The City of Rochester is poised to appoint Venue Works as the new operator for the Blue Cross Arena, following a comprehensive review process that evaluated four proposals. This decision comes after the current operator, RA LLC, opted out of their license agreement earlier this year. The transition is expected to coincide with the conclusion of the hockey season, which begins tomorrow.

During the meeting, city officials expressed their commitment to enhancing the arena's programming, aiming to attract a diverse range of events beyond hockey, including concerts and community gatherings. The Deputy Mayor highlighted the importance of providing residents and visitors with varied entertainment options, reflecting fond memories associated with the venue.

Venue Works, an employee stock ownership trust company based in Iowa, emerged as the top choice due to its extensive experience managing similar facilities, including the Ford Center in Indiana and the Toyota Center in Washington. The review committee praised Venue Works for its realistic financial proposals and innovative operational plans, which include an initial investment of $1.25 million for upgrades to food and beverage offerings.

The proposed contract spans 15 years, with Venue Works receiving 8% of gross food, beverage, and catering revenue, along with an attendance incentive. City officials noted that the arena is currently underutilized and expressed optimism about Venue Works' ability to increase revenue through new entertainment options.

As the city prepares for this transition, officials are aware of potential risks, including initial ramp-up costs and the ongoing contract with Delaware North for concessions, which runs through 2026. However, they remain confident that the performance-based nature of Venue Works' proposal will align the operator's success with the city's financial interests.

The proposal will be discussed further in committee, with hopes of advancing it to the full council meeting next week.