Main Street Armory
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
The Main Street Armory is a multi-purpose arena in Rochester, New York which was built in 1905 but is currently being refurbished. It is currently undergoing the final phases of refurbishment which will allow it to host mid-size concerts. In 2007, it will be the new home of the Rochester Raiders indoor football team and Next Era Wrestling.
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[edit] History
The Armory was built in 1905 for military use. Soldiers on their way overseas to fight in World War I and World War II passed through the armory for final training and processing. The New York National Guard used it as a training facility until 1990.
In between, the 35,000-square-foot (3,300-square-meter) main arena (designed originally for drill exercises) hosted circuses, concerts, and balls. The building was largely abandoned after the National Guard left in 1990, however.
[edit] Today
In July 2005, the building was purchased at auction by local entrepreneur Scott Donaldson. He paid only US$1,000 for the 138,000-square-foot (1,300-square-meter), 7-story building, as no one else bid for it. The arena floor was covered in pigeon droppings, the birds having been the building's primary occupants for fifteen years, and the building's roof, windows, and interior systems were in severe disrepair. Donaldson, who is blind, was told he never would have bought it if he could had seen it, but he has invested thousands of dollars into repairs and refurbishment, and the building is once again hosting events.
The refurbished Armory's first event was held on February 4, 2006, a performance by O.A.R. More concerts followed later that year, as refurbishment continued.
The main arena, refurbished to seat 5,000, will be the new home for the Rochester Raiders of the Continental Indoor Football League, starting with the 2007 season. The Raiders played their inaugural season at the ESL Sports Centre, but it was considered less-than-ideal for football. At the Armory, the team can charge less for parking and provide fans with better sight lines and a closer view of the action. In return, the Raiders management expect a more energetic atmosphere thanks to the acoustics and visuals.
Much of the rest of the building is being converted into office space, some of which is already filled.
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[edit] References
- Mandelaro, Jim. "Army of one is restoring old armory to usefulness", Democrat and Chronicle, 2006-12-29, p. 1A. Retrieved on 2007-01-11.
[edit] External link
| Current arenas in the Continental Indoor Football League |
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| Great Lakes Division | Atlantic Division | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hobart Arena | L.C. Walker Arena | McMorran Place | Prairie Capital Convention Center | Sears Centre | Summit County Fairgrounds Arena Complex | Veterans Memorial Coliseum | Wings Stadium | DCU Center | Main Street Armory | Mennen Arena | Show Place Arena | Stabler Arena | St. John Arena | |||
