CEO of business operations, hired in 2014, has helped orchestrate many terrific things for Blues, including Winter Classic, new practice facility, All-Star game, improvements to Enterprise Center
It was 10 years ago that St. Louis Blues chairman Tom Stillman called upon a friend to help out on the business side of the franchise.
Stillman, whose partnership group purchased the Blues and the then-Scottrade Center in 2010, was looking for an uptick.
Today marks the 10-year anniversary since the named Chris Zimmerman as president and CEO of business operations with the hopes of tackling many important projects to propel the franchise towards prosperity, and Stillman knew at the time he was bringing in the right man.
Stillman was bringing in someone he had known for years, a friend.
In the time Zimmerman has been in his position, the Blues have more than thrived.
Zimmerman, who oversees all aspects of the Blues’ business operations, as well as Enterprise Center and the Blues’ role and interest in the Peabody Opera House, has led a resurgence in the Blues’ business operations arguably better than expected.
In 2015-16, Zimmerman oversaw the most successful financial season in the organization’s history, then things really began to pick up.
It began with St. Louis getting the 2017 Winter Classic at Busch Stadium against the Chicago Blackhawks. Zimmerman then facilitated legislation that aided in a multi-million dollar renovation to now-Enterprise Center which has allowed St. Louis to continue to compete for major national sporting events, concerts, and more, which included a big to host the World Junior Championship.
The 64-year-old also was the driving force to bring the 2024 NCAA men's hockey regional to Centene Community Ice Center, the NCAA Frozen Four in 2025 and NCAA men's basketball first/second rounds in 2026 to Enterprise Center. He also helped in bringing the American Collegiate Hockey Association National Championships in 2022, 2024, 2025, 2027 and 2028, with the option to bring the event to St. Louis in 2026.
Zimmerman was eager to grow hockey throughout the region, which led to architecting plans for Centene Community Ice Center, a new multi-sheet, regional ice center in Maryland Heights with St. Louis how hosting hockey at every level from learn-to-play to the NHL.
Zimmerman continues to expand the organization’s presence in the community by serving on several boards, including the Board of Directors of the St. Louis Sports Commission, the St. Louis Regional Chamber, Blues for Kids, Downtown STL Inc., and the Legacy Ice Foundation.
Zimmerman played hockey at the University of Vermont, and he served as an assistant hockey coach at Babson College while working toward his MBA there. Zimmerman, along with his wife Emily and daughter Katie, relocated to St. Louis when he joined the Blues. His son Ted is currently studying Sports Management at the University of Massachusetts-Amherst.
Prior to joining the Blues, Zimmerman had more than 30 years of experience in sports, marketing, and business management, including stints as general manager of Nike Golf, president of the Vancouver Canucks, and similar roles with both Bauer Hockey and Easton Sports.
For all his efforts to make the Blues a viable franchise, Zimmerman was rewarded along with the rest of the organization with the first Stanley Cup in the club's history in 2019.
