Rochester officials weigh options as regional sports complex costs rise and community questions persist

City staff told the Rochester City Council on Wednesday that the city has spent about $6.5 million to $7 million on the regional sports and recreation complex and is preparing two simultaneous tracks — financing and construction — ahead of formal actions the council could take in October and November.

The presentation and an extended council discussion focused on rising cost estimates, the project's changing scope since legislation was introduced, and community concerns that the current plan emphasizes sports tourism over the community amenities voters expected.

City staff said the council will be asked at its Oct. 6 meeting to set a bond sale date and to authorize advertising for construction bids; on Nov. 17 staff intends to return for awarding the bond sale and construction contracts. "Your next discussion points for this at the city council will be October 6," said a city staff presenter.

Why it matters: The sports complex has been a high-profile, multi-year undertaking. Council members said the community expects both competitive sports space that can attract tournaments and local amenities for residents. Cost escalation and uncertainty about which elements will be built first —…