Rochester's downtown sports arena to get $18M upgrade

The city of Rochester is planning to make millions of dollars in improvements at its downtown arena.

Mayor Lovely Warren announced Thursday that the Blue Cross Arena at the Rochester War Memorial will undergo $18 million in major renovations, with funding provided by the city of Rochester, New York state and Buffalo-based Pegula Sports and Entertainment.

The company became the interim manager of the 63-year-old sports and entertainment venue last month. The firm is owned by Kim and Terry Pegula, whose holdings include the NFL's Buffalo Bills, the NHL's Buffalo Sabres and the Rochester Americans, the Sabres' top minor league affiliate.

The plan calls for the renovation costs to be covered by a combination of funding from the Pegulas' company, the city and state government.