New Rochester Arena Task Force Vote May Come Monday

Rochester, MN (KROC AM News) - A decision on a task force to study a new arena could be made Monday by the Rochester City Council.

The proposal surfaced a while ago and the council actually tabled the request at a recent meeting. It has been placed on the council’s agenda for its Monday night meeting.

The effort to replace Taylor Arena at the Mayo Civic Center is being led by the Rochester Convention and Visitors Bureau.

At a meeting a month ago, RCVB Executive Director Brad Jones told the council the idea has been evolving over the past two years. It involves a facility that would have 6,500-8,000 seats and the capability to accommodate events involving ice, turf or floor. There is also talk of a retractable wall that would open the arena to Mayo Park. Estimated costs run as high as $60-million and Jones told the council it’s hoped private funds would cover most of the construction expenses.

One of those who strongly supports a new arena is well-known Rochester businessman Joe Powers, who also serves as chair of the RCVB Board.

KROC's Kim David chatted with Powers about the proposal:

City staff has suggested a task force that would include the mayor and two council members and that its meetings would be open to the public.

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