends spending $38.3 million in 2025 alone, with additional investments required in subsequent years.

Political and Financial Challenges

The Dome’s reliance on public funding has drawn criticism, especially as the facility no longer hosts an NFL team and must compete for a shrinking pool of major events. Delays and disagreements among city and county officials have previously held up much-needed bond funding, causing project costs to escalate and fueling controversy over the Dome’s future.

A committee of the RSA is set to meet in September to prioritize the most urgent repairs and upgrades. Board members have indicated that not all recommendations may be implemented, given the funding gap and the Dome’s changing role in the city’s event landscape.

Next Steps

Local officials must now develop a plan to address the funding shortfall. Options could include seeking additional public investment, private partnerships, or scaling back the scope of improvements. The outcome will be crucial for St. Louis’ ability to attract conventions, sporting events, and other large gatherings that drive regional economic activity.

The audit marks the start of a broader effort to secure the Dome’s long-term viability, but significant financial and political hurdles remain.