Rochester, MN (KROC-AM News)- The Rochester City Council has approved purchasing a property that will house a massive sports and recreation complex. 

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In November of 2023, voters approved an extension of the city’s half-cent sales tax to raise money for the complex, street repair, flood mitigation and control and an economic vitality fund with a housing focus. 

$65 million in sales tax revenue is earmarked for the complex, however that will not be enough to construct both indoor and outdoor facilities and amenities, city documents indicate. The site selection became public last week. 

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Rochester City Council Approves Sence Foods Site as Future Home of Massive Rochester, MN Sports Complex

On Monday night, the city council voted unanimously to authorize staff to enter final negotiations to purchase a 160 acre site in southeast Rochester for $5 million. 

The land, which is owned by Seneca Foods, lies the east of the Shoppes on Maine retail complex. 

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City of Rochester
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Councilmembers also gave city staff the green light to continue developing the first phase of the sports complex.

Phase 1 involves constructing eight baseball/softball fields, two soccer fields, 12 pickleball courts, an accessible playground, basketball court and dog park.

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City of Rochester
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The plans also include building a social gathering area, food hall, restrooms and concessions and a biking/walking connection to the Willow Creek trail. 

Funding for Indoor Facilities & Amenities at Future Rochester Sports Complex Still Uncertain

City staff was also granted approval by the elected leaders to explore funding options for phase two of the project, which involves indoor facilities. 

A presentation shown to council members Monday night lists 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. 

City of Rochester
City of Rochester
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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.

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