Blue Cross Arena

100 Exchange Blvd, Rochester, NY 14614, USA

Address:	100 Exchange Blvd, Rochester, NY 14614, USA
Phone:	+1 585-758-5300
Site:	bluecrossarena.com
Rating:	4.2

Location

Photos 100

Reviews 7

Paul Cicotta

The Blue Cross Arena is a great venue to see a wide range of sports, concerts, and ice-skating shows. Now i write this review being that it was my first time inside the Arena. Outside the Arena is a majestic view of the city by the bridge, overlooking the Genesee River. This view looked even better at night-time with the strobe lights reflecting off the arena building. Right before i even got into the event, there was a couple of band players outside playing Irish music with there bag pipes. Inside, was a HUGE open hallway, where massive people showed up to see the Amerks play against Canada. I never knew how popular the sport of hockey was here in Rochester till I recognized a lot of people I knew before in the arena. The Blue Cross Arena hooked us up with neat Irish tee-shirts with a different theme on each one. Mine was of course No Beer Left Behind, form-fitting for myself. Finally, once we got our ticket, we went up the stairs to get our Irish Beers!! It was awesome to see everyone in Rochester go all out in their Saint Patricks Day outfits for the event. The band that was playing upstairs was called 1916, and they knew how to rock out to some Traditional Irish Music. The beers were even on special for $2.00 a cup, where I proceeded to get 2 of the Irish Red Killians. I even put my beer cup in my ultra cool Yelp! koozie. There were a lot of vendors at the event, including H&R Block. They were giving away a lot of Irish gear, so no one was left behind. Looking around the arena to find your seat is super easy, since everything there works in a circular fashion. Once we got to our row, we were amazed at how close our seats where to the main ice-rink. When we put our stuff down, we all went on a food mission. Everything around the arena was traditional carnival food which included popcorn, pizza, pretzels, and dipping dots. There was a secret hidden gem in the back of the arena called the Canadian Hockey Red Leaf Lounge. There is where you got a delicious polish sausage, loaded with fresh peppers, and onions. This sandwich was massive, and had a burst of flavor to it. This would be the only spot in the arena where you can get "real" food. While we waited for our food to prepare, the Irish tap dancers performed a show for us. The hockey game itself was intense to watch. I loved seeing the Amerks fight against the opposing Canadian team. This team really knew how to shove their hockey sticks into the opposing players faces. The music they play throughout the game was better than the hockey game itself. It was like being inside a 90s dance club, at every moment I just wanted to get out of my seat and start dancing. It was neat seeing everyone on the JUMBO tron dance to the music as well, including us. Watching the wiener race during half-time was an extra special treat. I never knew how fast hotdogs can go gliding across the rink. I was not surprised when my wiener won the race. The game itself was neck and neck throughout all three quarters. It came down to the final 2 minutes where the Canadians scored the final goal. Honestly hockey can be a REALLY long game to watch, so I was kind of happy when we did not go into Over-time. Even though the Amerks lost, it was still an experience going to see a hockey game at the arena for my first time. Overall: Beautifully Laid out Arena, Easy to Navigate, Canadian Hockey Red Leaf Lounge, Irish Beer Special for $2.00, Irish Tee-Shirts/Gear., Irish Bands/Tap Dancers, JUMBO Tron, 90s Dance Music, Hockey Fights, and of course the Rochester Amerks....I will be back.

Ian Scheil

Opening day at the Amerks this year was atrocious. The arena sound system is the worst Ive ever heard. It was as if we were all under water. Everyone and I mean everyone was upset because you couldnt understand a word that was said. Any music played sounded like pure gargling and it really took away from the experience. Its a shame as Ive seen this arena go downhill since its last remodel. It started out great but then quickly fell apart due to poor management. Please reference First Niagra Center for a decent sound system. Spend the buck on a Meyer system and stop cheaping out on the important aspects. It kills the fan live event experience. No wonder nobody attends games anymore. The arena is getting so bad (missing cup holders, broken seats, bad bathrooms, uncentered scoreboard, you name it) that nothing but a complete remodel or rebuild is ever going to fix it. Its not the size of the arena that is the issue, its the maintenance and management.

John Petry

The band was great (TOOL), but it was a poorly organized event. Gates appeared to open late--the line wrapped around the building twice. Luckily, the rain held off. Once the doors opened, lines went slow--mostly due to security restrictions not posted on the venues web site. Seating was OK--the ushers did a good job. Post event was just as bad. Not enough exits! If there was a critical event, theres no way to leave safely in a hurry. Sometimes we stood motionless for minutes trying to exit. Construction on one side had people fouled up as far as getting in and out. STAFF allowed people to exit into the construction zone, which was dangerous. Finally, most likely not the venues choice--the opening band sucked big time. The worst. Unworthy of playing Happy Hour at a Ramada Inn in Nowhere, Nevada.

Judy Browne

I went to a concert and had a water bottle with me. The person taking the ticket told me I couldnt bring it in and I had to drink it. He had already scanned my card prior to telling me this. He told me to step aside and drink my water. When I went back in line, he told me my ticket was already used. Duh, you just scanned it not more than 2 minutes The security guard that was watching confirmed that I not lying. Fortunately, I didnt let him ruin my time there. The concert "TobyMac was amazing.

Matt Parker

Worst concert experience I have had. The sound in any seats in the 200 level are muffled and completely drowned out. Also a complete disregard for security. There were multiple ushers in my area, but there was nothing done about the individuals in front of my row getting into a physical altercation multiple times throughout the show. If things had escalated it appears nothing would have happened.

Darth vapor

This place is small so theres not a bad seat in the house. Food and drinks are costly but they are at every sporting event. They have parking right across the street which you never have to see the outside it is attached to the Arena by a tunnel under the street. They also have parking lots around the building. Just wish theyd have more concerts there.

Avi Lichtschein

I saw Phish play here and absolutely loved the venue. Entering the venue, you walk by a scenic large water reserve which and the Blue Cross Arena is at the end of the block. The acoustics are great, its easy in and out, and there are many great parking options nearby. The bathrooms can get a little crowded at times, but everything else is top notch.