Best Things To Do Near Blue Cross Arena Before An Amerks Game! (Downtown Rochester, NY)

Best Things To Do Near Blue Cross Arena Before An Amerks Game! (Downtown Rochester, NY)

Heading to an Amerks game?

If you’re looking for some things to see, eat, and do in downtown Rochester before the game, you’re in the right place!

Today’s post is a perfect read for anyone looking to spend the day in downtown Rochester, NY before heading to a Rochester Americans game in the evening.

I’m a frequent attendee of Amerks games and love hanging out downtown for a bit before the game.

I’ll take you through some of the best things to do near Blue Cross Arena (where the Amerks play) in this easily walkable itinerary.

So, here’s how to spend a day in downtown Rochester, NY for an Amerks game:

Best Things To Do Near Blue Cross Arena

Morning: Grab Brunch/Lunch At Merc On Main

A cool little spot that recently opened downtown is this collection of eateries known as Mercantile on Main.

I’ve been there a couple times and really enjoy the urban, modern atmosphere and variety of food and coffee options.

It’s centrally located, too, making it a convenient spot to start your day downtown and grab a bite to eat!

Related: How To Spend A Day In Downtown Rochester, NY For A Red Wings Game

Afternoon: Visit The Strong Museum

A Rochester must do is visiting the Strong Memorial Museum of Play.

Even for locals who’ve already been, the museum is definitely not a “do once and never again” type of attraction thanks to new exhibits being rotated in.

Obviously, this is a perfect thing to do if you’re downtown with kids, but don’t think you can’t enjoy the Museum of Play if you’re an adult without kids.

Besides the interactive play exhibits for kids, there are some pretty cool exhibits on old toys and video games, a really pretty butterfly garden, and an arcade that visitors of all ages can enjoy.

Related: A Sports Fan’s Travel Guide to Rochester, NY (Best Things To See, Eat, & Do)

Late Afternoon: Eat Dinner At Dino BBQ

Another Rochester classic and personal pre game favorite of mine, your next stop after the museum should be Dinosaur BBQ.

This will take you closer to Blue Cross Arena as well, so once you’re done eating all you have to do is head right around the corner to get to the game.

Do be warned, Dinosaur BBQ is very popular and if you’re eating there on a weekend, I highly recommend calling and reserving your spot in advance.

But it’s popular for a reason!

Combine awesome BBQ food, a really cool ranch style interior, and a fun atmosphere and you’re guaranteed a great time before you even get to the game.

Related: How To Spend A Day In Buffalo, NY For A Bills Game

Evening: Head To The Game

By now, you’ve had a fun day exploring some of the best downtown Rochester has to offer, but it’s hockey time!

Head from Dino BBQ right to Blue Cross Arena to cheer on the Rochester Americans (Amerks for short), Rochester’s American Hockey League (AHL) team.

The Amerks are the farm team for the NHL’s Buffalo Sabres, so Amerks or Sabres gear is acceptable to wear on game day.

If you’ve got something Bills themed, that’ll work too!

Related: How To Spend A Day In Downtown Buffalo, NY For A Sabres Game

Also Related: How To Spend A Day In Downtown Buffalo, NY For A Bisons Game


Itinerary on Google Maps

Here’s each location mentioned in this post highlighted on Google Maps to help you plan your day in downtown Rochester, NY.

Related: 18 Seriously Awesome Gifts For Syracuse Basketball Fans


Outro & Closing Thoughts

Thanks for reading my post “Best Things To Do Near Blue Cross Arena Before An Amerks Game! (Downtown Rochester, NY).”

I hope this post gives you some great ideas on what to do downtown. Enjoy your time in Rochester, enjoy the game, and let’s go Amerks!

Need some gift ideas for a hockey fan?

Check out my post 14 Insanely Unique Gifts All Hockey Fans Will LOVE!

More related posts:

10 Ideas For The Ultimate Hockey Game Day Party!

8 Awesome Gift Ideas For College Hockey Super Fans!

15 Insanely Awesome Finds To Decorate Your Hockey Fan Cave

For handmade digital art prints, icon packs, wallpapers, & more designed by me, be sure to stop by my digital boutique: Designed By Nikki Lo.

Connect with me!

Nikki Lo

Editor-In-Chief, yogi, small business owner, among other things! Catch me binging YouTube, decorating, or exploring my current home city of Rochester, NY.

https://nikkilo.com/about
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