Member News

ROCHESTER, NY — Monroe County Executive Adam Bello announced today that construction of the Red Wings Performance Center, a new batting practice building and workout facility, has been completed
at Innovative Field in time for opening day of the Rochester Red Wings 2025 season. This new facility marks the completion of a multi-year improvement project to the ballpark, which has been home to the Red Wings since 1997.

“For more than a century, Monroe County residents have cheered on the Rochester Red Wings. These ballpark upgrades will ensure that the Wings will continue to play at
Innovative Field for years to come and will provide the players, coaches, and staff with a
state-of-the-art facility to train and further work on their craft,” said County Executive
Bello “Thank you to Governor Hochul, our state delegation and the Monroe County
Legislature, for bringing these projects to fruition.”

The new practice facility includes state of the art technology that helps players prepare to
compete, and meets the guidelines established by Major League Baseball for each of its minor
league affiliates.
"From the moment we learned that Major League Baseball was requiring an upgrade to
our player facilities in order to be in compliance with their standards, the County
Executive’s response was ‘let’s get it done, and let’s be sure to make equivalent
upgrades that the fans can enjoy.’ From that point on it was a go, and we are so proud
and pleased to see this transformation," said Naomi Silver, President, CEO & COO,
Rochester Red Wings. "Our players rely on what we provide to aid them in making the
most of their talent, and they’ve come in here so surprised and excited with the result of
this project. It puts us at the top of our game for players 'facilities, and we are extremely
grateful to the County Executive, the County Legislature, the Governor, and the State
Legislature for seeing the importance of this community asset, and making it happen."

Previous upgrades included a state-of-the-art videoboard, improvements to the VIP parking lot,
facade LED Lighting, new seats and other fan amenities. Renovations and improvements have
also been made to both the home and visiting players’ clubhouses, including new female staff
facilities, to serve the growing number of women working as coaches, trainers and nutritionists.

These improvements are part of a $26 million investment announced in 2022 by the County
Executive, Monroe County Legislature and Governor Kathy Hochul, who contributed $10 million
toward the renovation work at Innovative Field in her 2022 New York State budget. The Finger
Lakes Regional Economic Development Council has also provided $2.5 million for these needed
upgrades.

“The Rochester Red Wings are a core part of the fabric of our community, providing
opportunities for homegrown ballplayers and families alike to enjoy the game of
baseball in front of a roaring Rochester crowd,” said Congressman Joe Morelle. “As a
lifelong lover of America’s game, I’m grateful to County Executive Bello, Governor
Hochul, and all our state and local partners for continuing to invest in the Red Wings
and ensuring our facilities are some of the best in the country. Go Wings!”

“Governor Hochul’s focused investments in Innovative Field’s continued success and
transformation are a home run for regional tourism growth, and will improve the overall
quality of life for the Rochester community," said Hope Knight, Empire State
Development President, CEO and Commissioner. "These completed improvements, as
a whole, will amplify the fan experience at the ballpark, attract visitors from around the
region and drive home all that downtown Rochester has to offer.”

“Baseball is back and better than ever this year at Innovative Field,” said Senator
Jeremy Cooney. “Thanks to the investments made by County Executive Bello and
Governor Hochul, this state-of-the-art stadium will continue to provide the best possible
experience for our players and fans for years to come.”

“The Rochester Red Wings and Innovative Field are cornerstones of our community,
bringing opportunity, inclusivity, and joy to people all throughout Monroe County and
beyond," said Assemblymember Harry B. Bronson. "I am proud to have worked with
Governor Hochul, my state delegation colleagues, County Executive Bello and the
Monroe County Legislature to secure funding that supports the future of this beloved
stadium and players, so it will remain a place for Red Wings fans and all in our
community to enjoy for generations to come!”

"The completion of these upgrades at Innovative Field is a major win for both the
players and our community. For the athletes, having access to a state-of-the-art training
facility ensures they can develop their skills at the highest level and compete at their
best," said Assemblymember Demond Meeks. "At the same time, these investments
strengthen the connection between the Red Wings and the Rochester community,
providing fans and families with an even better experience at the ballpark. This project
reflects our commitment to supporting local sports, boosting our economy, and
maintaining a vibrant gathering space for everyone to enjoy."

“Red Wings baseball has been a staple of Rochester summers for a century, bringing
friends and families together to create a shared community in the heart of our city,"
said Assemblymember Sarah Clark. "Investing in this new facility enhances the fan
experience while also helping the Red Wings team perform at the highest level. Let’s
play ball!”

The Innovative Field MLB Improvements and the Facility and Patron Improvement projects,
combined with the two ongoing efforts, total $26 million — and include $12 million in
improvements required by Major League Baseball.

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Media inquiries:
Steve Barz, Director of Communications
SteveBarz@MonroeCounty.gov
(585) 753-1064

Molly Clifford, Deputy Director
MollyClifford@MonroeCounty.gov
(585) 233-3699