Venue Detail
Rochester Americans
Revenues From Sports Venues Pro Facilities Report
February, 2011
Rochester Americans
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1 War Memorial Sq Rochester, NY 14614 Phone: 585-454-5335 Fax: 585-454-3954 URL: www.amerks.com
Owner
Curt Styres
League
American Hockey League North Division
Venue
Blue Cross Arena at the War Memorial, 100 Exchange Blvd, Rochester, NY 14614-2109 Owner: City of Rochester Managed by: SMG Facility Management Built: 1955 Capacity: 9,337 Permanent concession stands: 24 Concessionaire: Savor Suite caterer: Savor
Naming rights
Sold to: Blue Cross Price: $2, 975,000 Term: 15 years Expires: 2013
Ticket prices
Season tickets range from $170 to $530 Single tickets range from $11.00 to $19.00
Attendance
2007 average attendance: 7,339 2008 average attendance: 6,835 2009 average attendance: 4,080
Luxury Suites
Quantity: 25 Term: 3 to 7 years Price: $40,000 to $50,000 Seats: 12 to 12 Includes: Parking, tickets, special events. Party suite rental includes 12 tickets.
The arena is home to the AHL Americans. Renovations to the 43-year-old facility in 1998 increased seating capacity to 12,500 and added 23 luxury suites. Funding for the $41.5 million facility upgrade came from the city. All of the new suites have been leased for the season of the Americans.
Naming rights were sold in September 1998 to Blue Cross. For nearly $3 million over 15 years the company will get its name on the title plus a suite, signage, use of the arena twice a year and $25,000 in tickets annually.
In 2004, the team added a Hall of Fame Club to the venue. The ice is not visible from the club, but those buying access can use the facility before, during and after the game. It offers food and beverages in a lounge atmosphere. The cost is $1,200 per year plus the price of a season ticket.
Poor attendance for sports events has significantly increased the operating deficit for the arena. The city budgeted $176,600 in subsidies in 2003, but a 52,523 drop in attendance meant the subsidy must increase to $461,000.
The city expects to subsidize the building through 2010 and has paid $2.45 million since 2000. The subsidy goes largely to pay for the renovations.
Arena officials are working to boost the number of events in the building, including three exhibition games by the Buffalo Sabres. (Facilities, Financial, Ice Hockey, Professional Sports)