Visiting Rochester's War Memorial Arena from Ontario, NY

War Memorial Arena refers to Blue Cross Arena at the War Memorial, at One War Memorial Square in Rochester. The venue hosts professional hockey and lacrosse, along with concerts and family shows. It is home to the Rochester Americans of the AHL and the Rochester Knighthawks of the NLL.

The Rochester War Memorial opened to the public on October 27, 1955. The venue was renamed The Blue Cross Arena after a $40 million renovation completed during the 1998–99 season. The City of Rochester says it can accommodate up to 13,000 guests.

Start by finding your event on the arena’s official calendar, then check its event page for the specific door-opening time. The arena’s website offers calendar and list views, and door times can differ by event.

Tickets are available online through Ticketmaster or in person at the Blue Cross Arena Box Office. Tickets are non-refundable and non-exchangeable unless an event is officially canceled or rescheduled. Box Office business hours are Monday through Thursday, 11:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.; on event days, the Box Office is open from 11:00 a.m. until the end of intermission.

Policies can vary by event or promoter. Small personal bags, clutches and purses are permitted, and guests are subject to screening. Re-entry is not permitted after you leave, and outside food, beverages and alcohol are not allowed. Check the official site before you go, since event details and policies can change.

From a room at this one-star motel, the arena is about 13.7 miles away. The arena publishes driving directions for approaches from the east, west and south, but does not give a route specifically from Ontario, NY or a current drive-time estimate from there.

For the eastern approach, the arena’s directions say to take New York State Thruway Exit 45 (Victor), then I-490 West and the Clinton Avenue exit. Turn left at Broad Street, described as the third traffic light. The arena is on the corner of Broad and Exchange Streets.

The published southern approach uses I-390 North, I-490 East, the Inner Loop exit and Plymouth Avenue. Turn right onto Plymouth and left at Broad Street, the third traffic light. For a longer trip, Greater Rochester International Airport is about 31 minutes by car from Budget Inn Ontario; the airport-to-Ontario drive has its own route considerations.

Nearby garages and lots provide parking, and designated accessible parking spaces are available. The Civic Center Garage is a 4-minute walk from the arena and connects to it by an underground tunnel. Court St. Municipal Lot 10 is a 2-minute walk away.

Other listed options include Sister Cities Garage, a 7-minute walk from the arena; Court St. Garage, 6 minutes; Midtown Garage, 8 minutes; and South Avenue Garage and Washington Square Garage, each 9 minutes.

Blue Cross Arena is ADA accessible, with designated accessible seating, restrooms and parking spaces. If you need special accommodations, the arena asks you to notify the Box Office when purchasing tickets. Plan to arrive early so you have time for parking and security screening before the event.

The arena’s published directions identify Broad and Exchange Streets as its corner location, with downtown access via the streets and routes described above.

From Ontario, the Town of Ontario says Wayne Area Transit System provides Park N' Ride service from Wayne County to Rochester through a daily connection to Rochester Transit System. The Ontario town centre is another local point of reference.