With facility upgrades in progress, unforgettable group experiences, and a standout dining scene, now is the perfect time to host your next sports tournament or athletic event in Rochester and Monroe County.
Facility Enhancements
With a wide range of venues centrally located in the Greater Rochester area, there is no limit to facilities equipped to hold a multitude of different sporting events. Recently updated or facilities with improvements underway, include:
- Major upgrades are on the way for the award-winning Joseph A. Floreano Rochester Riverside Convention Center. Thanks to a significant investment by the State of New York, the Floreano Convention Center will be undergoing more than $68 million in improvements – a considerable transformation. The Convention Center boasts over 100,000 square feet of meeting and function space, having previously hosted events such as cheer, cornhole, dance, dog shows, e-sports, fencing, floor hockey, mixed martial arts, and more.
- Construction is underway for the new Tiger Stadium at Rochester Institute of Technology (RIT). The new stadium will feature a state-of-the-art 38,828 sq. ft. facility that will be home to the university’s men’s and women’s lacrosse and men’s and women’s soccer programs. The stadium is expected to be completed in the fall of 2025. The stadium is one of many recent improvements to the athletic facilities at RIT.
- The Rochester Ice Center is currently under construction on a 50,000-square-foot third rink. The new arena is designed to support hockey programs at all levels and provide a versatile space for community events. The new facility will serve as the home for the St. John Fisher University Division III boys' and girls' hockey teams, the Rochester Jr. Americans youth program, and will host marquee NAHL games.
- On the hotel side, the DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Rochester, a full-service hotel conveniently located near Henrietta facilities like the Tim Horton’s Iceplex, is currently undergoing renovations to the meeting space and guestrooms, with completion expected in Summer 2025.
- The Golisano Training Center at Nazareth University first opened in late 2019, and today this beautiful 108,000-square-foot facility continues to host national championships and events, most recently hosting the NCAA DIII Indoor Track & Field Championship.
Off-Site Venues and Experiences
After a day of play and competition, look to one of Rochester’s unique off-site venues for a meeting, meal, reception or team-building activity.
- Marvelous Museums: Rochester is a city filled with museums for all ages and interests. Host an off-site event at a great local spot like the George Eastman Museum, RMSC Museum & Science Center or the Memorial Art Gallery. Just 20 minutes west of downtown Rochester, you will find Genesee Country Village & Museum, the largest living history museum in New York State, and home base for an authentic 19th-century baseball team. The Strong National Museum of Play is a must-visit during your time in Rochester. The museum is home to the largest collection of toys, dolls and games in the world, and is the only museum of its kind dedicated to all things play.
- On-the-Water Venues and Experiences: Lake Ontario, Genesee River, Erie Canal, Irondequoit Bay and the Finger Lakes – waterways surround Rochester. Host an event at a waterfront venue like the Genesee Brew House or Rabbit Hole Tavern in Corn Hill Landing. The various towns and villages along the Erie Canal also offer opportunities to get close to the water. Look for options in villages such as Pittsford, Fairport, Bushnell’s Basin, Spencerport, and Brockport. Bring your group aboard one of several tour boats on the Erie Canal, including the Colonial Belle (sailing out of Fairport), the Sam Patch (departing from Pittsford) or the Riverie (cruising out of downtown Rochester). Enjoy paddle and kayak rentals from the Genesee Waterways Center and Erie Canal Boat Company.
- Unique experiences for groups:
- Plan a group outing at Seabreeze Amusement Park, home to the oldest wooden roller coaster in the country, the Jack Rabbit.
- Host a gathering for your attendees at one of Rochester’s professional sports teams, the Rochester Red Wings (Baseball), Rochester Americans (Hockey), Rochester Knighthawks (Lacrosse) and Flower City Union (Soccer).
- Plan a visit to the Seneca Park Zoo, a national leader in conservation with dynamic programming and animal enrichment every day.
- Set up playful experiences and gaming for your guests at Radio Social (featuring 34 bowling lanes in a former radio factory), Dice Versa, Great Lakes Gaming, Playhouse/Swillburger, WeTheHobby, Clubhouse Fun Center and Dave & Buster’s.
- Craft Beverage Venues: Rochester is renowned for its award-winning craft beer scene, boasting over two dozen breweries, wineries, and a distillery. Host an unforgettable event at Rohrbach Brewing Company (with the option to rent out an entire beer hall!), Three Heads Brewing, Strangebird, Iron Smoke Distilling or Casa Larga Vineyards. See a complete list of Rochester area breweries, wineries and distilleries to explore additional choices.
Rochester Restaurants
Rochester’s food scene is a blend of global flavors and locally sourced ingredients. The city offers something for every palate—whether you’re craving elevated comfort food, innovative cocktails, or late-night bites after the big game. View the best local spots and our group dining guide here.
Group Give Backs
Group give backs with local nonprofits and community initiatives, including volunteer opportunities with organizations such as Greater Rochester Habitat for Humanity, House of Mercy, Rochester City School District, Friends of Mount Hope Cemetery, Foodlink, Child Advocacy Center of Rochester and the Golisano Children’s Hospital (among many others). To plan a group volunteer experience while meeting in Rochester, contact Visit Rochester’s event services team.
Airport Enhancements and New Flights
Improvements are underway at the Frederick Douglass Greater Rochester International Airport, including the construction of a new visitors center on the lower level. In addition to improvements at the airport, new non-stop flights are regularly announced. Explore more non-stop flight options into the ROC airport here.