Blue Cross Arena Upgrade

City officials in Rochester, N.Y., have committed to a $10.5 million, multiphase renovation for the city’s Blue Cross Arena instead of starting from scratch with a new facility.

– Blue Cross Arena
Blue Cross Arena in Rochester, N.Y., built more than 60 years ago, will get a much-needed facelift thanks to a $10 million, multiphase renovation project expected to begin this summer.

Blue Cross Arena – Blue Cross Arena in Rochester, N.Y., built more than 60 years ago, will get a much-needed facelift thanks to a $10 million, multiphase renovation project expected to begin this summer.

Mayor Lovely Warren said building a new venue wasn’t cost-effective compared to the renovation plan for the 61-year-old arena. The building recently received a new, $425,000 marquee. Warren is optimistic the state will release the $10.5 million in state funds shortly and any additional funds will be secured in the next few weeks.

The NHL’s Buffalo Sabres are said to have turned down the chance to play a preseason game at Blue Cross Arena last year because the team felt the venue was inadequate. The renovation work is expected to begin this summer.