Rochester eyes potential sites for regional sports complex

ROCHESTER, Minn. (KTTC) – Rochester’s new regional sports complex is slowly coming to fruition.

Privately owned land on Rochester’s north and south sides are among the sites being considered to house the massive complex.

During a closed session Monday, Rochester City Council reviewed the potential purchases. The city has been working to identify 75-100 acres of land for the development.

While Rochester’s Recreation Supervisor Ben Boldt cannot comment much on the potential purchases, a quick search of public parcel numbers shows there are three sites of interest:

1. A plot of bare land currently owned by Seneca Foods Corporation. The company currently owns a frozen distribution center in southeast Rochester.
2. A parcel owned by Rochester West Campus LLC. This site would use a portion of the former IBM Campus in northwest Rochester.
3. The city would purchase bare land from two property owners in Kalmar Township.

“It will be a great asset for our community, so we want it to be a place they can get to and be able to enjoy and also be a great asset in terms of those visitors coming into Rochester to participate in events and tournaments,” Boldt said. “We feel like those can be accomplished at the sites we’re reviewing right now and, you know, excited to continue in the process,” Boldt explained.

Boldt could not comment on when a site will be purchased. After the site is purchased, a design and construction will be finalized. The city still hopes to break ground in 2025.

The complex will house court and field space for a variety of sports including pickleball, football and soccer.

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