Photo Credit: Mike DiNardo (@md.media.co)

New Venue Management Company and Updates on the Horizon 

Located in the heart of downtown Rochester along the Genesee River, Blue Cross Arena at the War Memorial is one of Upstate New York’s top sports and entertainment venues.

This multi-purpose arena hosts everything from professional, amateur, collegiate and youth sporting events to concerts, family entertainment, and large-scale community events. As the home of the Rochester Americans (AHL) and Rochester Knighthawks (NLL), Blue Cross Arena offers a first-class experience for fans and athletes alike, with modern amenities and flexible seating for up to 13,000 guests.

The next chapter of the Blue Cross Arena is unfolding as the City of Rochester recently announced VenuWorks as the new management company for this iconic facility. VenuWorks is a nationally respected venue management company specializing in mid-sized markets, bringing decades of experience managing sports and entertainment venues across the country.  With assumed management of the Blue Cross Arena as of May 1, 2025 –  VenuWorks has the vision to lead the arena forward, focusing on revitalization and expanded opportunities

To build on this vision, VenuWorks has appointed Colin Holman as the new Executive Director of the Blue Cross Arena. Holman brings a wealth of expertise, having previously served as Director of Operations at the Ford Center in Evansville, IN.

With a new venue management firm in place, exciting improvements are planned for the arena , including upgrades to concessions, concourse amenities and entry points. Additional updates – including a riverside addition – are planned for the future under the Roc the Riverway initiative.

The Blue Cross Arena is an ideal venue host for a wide range of sporting events, including basketball, hockey and lacrosse games, NCAA events, high school and state athletic championships, gymnastics, wrestling, cheer and martial arts events.

The Rochester NY Sports Commission looks forward to a continued partnership with the Blue Cross Arena to connect event holders and tournament organizers with the facility. The Sports Commission’s site selection, hotel coordination and event planning services are complementary to event organizers. Connect with our team to learn more.