Rochester City Council to Vote on Proposed Design for Outdoor Portion of New Sports Complex

Rochester, MN (KROC-AM News)- The Rochester City Council is scheduled to decide on a design for a future sports and recreation complex. 

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Elected leaders are only deciding on the design of the outdoor portion of the complex, which will be funded by money raised from the city’s sales tax. 

Voters approved extending the sales tax to help fund part of the project during a special election in November of 2023. 

Rochester City Council to Decide on Design for Outdoor Portion of Sports Complex Monday Night

In February the City of Rochester purchased the 160 acre site for the complex for $5 million. The land, which was owned by Seneca Foods, lies the east of the Shoppes on Maine retail complex. 

The proposed design for the outdoor component of the complex calls for eight artificial turf baseball/softball fields, two artificial turf soccer fields and a dozen pickleball courts. 

The plans also include a central gathering space with a restroom/concessions building, regional park playground and plaza area. 

The complex will also feature walking and Biking trails that will connect with the Willow Creek Trail. City council approval would also allow for crews to prepare construction of the indoor amenities at the massive complex. 

Local sales tax dollars collected for the outdoor portion of the project will cover its $65 million cost, according to city documents. Councilmembers are scheduled to vote on the design Monday evening. 

City leaders have yet to decide how to fund construction of the indoor facility. 

A presentation shown to council members earlier this year listed state bonding dollars, local financing mechanisms, taxes on lodging, food and beverage, a future sales tax extension and external partnerships are potential options for the city to fund constriction of the indoor facilities. 

Phase two plans for the complex include building eight basketball/volleyball courts, an indoor track, fitness center, indoor turf training/play area, a family activity center/training area and space for a sports performance tennant and medical tennant.