UPDATE: Rochester’s planned sports and recreation complex is poised for a significant leap forward, with an updated construction contract set to be finalized within the first days of January 2026. The $28 million amendment to the Knutson Construction contract was approved by the Rochester City Council, enabling funds for construction and equipment purchases.
City Administrator Alison Zelms confirmed this development, stating that the contract amendment will provide necessary financial commitments moving forward. This approval, initially granted on December 8 and reaffirmed following a veto override on December 22, includes an additional $24.2 million for tax-exempt materials, bringing the total approved budget for the sports complex to $52.2 million.
As part of this initiative, Rochester is also preparing to sign an operator’s agreement with California-based Sports Academy, which is projected to require approximately $803,000 in management and compensation in its first year. Furthermore, the facility is expected to generate around $200,000 in earnings beyond expenses in its inaugural year and could see profits increase to over $1 million in subsequent years, according to preliminary estimates.
However, this rapid progress comes amidst growing tension as four local lawmakers threaten to introduce legislation to revoke the authorization of the Local Option Sales Tax, which was a critical funding source for the $65 million allocated to this project. Senator Liz Boldon, Representative Kim Hicks, Representative Tina Liebling, and Representative Andy Smith voiced their concerns, arguing that the current complex plan diverges significantly from voter expectations during the tax extension vote.
“Rochester residents deserve to get what they paid and voted for,” the lawmakers stated in a December 18 release, asserting that the updated plans fail to meet community needs for indoor recreation, a key reason voters approved the project. Hicks emphasized that any legislative action would focus solely on unspent funds for the complex, without harming Rochester citizens.
With construction anticipated to commence in April 2026, Zelms indicated that the design team is actively working on site plans near St. Bridgets Road and 45th Street Southeast. A site development plan application was submitted on December 23, ensuring that all necessary permits would be in place before the scheduled construction start.
Zelms also highlighted that the city is committed to addressing the gaps in sports and recreation opportunities identified by both legislators and community members. Collaborations with local organizations like Rochester Community Education are ongoing to enhance access to existing facilities while exploring options for additional indoor spaces.
As the project progresses, Zelms noted that the city does not foresee a legal basis for reversing the voter-approved sales tax initiative, particularly given that funds have already been collected and allocated. According to the city’s 2025 audit, approximately $15.4 million was raised through the sales tax in 2024 alone, with projections indicating that the authorized $205 million could be collected well ahead of the expected timeline.
The stakes are high as Rochester moves forward with plans that could redefine community engagement in sports and recreation. As the situation develops, both city officials and community advocates remain vigilant, ensuring that the needs of Rochester residents are prioritized in the face of legislative challenges. Stay tuned for more updates as this story unfolds.
