SMG Concession Contract Considered

Officials in Rochester, N.Y., are considering a two-year extension to SMG’s management contract for the Blue Cross Arena at the Rochester Community War Memorial.

Under the terms of the deal, the city would forfeit 11 percent of concession revenue from local sports and 13 percent of concessions from other events during that period, which the city projects would amount to $329,000, according to the Democrat & Chronicle.

In return, SMG will reportedly cover $604,000 in arena operating losses for the 2013-14 fiscal year.

The city is also considering renovations to the venue. Del Smith, commissioner for the department of neighborhood & business development, told the paper city councilors will be asked to approve a $100,000 market study to assess architectural improvements recently recommended by Populous.

“We’re trying to really understand the best way to position Blue Cross Arena at the War Memorial going forward,” Smith said. “We all concluded it’s in everyone’s best interests to move forward with the market study.”

The upgrades, along with sports tenant leases and the SMG contract, will be discussed during a Sept. 16 meeting.