ROCHESTER, N.Y. - Sahlen's Stadium is the newest name of Rochester's downtown soccer stadium. On Wednesday, Joe Sahlen, owner of Sahlen's Meats and also the Western New York Flash, a Women's Professional Soccer team announced a 10-year deal for the stadium's naming rights.
This is the fourth name for the stadium since its opening in 2006. It was previously known as Paetec Park, Rhinos Stadium, and most recently, Marina Autos Stadium.
For Sahlen, it's a chance to support the team that he owns and to also continue to grow the Sahlen's brand, specifically in the Rochester area.
"We spend a lot of time and money in other areas, but this is a much easier area to get to," Sahlen said. "We're going to put more emphasis on selling Sahlen products in the Rochester area."
Sahlen did not that his goal is not to increase sales of hot dogs per say, but that he does want to promote the Sahlen's deli brand, including ham, turkey, and chicken.
Rhinos owner Rob Clark was also present at the unveiling, and was pleased not only with the naming announcement, but the fact that the stadium will now be the home to three teams instead of one. The Rochester Rattlers (Major League Lacrosse), Western New York Flash (WPS), and the Rhinos will all play their home games at the stadium this year.
"Some of the problems that have hindered us in the past are behind us," Rhinos owner Rob Clark said. "My priority has been the stadium and making sure that it is sound and has a full list of events, be it from a company I run or somebody else. We embrace the Flash coming in and it's a nice well-rounded facility. It's nice, everything is booked and we're at full capacity."
