The multipurpose 11,215 seat Blue Cross Arena (BCA) in Rochester, New York, is to be renovated in a bid to make it more competitive on a national level.
Funds for the renovation will come from city and state governments, and from the venue’s manager, Pegula Sports and Entertainment.
“The Blue Cross Arena at the War Memorial is a major engine of job creation, tourism and downtown vibrancy for our city – so any investments we make here are going to really help our economy,” said Mayor Lovely Warren. “Maintaining a state-of-the-art sports and entertainment venue in our center city is a critical component in the fight for more jobs, safer more vibrant neighborhoods, and better educational opportunities for all of Rochester’s citizens.”
Pegula Sports and Entertainment has pledged to invest up to US$1.5m to install a new scoreboard at the BCA. State senators Joseph Robach and Richard Funke have also secured US$3.5m in state funding for upgrades.
Governor Andrew Cuomo has pledged to spend up to US$6m for BCA upgrades under the ROC the Riverway Program, and Rochester Assembly members Joseph Morelle, David Gantt and Harry Bronson have already secured US$3.5m of funding for the arena.
The City of Rochester has committed US$3.3m to the BCA for a number of capital projects, including the new marquee and a roof replacement. The New York Power Authority has pledged US$275,000 for lighting upgrades.
The ROC the Riverway funds will be used to enhance the facility’s position on the Genesee River by redefining the River Terrace to give visitors a river-front experience. Senate and Assembly funds will be used to redevelop the Exchange Boulevard side of the building, to include a new side entrance, a reconfigured office suite, an additional locker room and a larger concession area. Renovations will also include restroom upgrades and improvements to the AV infrastructure.
By Tara Craig
September 14, 2018
