In Reply, Rams Tell CVC Retractable Roof and Much More Needed for “Top-Tier” Status

The St. Louis Rams responded May 1 to the St. Louis Convention and Visitors Commission proposal from February 1 and today the public gets its first look at the organization's wishes for a "top-tier" NFL stadium. The existing lease requires the CVC, the stadium's owner, to keep the facility among the most lavish in the league. The proposal, released by Missouri Attorney General against the Ram's wishes, in response to multiple Sunshine Law requests, does not include a price tag, stating that the plan is "presented in sufficient detail to permit the CVC to price improvements."

What remains unclear is what changes actually constitute "top-tier" status. The Rams may terminate the lease in 2015 if the stadium does not rate better than three-quarters of NFL venues in 15 categories ranging from seating to advertising opportunities and concessions. The two parties have until June 15 to reach a deal. If the final judgment in the presumed arbitration process deems a retractable roof, additional seats and more as necessary, the lease that brought the Rams to St. Louis must be recognized as one of the worst in sports history.

In detail, the Ram's proposed changes are in effect a new stadium. The south, west and majority of the north facade would remain, according to the proposal. Instead of the CVC's small windows added to the existing structure, the Rams would like glass walls more than 30 feet high and a retractable roof, a "glazed building envelope". The varied facets of the tilted, moving roof would be a unique addition to professional sports stadiums.

{the Rams proposal calls for a nearly new stadium - rendering looking northwest}