Sports Business Journal did it’s annual ranking of Top Minor League Markets and Rochester, NY ranked 10th out of 239 markets in the list. The market rank was based off of three category-specific scores: tenure rank, attendance rank and economic rank (more about this project).
Cities ranked in the top 9:
1. Hershey-Harrisburg, Pa
2. Fort Wayne, Ind.
3. Tulsa, Okla.
4. Billings, Mont.
5. Spokane, Wash.
6. Peoria, Ill.
7. San Bernardino County, Calif.
8. Bossier City-Shreveport, La.
9. Idaho Falls, Idaho
Some other nearby cities that were also ranked – #29 Albany, #36 Binghamton, #38 Auburn, #48 Batavia, #125 Elmira, and #159 Syracuse. For a full list of all 239 markets click here.
The ranking was based off of local sports teams Rochester Americans, Rochester Red Wings, Rochester Razorsharks, and I believe the Rochester Raiders (they’ve changed leagues a number of times). The Rochester Knighthawks are considered a major league team.
While attendance numbers have been down recently for the Amerks they still rank pretty good compared to other American Hockey League teams. Although I do wonder what numbers were reported.
We have three excellent stadiums in Rochester with the War Memorial, Frontier Field, and Marine Auto Stadium. Anyone who has travelled to other minor league cities will agree with this.
Ignoring some turmoil with ownership issues that Rochester sports fans have gone through over the previous couple of years things are looking pretty good.
Hopefully someone with these teams as well as the city is able to pick up on this and use it to promote the city. Sometimes it’s great to take a step back and not take things for granted.
