http://www.turfmonster.com/articles/?ID=3&ArticleID=955
-League Rochester have boosted their bid to become an expanded MLS team after a $15 million grant from the NYS Public Authorities Control Board to build a 17,500-seat stadium was approved.
The stadium, expandable to 30,000 seats, will be constructed on the Smith and Oak Street section of downtown Rochester, with groundbreaking set for a couple of weeks time.
“On behalf of Frank DuRoss, Chris Economides and myself, we are both excited and relieved that the vote today was a positive outcome. Our group, led by Frank DuRoss, has travelled a long and winding road for the last four years to get to this point,” said Rhinos chief executive officer Steve Donner.
“Frank DuRoss’ efforts epitomize the ‘never-say-die’ spirit of our organization. I believe the entire community appreciates his efforts, along with the efforts of our local politicians, to finally give us an opportunity to break ground on PaeTec Park.
“We look forward to announcing a formal groundbreaking as soon as possible."
Locally owned LeChase Construction will build the state-of-the-art multi-purpose facility. The Rhinos and the Rochester Rattlers of Major League Lacrosse are scheduled to begin play at the stadium in 2004, allowing them to look further at investor/operator opportunities to join MLS.
The construction of PaeTec Park will come in two phases. Phase I of the stadium construction will consist of 13,000 permanent lower bowl seats and 4,500 upper bowl temporary bleacher-style seats. The total cost will be $22 million.
In Phase 2, the Rhinos will contribute $3.5 to $4 million for development, rehabilitation and construction of the permanent suites, press box, club-level lounge and additional food concession and catering areas.