ROCHESTER RHINOS - TalkSoccer

Ricochet · 20-09-2003, 12:16 AM

http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/200....ap/index.html

State OKs $15 million grant for Rhinos stadium
Posted: Friday September 19, 2003 2:53PM; Updated: Friday September 19, 2003 7:32PM

ALBANY, N.Y. (AP) -- A state board gave final approval Friday for a $15 million grant to build a professional soccer stadium in Rochester.

The Legislature approved the grant in 2000 for the stadium to be used by the A-League Rochester Rhinos beginning in June. The $22 million downtown stadium will be owned by the team, but the land will be leased from the city.

The stadium will have 12,500 seats which could be expanded to 20,000 seats if the Rhinos are elevated to the Major League Soccer, the nation's top soccer league.

"In order to recruit good workers we need to provide other quality of life issues and this is certainly part of that," said Sen. Michael Nozzolio, a Seneca County Republican. "It potentially helps market Rochester in every corner of the nation. It is an investment that will reap economic benefits for a long time."

The team is spending $1.5 million on the stadium so it can leave nearby Frontier Field, a minor league baseball park the Rhinos consider poorly suited for soccer.

The balance of the $22 million will come from loans and other payments from private firms.

The team agreed not to seek any additional state funding or bonding backed by the state that could default to taxpayers, said Assemblyman David Gantt, a Rochester Democrat.

"I think taxpayers need to raise up and say if you want to build these facilities, it must be a public-private deal and not allow ball teams to rip us off," Gantt said.

Gantt also won guarantees to hire some minority workers and companies.

The state funding was approved by the Public Authorities Control Board.

The stadium will also be home to the Rochester Rattlers professional lacrosse team, high school and college sports, community events and concerts.

Ricochet · 20-09-2003, 12:23 AM

hopefully this will help Rochester get a MLS team, since they are one of the best soccer city's in the country.

**Frank Cunha** · 20-09-2003, 03:23 AM

its about time, great moved by the city of Rochester, just imagine what Soccer has done for the city of Columbus

Ricochet · 22-09-2003, 03:45 AM

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.

**Frank Cunha** · 22-09-2003, 09:01 AM

MLS should not lose this opportunity and get Rochester on the MLS in Rochester.

Ricochet · 22-09-2003, 07:02 PM

agreed MLS needs to get Rochester, like I sadi before Rochester is soccer town, always has been. MLS needs to expand by getting the best soccer towns that will support the team instead of big markets that may or may not support a team in the long term.