USL Rochester Rhinos

PaeTec Park Becomes a Reality in Rochester

Published on December 6, 2002 under United Soccer League Championship (USL)
Rochester Rhinos News Release


(Rochester, New York)...PaeTec Park, Rochester's 15,000-seat, multi-purpose outdoor stadium, will begin construction in the Spring of 2003 on the west side of the City of Rochester where the Rochester Raging Rhinos professional soccer team is expected to begin play for the 2004 season.

At a press conference today at City Hall, Rochester Mayor William Johnson and New York State Senator Michael Nozzolio joined the Rhinos ownership group of Frank DuRoss, Steve Donner and Chris Economides as they unveiled plans for a Phase I construction project and the financial terms of the stadium agreement. Other representatives included New York State Senators Jim Alesi, George Maziarz and Senator-elect Joseph Robach.

The $15 million commitment from the State of New York will be allocated to the Rochester Urban Renewal Agency, which in turn will transfer the money to Rochester Rhinos Stadium, LLC, a corporation formed by the professional soccer team to develop, build, own and operate the multi-purpose stadium.

"Today is another milestone for the Rochester sports community as the Rhinos vision for a multi-purpose stadium becomes a reality," said Rhinos President Frank DuRoss. "I personally want to thank Mayor Johnson, the entire New York State senate and assembly delegation and a special thanks to Senator Mike Nozzolio for giving the City of Rochester yet another victory for the community."

Phase I for the stadium will include a public contribution of $15 million from the State of New York (which was committed in 2000) and a private investment of $8-$12 million from the Rhinos in the form of commercial financing, a food concessionaire financial commitment and cash contribution from the Rhinos team.

"This is a major victory for Rochester and the Greater Rochester region that will help create jobs, including over 300 construction jobs, strengthen the economy and put Rochester in the major leagues," said Senator Mike Nozzolio. "This was a long-fought match that went into overtime, but we came out victorious."

The Phase I construction cost is estimated at $23-$27 million, which includes seating for 13,000 permanent seats, a grassy hill area and additional bleacher seating for 2,000 fans. The stadium will feature 20 corporate suites with press facilities, surface parking along with multiple concession areas for food and beverages.

The City of Rochester and the Rhinos will sign an option to purchase a 15-acre parcel of land on the west side of the city. PaeTec Park will be built on that 15-acre parcel, which borders Smith Street, Broad Street and Saratoga Street, adjacent to Lyell Avenue.

HOK Sports Facility Group in Kansas City, Missouri has tentatively been retained to design the multi-purpose stadium. HOK has worked with 29 of the 32 National Football League franchises and 22 of the 28 Major League Baseball teams. Recently, HOK has designed soccer stadiums in Australia and New Zealand.

In addition to Rhinos matches, the multi-purpose entertainment venue will host event's such as Rochester Rattlers professional lacrosse, men's and women's high school and collegiate soccer, lacrosse and field hockey, women's professional soccer and high school and collegiate football. Drum and bugle competitions, community events, concerts, youth sporting events and outdoor shows will also be scheduled into the stadium.

The project will create 300-350 construction jobs and would generate approximately $600,000 in New York State taxes the first year.

A recent study by American City Business Journals lists Rochester as the 10th-most appealing "new sports market" for an expansion or relocated team, including Major League Soccer. In addition, the United States Soccer Federation included Rochester among the eight finalists in an online poll for having the "nation's best soccer fans".

The Rochester Raging Rhinos have won league and national championships in five of their seven years of existence. The Rhinos have led the A-League in attendance for all seven seasons of play, averaging over 11,000 fans per match. Rochester captured the A-League title in 1998, 2000 and 2001 and won the Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup championship in 1999. With the commitment to a new stadium, the Rhinos will intensify their quest for a Major League Soccer franchise.

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