BLUE CROSS ARENA IN ROCHESTER, NY BEGINS A NEW ERA UNDER VENUWORKS LEADERSHIP

Starting May 1, 2025, the Blue Cross Arena at the War Memorial will officially begin a new chapter under the management of VenuWorks. Selected by the City of Rochester, NY, the nationally renowned venue management company will lead the arena forward, focusing on revitalization and expanded opportunities. Nestled on the west bank of the scenic Genesee River, the Blue Cross Arena has been a cornerstone of Rochester’s cultural and athletic identity for generations. Originally opened in 1955 as the Rochester Community War Memorial, this historic venue remains the Finger Lakes Region’s premier hub for sports, entertainment, and community events.

Home to the Rochester Americans (AHL) and the Rochester Knighthawks (NLL), the Blue Cross Arena attracts thousands of visitors annually, from devoted fans cheering on Rochester’s professional teams to attendees of state high school championships, concerts, and family-friendly events. Offering seating capacities up to 14,000, the venue has accommodated everything from thrilling athletic competitions to legendary performances, ensuring its place as the heartbeat of Rochester’s downtown entertainment scene.

Through investments like the 2020 Exchange Boulevard addition, new locker room and concessions expansion and continued ROC the Riverway and Center City investments, the Blue Cross Arena remains a vital downtown anchor. These updates demonstrate the city’s ongoing commitment to enhancing guest experiences and preserving the arena as a valued community hub. Today, as the City of Rochester entrusts VenuWorks with its management, the arena is set to evolve further, creating new possibilities for events, partnerships, and economic impact.

“The Blue Cross Arena at the War Memorial is a vital part of Rochester’s cultural and economic landscape,” said Mayor Malik D. Evans. “VenuWorks brings a wealth of experience and a strong commitment to enhancing community venues. Their proven track record, combined with our ROC the Riverway and Center City investments, will ensure the arena remains a premier destination for sports, entertainment, and community events for years to come.”

Colin Holman Named Executive Director of Blue Cross Arena

To guide this transformation, VenuWorks has appointed Colin Holman as the new Executive Director of the Blue Cross Arena, effective May 1, 2025. Holman brings a wealth of expertise, having previously served as Director of Operations at the Ford Center, VenuWorks’ largest facility.

During his tenure in Evansville, he played a key role in enhancing guest experiences and leading successful event programming at the $127.5 million state-of-the-art arena. “I am thankful and excited to have the opportunity to lead this exciting chapter with VenuWorks in Rochester,” said Holman. “The Blue Cross Arena is a beloved landmark to Western New York, and I am eager to work closely with the City, teams and community to bring engaging events, top notch customer services and activity to Downtown Rochester.”

VenuWorks and Rochester: A Shared Vision for the Future

With three decades of experience, VenuWorks has earned a reputation for driving venue excellence through strategic innovation, operational expertise, and a deep community focus. Whether launching premier facilities like the Ford Center in Evansville, IN, or revitalizing venues like the Park City Arena in Wichita, KS, VenuWorks consistently delivers sustainable solutions that position venues at the heart of the communities they serve.

The partnership between VenuWorks and the City of Rochester marks an exciting new chapter for the Blue Cross Arena. Backed by a legacy of excellence and a forward-thinking approach, VenuWorks will enhance the arena's role as a key hub for entertainment, cultural celebration, and economic impact. “At VenuWorks, we see each venue as the heart of its community,” said Steve Peters, President of VenuWorks. “The Blue Cross Arena holds incredible significance for Rochester, and we’re honored to carry its legacy forward while introducing exciting new opportunities that reflect the city’s energy and spirit.”

A New Era for the Blue Cross Arena

VenuWorks aims to make the Blue Cross Arena an accessible and dynamic destination for all. Their plans include:

• Diverse Programming: Curating an inclusive lineup of concerts, family shows, sports, and cultural celebrations that reflect Rochester’s diverse community and interests.
• Community Partnerships: Actively collaborating with local schools, organizations, and businesses to integrate the arena into community life, ensuring accessibility and wide-reaching engagement.
• Modernized Guest Experiences: Planned upgrades under the ROC the Riverway initiative will create seamless entry points, enhanced concourse amenities, and expanded concession offerings to elevate the quality of each visit.
• Economic Growth: Increasing attendance and revenue to drive greater contributions to Rochester’s economy, supported by VenuWorks' expertise in maximizing venue potential.

The results speak for themselves. Under VenuWorks’ leadership, the Ford Center in Evansville hosts over 150 events annually, contributing $200 million to the local economy. The Park City Arena in Wichita has seen an 83% revenue increase through expanded programming and improved guest amenities. Additionally, their leadership in organizing nationally recognized events in Cedar Rapids has contributed $57 million to the local economy. Now, VenuWorks is poised to bring its innovation and expertise to Rochester, promising to deliver the same level of success and community impact.