Mayo Civic Center Arena

In 1938, the civic leaders of the City of Rochester dedicated the new Mayo Civic Auditorium. This  building, designed as a dual-venue complex, provided much needed entertainment for the citizens of a growing community. The brick & concrete structure housed two very different types of activities. The 1700 seat arena was designed to promote athletic events and included a rink for skating and ice hockey. The 1340 seat theatre was intended as a showcase for fine arts and was designed to accommodate midsized theatrical and musical productions. The complex had separate entrances for each venue but a connected back-of-house area. Balconies were constructed in both the theatre and arena. Steel trusses provide the structural clear span necessary for both spaces. The original building was designed by Ellerbe and Company of St. Paul, MN.