Sports in Rochester, New York facts for kids

Rochester, New York, is a city that loves sports! It's been recognized as one of the best places in the country for minor league sports and golf. People in Rochester are really passionate about their teams, from baseball to hockey and even lacrosse.

Professional Sports Teams in Rochester

Even though Rochester is close to major league teams like the Buffalo Bills (football) and Buffalo Sabres (hockey), it has its own exciting professional sports teams. Most of these teams play in "minor leagues." This means they are often connected to bigger, major league teams, helping players develop their skills.

Only one professional team in Rochester plays at the very top level of its sport: the Rochester Knighthawks in indoor lacrosse. Other teams are part of minor leagues or are independent.

Top-Level Professional Teams

Minor League Professional Teams

Baseball: Rochester Red Wings

The Rochester Red Wings baseball team is very old! They started playing in 1899 and are one of the oldest professional sports teams still around. They are connected to the Washington Nationals, a major league team. The Red Wings play in the International League and have won many championships over the years.

Innovative Field, home of the Rochester Red Wings, with the city skyline behind it.

Ice Hockey: Rochester Americans

The Rochester Americans are a popular ice hockey team, often called the "Amerks." They are linked to the Buffalo Sabres of the NHL, which is a major league. The Amerks play in the AHL and have also won several championships.

The Rochester Americans playing a game.

Lacrosse: Rochester Knighthawks

Lacrosse is a popular sport in Rochester. The Rochester Knighthawks play a type of lacrosse called "box lacrosse" in the National Lacrosse League. This league is considered the highest level for indoor lacrosse. The current Knighthawks team started in 2019, replacing an older team that played for many years.

Soccer Teams in Rochester

Soccer has a long history in Rochester. The Rochester Rhinos were a very successful soccer team, even winning the U.S. Open Cup in 1999 against major league teams! They also won several league championships. However, the team eventually stopped playing. A new team, Flower City Union, started playing in 2022. There's also the Rochester Lancers indoor soccer team.

Rochester Community Sports Complex Stadium, where some soccer teams play.

Past Major League Teams in Rochester

Rochester hasn't always been just a minor league city.

• From 1920 to 1925, the Rochester Jeffersons were one of the first teams in the NFL.
• The Rochester Royals played in the NBA from 1948 to 1957 and even won the NBA championship in 1951!
• The Rochester Lancers soccer team played in the top-level North American Soccer League from 1970 to 1980 and won a championship in 1970.

U.S. Women's Soccer Team in Rochester

The U.S. Women's Soccer Team has played many exciting games in Rochester at different stadiums.

Games at Innovative Field

• In 1998, Team USA played Russia and won 4-0 in front of over 13,000 fans.
• The biggest crowd ever at Innovative Field was on September 25, 2004, when 14,870 fans watched Team USA beat Iceland 4-3.

Games at Rochester Community Sports Complex Stadium

• On July 19, 2009, Team USA beat Canada 1-0. A goal was scored by Abby Wambach, who is from Rochester!
• On September 1, 2012, the U.S. Women's team celebrated their Olympic championship by playing Costa Rica. They won 8-0 in front of over 13,000 fans.

Golf in Rochester

Rochester has a long and proud history with golf, going back to the 1800s. The area has many famous golf courses, including Oak Hill Country Club. Oak Hill is considered one of the top 100 courses in America and has hosted many major golf championships.

Major Golf Tournaments Hosted at Oak Hill Country Club

• Ryder Cup (1995)
• Men's U.S. Open (1956, 1968, 1989)
• PGA Championship (1980, 2003, 2013, 2023)

Other courses like Locust Hill Country Club and Monroe Golf Club have also hosted big women's professional golf tournaments, like the LPGA Championship.

Some Golf Courses in Rochester

• Oak Hill Country Club
• Ravenwood Golf Club
• Durand Eastman Golf Course
• Genesee Valley Golf Course
• Webster Golf Club
• The Links at Greystone
• Deerfield Golf & Country Club
• Eagle Vale Golf Club

College Sports in Rochester

Rochester has several colleges with sports teams. Most of these teams play at the NCAA Division III level. However, the RIT men's and women's ice hockey teams play at the higher NCAA Division I level.

The RIT Tigers men's hockey team (in white) during a game.

College Team Achievements

• The RIT men's hockey team made it to the "Frozen Four" (the national semifinals) in 2010.
• The RIT women's hockey team won the Division III national championship in 2012 before moving up to Division I.
• The Nazareth Golden Flyers men's volleyball team won the NCAA Division III national championship in 2011.
• The University of Rochester teams have won four national championships in Division III: women's soccer (1986, 1987), men's basketball (1990), and men's cross-country (1991).

NCAA Championships Hosted in Rochester

Rochester has also been a host city for several NCAA Division III championships:

• 2023 NCAA D3 Track & Field
• 2016 NCAA D3 Men's Golf
• 2016 NCAA D3 Men's Volleyball
• 2013 NCAA D3 Men's Volleyball
• 2012 NCAA D3 Women's Hockey
• 2011 NCAA D3 Women's Hockey
• 1988 NCAA D3 Men's Soccer

Club Sports in Rochester

Besides professional and college sports, Rochester has many club sports for people of all ages.

Rugby Teams

Rochester is home to several rugby teams:

• The Rochester Aardvarks (men's team)
• The Rochester Colonials (men's team)
• The Rochester Renegades (women's team)

These teams have long histories and even own their own playing fields! They also participate in tournaments like the annual Can-Am Rugby Tournament.

Other Club Sports

• Rochester Erin's Isle is a gaelic football club.
• The Rochester Bicycling Club is for people who enjoy cycling for fun and fitness.
• The Rochester Curling Club is where people play the sport of curling.
• The Rochester chapter of the LPGA Amateur Golf Association organizes golf events for women.