Feasibility Study on Arena Project on Council Agenda
Rochester, MN (KROC AM News) - The Rochester City Council will be briefed Monday on the results of a strategic feasibility study concerning the possibility of developing a new sports and entertainment arena at the Mayo Civic Center complex.
The feasibility study was commissioned by the Rochester Convention and Visitors Bureau to assess the local market to gauge the demand for sporting and entertainment events. It highlights Rochester's very strong medium household income, that coupled with its growing population and solid employer base should make the community attractive to the hockey league as well as promoters of concerts and other entertainment events. It estimates the facility would enhance Rochester's entertainment offerings by attracting about 120 events a year.
Sources have indicated the discussions were initiated by representatives of the United States Hockey League, who stated the USHL was very interested in locating a team in Rochester. The report estimates the average attendance at a USHL hockey game in Rochester at between 2500 and 3500 people and notes that since its departure from Rochester in 2002, the USHL has been revamped into the top junior league in the nation.
The feasibility study identified a half dozen options for the configuration of a revamped arena that would have seating ranging from 4000 to 6500 people. It envisions building the facility on the site and same footprint of the current Taylor Arena, which would maintain the current “green space” in Mayo Park behind the Civic Center complex. Depending on the option, sources say the cost of the project has been estimated at between $60 and $75 million dollars.
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