Governor George E. Pataki, Senate Majority Leader Joseph L. Bruno, and Assembly Speaker Sheldon Silver today announced that the 2000-01 State Budget will include $15 million to support the construction of a new soccer stadium in Rochester. A new soccer-specific stadium is widely viewed as the key to bringing a Major League Soccer (MLS) franchise to the Rochester Community.
"This State funding will allow the Rochester community to move forward with its long-sought goal of securing a Major League Soccer franchise," Governor Pataki said. "In addition to providing a wonderful athletic venue for the enjoyment of thousands of families in the Greater Rochester area, this investment will create hundreds of new jobs and provide a significant economic boost for local businesses near the stadium."
Senate Majority Leader Joseph L. Bruno said, "This agreement not only secures Rochester's future as a premier soccer city, it also will help enhance economic growth and provide a valuable recreation and entertainment facility to be enjoyed by residents throughout the region."
Speaker Silver said, "Rochester Stadium and the Rochester Rhinos reflect the spirit of a city on the move," Assembly Speaker Sheldon Silver said. "The cooperative efforts of state officials and local private- and public-sector leaders in support of this facility are keys to en energized and expanding Rochester economy."
Speaker James S. Alesi said, "This agreement proves that Governor Pataki continues to take a serious interest in our community and that our local delegation works well together in delivering projects that are fully planned and ready to go. I'd also like to thank Senator Bruno for his ongoing support for our local efforts."
Assemblyman David Gantt said, "This funding represents a major commitment to the future of soccer in Rochester. It represents how well the Rochester state delegation delivers for our community."
Senator Michael F. Nozzollo said, "Securing state funding for the new PaeTec park is a major victory for the people of the Greater Rochester region. This new facility will allow the Rochester Rhinos to continue their growth and will provide the Rochester community with a first-class multi-use stadium. Once again, the Rochester state legislators have pulled together and worked with Governor Pataki and Senator Bruno and Speaker Silver to deliver major state funding for the Rochester region."
Senator George D. Maziarz said, "This project will undoubtedly bring new economic life to the city of Rochester and I am pleased by this agreement to make the soccer stadium a reality. This investment will not only create hundreds of jobs, but also will generate hundreds of thousands of dollars of tax revenue and provide a venue to attract tourists and families to downtown Rochester."
Assemblyman Joseph Robach said, "I am pleased Rochester Stadium is a step closer to reality. My colleagues and I have worked diligently to gain the necessary state resources for this athletic facility, the Strong Memorial research center and other critical capital projects still in the works, all of which seek to enhance our region and provide increased economic activity for Greater Rochester."
Assemblyman Joseph Morello said, "Working together, we have successfully secured funding for this important economic-development initiative. I commend the Rochester Rhinos on their outstanding success. Our partnership with them and local governments will prove profitable for our community."
Assemblyman David Koon said, "I welcome the commitment of state resources to the Rochester Stadium and will continue to persue similar investments in the Webster Water Coolant project and other initiatives aimed at boosting job creation and economic development in this region."
The total cost for the stadium is $44 million. In addition to the State's $15 million, the Rhinos will contribute $26 million toward the cost of the stadium, with the remaining $3 million coming from other sources. The new 20,000 seat, state-of-the-art outdoor facility will include 30 luxury suites, a full range of concession and merchandising facilities, and a Hall of Fame section that will highlight area scholastic and professional sports, including the Rhinos soccer team.
The stadium will provide a tremendous benefit to the Monroe County and City of Rochester economies by creating 400 construction jobs and -- once the facility is complete -- employing 125 part-time event staff. Additionally, in its first year of operation, the stadium is expected to generate approximately $700,000 in state and local tax revenue.
The Rhinos, 1999 U.S. Open Cup champions, have the highest attendance figures in the A-League, averaging 11,551 fans per home game last season. Due to their growing popularity and championship status, the Rhinos expect to surpass that attendance figure in the 2000 season, making Rochester one of the top soccer communities in the nation.
In addition to the Rhinos, the stadium will host events such as men's and women's high school and collegiate soccer and field hockey, women's professional soccer, community events, concerts, and youth sporting events.
The stadium will be named PaeTec Park, after PaeTec Communications, a major sponsor of the Rhinos and an integrated communications provider headquartered in Fairport, N.Y.
