Honestly, if you ask someone about the biggest beef in sports, they’ll probably point you toward the Yankees and Red Sox or maybe the Lakers and Celtics. But there is something incredibly specific and strangely intense about the friction between Colorado and St. Louis. It isn't just one sport. It’s a multi-sport, cross-state resentment that spans from the ice of the NHL to the grass of the MLS.
It's personal.
Most people think it’s just a geographic proximity thing, but that doesn't hold water. They aren't even bordering states. Kansas is sitting right there in the middle like a massive buffer zone. No, this is about high-altitude ego meeting Midwestern "old-school" grit. Whether it’s Nathan MacKinnon lighting up the Blues or the Rapids trying to prove they still own the West against a surging St. Louis City SC, the Colorado vs St Louis narrative is one of the most underrated storylines in American sports today.
The Cold War on Ice: Avalanche and Blues
If you want to see where the real blood is, look at the NHL. On December 31, 2025, the Colorado Avalanche absolutely dismantled the St. Louis Blues with a 6-1 blowout at Ball Arena. It was brutal. Valeri Nichushkin bagged a hat trick, and Nathan MacKinnon—the guy is basically a human cheat code at this point—scored his 400th career goal.
You’ve gotta feel for the Blues fans sometimes. They travel well, they show up, and then they watch their defense get shredded by Makar and MacKinnon. But the history here goes way deeper than one New Year's Eve beatdown. Think back to the 2022 playoffs. That series was a powder keg. We’re talking about the Nazem Kadri and Jordan Binnington incident. When Binnington allegedly threw a water bottle at Kadri during a post-game interview? That is the kind of petty, high-level drama that cements a rivalry for a generation.
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St. Louis fans still haven’t let that go.
Colorado fans, on the other hand, tend to look at the Blues as a persistent speed bump on their way to another Cup. It's a clash of identities. Colorado plays this breathtaking, fast-paced, "transition from hell" style of hockey. St. Louis, historically, wants to grind you down, hit you in the corners, and win a 2-1 game that feels like a bar fight. When these two styles clash, someone usually ends up frustrated. Usually, lately, it’s been St. Louis.
The Pitch: A New Kind of Hatred
While the hockey rivalry has decades of crusty history, the soccer side of things is fresh and surprisingly spicy. St. Louis City SC burst onto the scene in 2023, and they didn't exactly "wait their turn" to be good. That rubbed the Colorado Rapids the wrong way.
The Rapids have been the "blue-collar" team of the Rockies for a long time. Then comes this expansion team from Missouri with a brand-new stadium and a massive chip on its shoulder. On May 24, 2025, the Rapids managed a 1-0 win thanks to a goal from Darren Yapi. It wasn't a pretty game. It was 90 minutes of hacking, tactical fouls, and a combined 21 fouls conceded.
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Basically, it was a mess.
But that's the beauty of Colorado vs St Louis in the MLS. It’s not about "The Beautiful Game." It’s about who wants it more in the 80th minute when the humidity in St. Louis or the thin air in Commerce City starts to melt your lungs. St. Louis City SC has already established a "Midwest Derby" with Sporting KC, but their games against Colorado are quietly becoming a "must-watch" for anyone who likes a bit of needle in their soccer.
Beyond the Scoreboard: The Cost of Living Reality
Look, we can’t talk about these two places without acknowledging why people are moving between them. If you’re a fan thinking about following your team to an away game—or moving permanently—the math is wild.
Denver (and Colorado at large) has become insanely expensive. We’re talking about a 27% difference in the cost of living. If you live in St. Louis, your dollar is basically a superhero. The average rent in St. Louis is nearly 30% lower than in Denver.
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- St. Louis: Cheap beer, affordable housing, the Arch.
- Colorado: Legal everything, mountains, expensive avocado toast.
The economic divide actually fuels the rivalry. St. Louis fans view Coloradans as "transplant snobs" who priced themselves out of reality. Colorado fans look at St. Louis as a place you stop for gas on the way to somewhere else. It’s a cultural disconnect that makes every win feel like a validation of a lifestyle.
What Really Happened with the Billikens?
College sports usually get left out of this conversation, but shouldn't. The University of Colorado and Saint Louis University (the Billikens) don't play every year, but when they do, it’s a weirdly high-stakes affair for the alumni.
In late 2025, the WashU and Colorado College matchups reminded everyone that these regional battles matter. While the "big" schools like Mizzou or CU Boulder are looking at conference realignments in the Big 12 or SEC, these cross-regional games are where the real "bragging rights" for the average fan live.
The Verdict: Why This Matters for 2026
We are heading into a massive year for sports. With the World Cup on the horizon and the NHL hitting a new peak of star power, the Colorado vs St Louis dynamic is going to get louder.
On April 5 and 7, 2026, the Avalanche and Blues meet again for a back-to-back set that could decide playoff seeding. Mark your calendars. Those games won't be polite. They will be loud, they will be physical, and someone is probably going to get a game misconduct.
Actionable Insights for Fans:
- Check the Altitude: If you’re a Blues fan traveling to Denver for the April 2026 games, drink twice as much water as you think you need. The "mile high" thing isn't a myth; it's a physiological nightmare for your cardiovascular system.
- Ticket Hacks: St. Louis games at Enterprise Center are generally more affordable than Ball Arena. If you’re on a budget, catch the "away" leg in Missouri.
- Watch the Youngsters: Keep an eye on Dalibor Dvorsky for the Blues and Calum Ritchie for the Avs. The next generation of this rivalry is already hitting the ice.
- MLS Scheduling: The Rapids host St. Louis City SC on May 10, 2026. If you want to see the "new" rivalry in person, that’s the date to circle.
This isn't just about stats. It's about two regions that refuse to admit the other has a point. It’s about 400th goals and water-bottle tosses. It’s about $1,100 rent vs $2,500 rent. It’s Colorado vs St. Louis, and honestly? It’s only getting better.