The venue was originally built to honor Rochester's veterans of World War II and the Korean War.
The arena's distinctive rounded roof was designed to be column-free, providing unobstructed views from every seat.
It hosted the 1951 NBA All-Star Game when the local franchise was known as the Rochester Royals.
The original 1955 building footprint includes a 'War Memorial' inscription dedicated to Monroe County service members.
During the 1998 renovation, the original structure was expanded to add luxury suites and a modern concourse.
The facility floor sits below street level to account for the city's unique riverfront topography.
It has served as a filming location for various sports-themed productions due to its classic arena aesthetic.
Blue Cross Arena at the War Memorial is Rochester's primary indoor multi-purpose venue, situated along the Genesee River. It serves as the home ice for the Rochester Americans of the American Hockey League. The facility originally opened in 1955 as the Rochester War Memorial and underwent a significant $40 million renovation in 1998. The arena floor can be configured to accommodate ice hockey, professional indoor lacrosse, basketball, and large-scale concert productions. It maintains a seating capacity of approximately 10,600 to 12,000 depending on the event configuration. The venue is owned by the City of Rochester and managed by Pegula Sports & Entertainment. It remains the centerpiece of downtown Rochester's sports and entertainment district.
From the Pont de Rennes bridge looking back toward the arena to capture the structure alongside the Genesee River.
Check the event schedule in advance as parking availability and traffic patterns shift significantly depending on whether the event is a hockey game or a concert.
Use the pedestrian bridge connections from nearby parking garages to access the main entrance during inclement weather.
Arrive early to explore the concourse displays which often feature historical memorabilia related to Rochester's sports heritage.
Assuming there is on-site parking for all events; street parking is limited, and nearby garages often reach capacity during sold-out shows.
Events are seasonal based on the American Hockey League calendar and touring production schedules; the venue is not open for public tours on non-event days.
Standard arena behavior applies; prohibited items usually include large bags, professional recording equipment, and outside food or drink.
