ROCHESTER, N.Y. (WROC) — The City of Rochester has chosen the next management company to operate the Blue Cross Arena. Iowa facility management company VenuWorks will take over the arena after the 2024-25 hockey season ends, the city announced Tuesday. Rochester City Council will receive the recommendation at its October meeting. The city launched its search for new management in April, after Rochester Arena, LLC opted out of a contract. Rochester Arena, LLC has been operating the arena since October 2019. According to the city, VenuWorks plans to invest more than $1.2 million into capital improvements at the arena. “We have big plans for the Blue Cross Arena at the War Memorial as part of our ROC the Riverway initiative, with more than $7 million in upgrades planned that will keep its prominence as the primary sports and entertainment destination of the Finger Lakes," Rochester Mayor Malik Evans said in a statement released Tuesday. "We are excited to welcome VenuWorks to Rochester.” If Rochester City Council approves the recommendation, VenuWorks will enter a five-year agreement with the city with the option for two five-year extensions.