About

Kimbal Tobacco Factory opens on the present site of the War Memorial. The property is purchased by George Eastman and later left to the University of Rochester by Mr. Eastman for "municipal purposes." One plan proposed for an 8,000-seat Auditorium and Opera Hall, situated on the once tobacco factory site. The University later gives the property to the city. The site begins to operate as a City Hall Annex and public library.

Blue Cross Blue Shield and City officials announce the name of the renovated arena will be Blue Cross Arena at the War Memorial. September 19, 1998 - Although the arena continued to function throughout the renovations, the Blue Cross Arena at the War Memorial officially reopens to the public.