City of Rochester
News Release
(Friday, July 13, 2018) -- Today, Mayor Lovely A. Warren announced an agreement with Pegula Sports and Entertainment for the management of Blue Cross Arena at the Rochester War Memorial.
“We have good news for both local taxpayers and sports fans today as we announce that the City of Rochester and Pegula Sports and Entertainment will be partnering at Blue Cross Arena,” said Mayor Warren. “The Pegulas’ organization is known throughout Western New York for excellence in management and sports entertainment. Having PSE manage the arena will improve the fan experience and bring additional entertainment events to this important job creating facility which will bolster our efforts to create more jobs along with a more vibrant downtown which leads to safer/more vibrant neighborhoods and better educational opportunities for our residents.”
The proposed agreement with PSE is an interim agreement to provide for continuity of arena operations. PSE is the management company of the Rochester Americans, the anchor tenant of the arena, and this agreement affirms PSE’s commitment to the venue.
“This is just the next step in Terry and Kim Pegula’s commitment to the region,” said PSE Chief Operating Officer Bruce Popko. “It began with the purchase of the Amerks, continued with the extension of Bills camp at Fisher, and now extends to the future of Blue Cross Arena. This facility can be a major accelerator for downtown Rochester, and we will work diligently with Mayor Warren and her staff to transform it into a first-class attraction along the Genesee River that will benefit the entire city.”
Under the terms of the proposed agreement, which will run from August 1, 2018 through December 31, 2018, PSE will be responsible for all aspects of arena operations, including concessions, utilities, ticketing, booking events, security, negotiating/administering tenant agreements, etc.
In return for the right to operate the arena, PSE will pay rent to the City in the amount of $5,000 per month.
This matter will be forwarded to Rochester City Council for consideration at its next meeting.
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News Media: For more information, contact Press Officer Jessica Alaimo at 428-7135.