Rochester Riverside Convention Center: Parking, Skyway, Floor Plans & Visitor Information
Visiting the Joseph A. Floreano Rochester Riverside Convention Center? Find the exact address, South Avenue Garage fees, enclosed skyway directions, room capacities, hotel connections, accessibility information and practical event-day instructions before arriving.
The Joseph A. Floreano Rochester Riverside Convention Center is at 123 East Main Street, Rochester, NY 14604, beside the Genesee River. The primary connected parking facility is South Avenue Garage. The garage connects to the convention center through an enclosed skyway from Level 3.
The venue hosts conferences, public exhibitions, banquets, trade shows and private events. Admission and public opening hours depend on the individual event.
Joseph A. Floreano Riverside Convention Center: Address & Quick Facts
The full venue name is Joseph A. Floreano Rochester Riverside Convention Center. It is also commonly called Rochester Riverside Convention Center or Floreano Convention Center.
| Official name | Joseph A. Floreano Rochester Riverside Convention Center |
|---|---|
| Address | 123 East Main Street, Rochester, NY 14604 |
| Phone | 585-232-7200 |
| Fax | 585-232-1510 |
| Venue website | rrcc.com |
| Location | Downtown Rochester, beside the Genesee River |
| Facility size | Approximately 100,000 sq ft of flexible event space |
| Main exhibition space | Empire Hall, approximately 50,000 sq ft |
| Meeting rooms | 25 advertised meeting rooms and configurations |
| Maximum theater seating | 5,000 in Empire Hall |
| Maximum banquet seating | 3,500 in Empire Hall |
| Public parking | South Avenue Garage |
| Connected hotel | Hyatt Regency Rochester via enclosed skyway |
| General public hours | Determined by scheduled events |
This convention center is in Rochester, New York. Riverside Convention Center at 3637 Fifth Street in Riverside, California, is a different venue.
What events take place here?
- Professional conferences and conventions.
- Public trade shows and consumer exhibitions.
- Corporate meetings and seminars.
- Banquets, awards ceremonies and galas.
- Weddings and private functions.
- Sports-related and specialty exhibitions.
- Community and regional business events.
Rochester Riverside Convention Center Parking: South Avenue Garage Rates
The main visitor parking facility is South Avenue Garage, a city-owned garage operated under contract by Rochester Riverside Convention Center.
Garage street address: 39 Stone Street, Rochester, NY 14604.
Entrances are available from Broad Street, South Avenue and Stone Street. The garage is connected to the convention center by an enclosed pedestrian skyway.
| Parking duration | Published regular rate |
|---|---|
| Up to 1 hour | $3 |
| Up to 2 hours | $5 |
| Up to 3 hours | $7 |
| Up to 4 hours | $9 |
| Daily maximum | $11 |
| Special-event rate | $10 when implemented |
| Lost parking ticket | $20 |
The garage has 1,659 parking spaces, including 24 designated accessible spaces. Its published maximum vehicle clearance is 7 feet.
South Avenue Garage Details
- Location: 39 Stone Street.
- Spaces: 1,659.
- Accessible spaces: 24.
- Height limit: 7 feet.
- Security: 24/7.
- Operator phone: 585-770-2370.
What to check before parking
- Check temporary garage entrance signs.
- Confirm whether your event validates parking.
- Use permitted accessible spaces when eligible.
- Check vehicle height and rooftop accessories.
- Ask about overnight hotel guest arrangements.
- Keep your ticket until you exit.
How to pay for parking
The venue provides different payment arrangements depending on the payment method.
| Payment method | What to do |
|---|---|
| Visa / Mastercard | Payment is available at the garage exit. |
| Cash | Use a designated pay station before leaving. |
| Parking validation | Ask your event registration desk whether validation is included. |
Cash payment stations are listed inside the convention center, on the garage’s second-floor concourse and in the Broad Street ground-level elevator vestibule.
Parking validation: step by step
- Enter South Avenue Garage from an available entrance.
- Collect your parking ticket if issued.
- Take the ticket with you into the convention center.
- Ask your event registration desk whether your admission includes garage validation.
- If eligible, have the ticket validated according to the organizer’s instructions.
- Use the validated ticket during payment or exit as directed.
Some events offer validation, but the garage ordinarily charges its published rates. Overnight hotel guests should obtain parking credentials through their hotel when required.
South Avenue Garage Skyway: How to Enter the Convention Center
One of the venue’s most useful features is its enclosed pedestrian connection to the parking garage. This is especially convenient in Rochester’s winter weather.
The convention center’s published driving directions identify the skywalk on Level 3 of South Avenue Garage.
Follow the garage’s convention center signs to reach the enclosed connection.
Step-by-step arrival from the garage
- Park in an authorized space at South Avenue Garage.
- Save your parking level and vehicle location.
- Follow signs for the convention center skyway.
- Use the garage’s pedestrian circulation route toward Level 3.
- Enter the enclosed passage leading into the convention center.
- Follow event signage to your registration desk or assigned room.
If you enter through Stone Street, the venue advises drivers to proceed through the garage and follow convention center parking signs.
Skyway and hotel connection
The convention center is connected to Hyatt Regency Rochester through an enclosed skyway system. This allows many convention travelers to move between the hotel and venue without using the outdoor street route.
Do not assume the shortest pedestrian route is also the correct step-free route. Confirm elevators and accessible circulation before arriving if stairs or escalators are unsuitable.
Convention Center Rooms, Exhibit Halls & Seating Capacities
The venue includes Empire Hall, Grand Lilac Ballroom and divisible meeting-room groups. The capacity figures below come from the venue’s published facility specifications.
Main exhibition and ballroom spaces
| Room | Area | Theater | Banquet | 10 × 10 ft booths |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Empire Hall | 49,275 sq ft | 5,000 | 3,500 | 266 |
| Empire Hall North | 24,300 sq ft | 2,450 | 1,750 | 133 |
| Empire Hall South | 24,975 sq ft | 2,450 | 1,750 | 133 |
| Grand Lilac Ballroom | 10,208 sq ft | 1,200 | 700 | 55 |
| Grand Lilac North | 5,104 sq ft | 500 | 350 | 27 |
| Grand Lilac South | 5,104 sq ft | 500 | 350 | 27 |
Empire Hall ceiling: Published heights vary between approximately 30 and 45 feet depending on the hall configuration.
Empire Hall can be divided into North and South areas. The facility advertises a 50,000-square-foot clear-span exhibition hall, while its detailed capacity chart lists 49,275 square feet.
Meeting and breakout room capacities
| Room group | Area | Theater | Banquet | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Highland Rooms combined | 8,874 sq ft | 1,000 | 600 | Divisible sections A–K, excluding I |
| Highland A or K | 1,015 sq ft each | 110 | 50 | Larger individual breakout rooms |
| Highland B, C, D, G, H or J | 870 sq ft each | 100 | 40 | Multiple seminar configurations |
| Highland E or F | 696 sq ft each | 90 | 30 | Smaller breakout sessions |
| Cascade Rooms combined | 2,208 sq ft | 288 | 170 | Sections A–F |
| Individual Cascade Rooms | 336–408 sq ft | 36 | 20 | Small group meetings |
| Aqueduct Rooms combined | 1,260 sq ft | 50 | 80 | Divisible small-room arrangements |
| Individual Aqueduct Rooms | 294 sq ft each | 24 | 20 | Sections A–D |
Capacity figures are maximum reference layouts, not guaranteed legal occupancy for every event. Staging, head tables, equipment, safety aisles and other arrangements reduce usable seating.
Other function spaces
Galleria
3,914 square feet
Published reception capacity of approximately 325 guests. Useful for circulation, reception and event gathering functions.
Riverside Court
2,052 square feet
Published theater seating up to 200 and banquet seating up to 150.
Empire Lobby
3,300 square feet
Suitable for event circulation and selected reception or exhibit arrangements.
VIP Conference Room
110 square feet
A small private meeting area with a published 10-person conference capacity.
Which room should you choose?
| Event type | Practical starting point |
|---|---|
| Large trade exhibition | Empire Hall |
| Major banquet or awards event | Empire Hall or Grand Lilac Ballroom |
| Mid-sized conference | Highland Rooms or Grand Lilac Ballroom |
| Seminars and breakout sessions | Individual Highland or Cascade Rooms |
| Small team or committee meeting | Aqueduct Rooms or conference rooms |
| Reception or networking event | Galleria, Riverside Court or suitable ballroom setup |
Rochester Riverside Convention Center Floor Plan & Navigation
The building includes large exhibit areas, divisible meeting rooms and connections to the parking garage and hotel skyway.
Empire Hall and exhibition facilities
Includes the main exhibition area, Empire Lobby, Empire Lounge and access to the loading and exhibit service functions.
Ballrooms, smaller meeting areas and registration zones
Includes Grand Lilac Ballroom, Highland Rooms, Cascade Rooms, Aqueduct Rooms, meeting corridors, public circulation and riverfront areas.
Parking and Hyatt Regency connection
Provides enclosed access between the venue, South Avenue Garage and hotel network.
Finding your assigned room
- Check whether your event is in Empire Hall or another room group.
- Identify the room’s exact name and letter, if applicable.
- Follow event registration signs before searching for your final session room.
- Use the venue’s internal signage for the appropriate level and corridor.
- If using the parking skyway, verify which event level your organizer directs attendees toward.
- Ask venue staff for the accessible route if required.
A major convention may use Empire Hall, Grand Lilac Ballroom and multiple breakout rooms simultaneously. Save the full session location from your event schedule.
Rochester Riverside Convention Center Map & Driving Directions
Venue: 123 East Main Street, Rochester, NY 14604.
Primary parking: South Avenue Garage, 39 Stone Street, Rochester, NY 14604.
Venue location for general navigation. Use the garage address if driving directly to parking.
Directions to Convention Center Directions to Parking GarageDriving from Interstate 490
The convention center’s published driving instructions provide approaches from both directions of I-490.
From the east
Approach Rochester on I-490 West and follow signs toward downtown. The venue directs drivers toward Clinton Avenue and Broad Street for the South Avenue Garage approach.
From the west
Approach via I-490 East and follow the downtown route toward the South Avenue Garage. Use current navigation instructions for the final turns.
Follow current road signs rather than relying on historical directions if construction or downtown street restrictions are in place.
Public transportation
Rochester’s Regional Transit Service (RTS) provides local bus transportation in the city. Visitors traveling by public transit should check the current route and stop closest to East Main Street.
Rochester’s Amtrak station, Louise M. Slaughter Rochester Station, provides intercity train service. Travelers arriving with luggage can plan a taxi, rideshare or local transit connection to downtown.
Airport travel
The Frederick Douglass Greater Rochester International Airport (ROC) serves the city. Taxi, rideshare, rental vehicle and local transportation arrangements can connect travelers with downtown Rochester.
Rochester can experience significant snow and icy conditions. The enclosed parking and hotel skyways are particularly useful during colder months, but allow extra time for road travel and garage entry.
Hotels Near Joseph A. Floreano Riverside Convention Center
Downtown Rochester has accommodation close to the convention center. A hotel with an enclosed connection can be more convenient than a slightly cheaper property requiring an outdoor walk.
Hyatt Regency Rochester
125 East Main Street, Rochester, NY 14604
Hyatt Regency is directly connected to the convention center by an enclosed skyway system. It is particularly suitable for convention attendees, exhibitors and business travelers.
Hyatt offers guestrooms, event facilities, dining and self-parking arrangements. Valet parking is not offered under its published hotel FAQ.
Hyatt Regency Hotel DetailsHilton Garden Inn Rochester Downtown
A short downtown walk from the convention center, located near Hyatt Regency Rochester.
Suitable for travelers comparing room configurations, hotel amenities and downtown walking access.
Confirm the actual room price, breakfast package and overnight parking arrangements before reserving.
Other downtown hotel options
Visit Rochester’s convention district guidance also identifies additional downtown hotel accommodation within walking distance. Properties can change branding, operating status and services, so confirm the current name and booking conditions before travel.
The City of Rochester states that overnight Hyatt and Hilton hotel guest parking is arranged through the respective hotel during check-in. Ask the hotel for parking credentials rather than assuming an ordinary public parking ticket provides the required overnight arrangement.
Accessibility, Parking Assistance & Building Improvements
The convention center advertises accessible event spaces and circulation between its meeting rooms, public areas and major facilities.
Accessibility planning checklist
- Use designated accessible parking spaces when eligible.
- Confirm the garage elevator route to the Level 3 skyway.
- Ask for the step-free route to your event registration desk.
- Check elevator access between meeting and exhibition levels.
- Request any necessary hearing or other accommodations through the event organizer.
- Verify accessible restroom locations near your assigned event room.
2026 modernization and renovation information
The venue has announced a modernization initiative as part of Rochester’s Roc the Riverway program.
| Planned improvement | Visitor relevance |
|---|---|
| Main Street addition | Changes to the existing building’s public-facing area |
| Exterior LED display | Improved event identification and information |
| ADA improvements to south riverfront terrace | Better accessibility to outdoor venue areas |
| First-floor all-gender restrooms | Additional restroom facilities |
| Exterior repairs and landscape work | Building improvements and site appearance |
| Mechanical and elevator modernization | Longer-term building system improvements |
The venue says it plans to continue hosting events during renovation work. Exact construction phases and entrance changes are not guaranteed to match an older site plan.
Construction or temporary access changes may affect some entrances, riverfront areas and circulation routes. Contact the convention center if you need assured step-free access or are attending during major works.
Events, Admission, Tickets & Visitor Rules
There is no universal public ticket or admission fee for the convention center. Access is normally determined by the organizer of each event.
| Visitor question | Practical answer |
|---|---|
| What time does the venue open? | Event-specific doors and registration times apply. |
| Do I need a ticket? | Depends on whether the event is public, ticketed, private or registration-based. |
| Is parking included? | Do not assume so; check for organizer validation. |
| Can I bring outside food? | Food and beverage rules are controlled by venue policy and event arrangements. |
| Can I take photos? | Check event-specific photography restrictions. |
| Are bags allowed? | Confirm the organizer’s security and baggage policy. |
| Is re-entry permitted? | Depends on event badge or ticket rules. |
| Are public events family-friendly? | Depends on the individual program and admission rules. |
Food, beverage and sampling rules
The venue’s facility guidelines assign exclusive food-and-beverage service rights to the convention center. Outside food or beverages require management approval.
For trade shows involving food sampling, the published guidelines specify additional restrictions:
- Sample portions may be limited to three ounces.
- Advance notice and venue approval may be required.
- Refrigerated or cooked food sampling may require a temporary Monroe County health permit.
- Insurance documentation may be required.
- The event organizer is responsible for complying with the venue’s food and sampling rules.
These guidelines are primarily relevant to event organizers and exhibitors. Ordinary attendees should follow their particular event’s permitted food and beverage rules.
Visitor arrival checklist
Before leaving home
- Save event date and start time.
- Confirm registration and ticket requirements.
- Check the assigned hall or meeting room.
- Review event bag and security policies.
- Check Rochester weather and road conditions.
Before entering
- Save your parking location.
- Keep your garage ticket.
- Follow the Level 3 skyway signage.
- Collect your badge if necessary.
- Check for event parking validation.
How to Rent Event Space at Rochester Riverside Convention Center
The facility accepts inquiries for conventions, conferences, trade shows, weddings, banquets and other events. Space rental rates depend on event requirements and are not represented by a single universal published fee.
Details to prepare before requesting space
- Event name and organizer contact information.
- Preferred date and alternative dates.
- Estimated attendee and exhibitor numbers.
- Requested hall, ballroom or breakout rooms.
- Theater, classroom, banquet or exhibit layout.
- Setup, event and teardown requirements.
- Catering and food service requirements.
- Audio, video, power and internet requirements.
- Exhibitor loading, staging and freight requirements.
- Accessibility and parking requirements.
Event booking steps
- Choose the suitable space: Use the venue capacity information to shortlist Empire Hall, Grand Lilac Ballroom or meeting rooms.
- Check dates: Contact venue sales with proposed event dates and attendance.
- Submit event requirements: Explain room layouts, equipment, catering and logistical needs.
- Request a proposal: Ask for rental pricing and itemized event-service charges.
- Review the agreement: Check deposits, cancellation conditions, insurance and service obligations.
- Confirm your booking: A signed agreement and required deposit turn a tentative arrangement into a definite booking under the venue’s published guidance.
- Coordinate final details: Work with the event services team on layout, staffing, food service, exhibits and arrival instructions.
Exhibitor loading and technical specifications
| Facility feature | Published information |
|---|---|
| Main loading dock | 15,000 sq ft |
| Truck bays | 4 |
| Exhibit hall access | Direct drive-on access |
| Exhibit floor boxes | Arranged on approximately 30 ft centers |
| Standard electrical supply | 120/208 V, three-phase, 100 A service |
| Overhead bus duct | 800 A, 277/480 V, three-phase, four-wire |
| Communications | Broadband wireless and event technical services |
Published utility and loading specifications do not authorize an individual exhibitor to install equipment or use loading areas without approval. Obtain the current exhibitor manual, service-order requirements and approved event layout.
Official venue contact
Joseph A. Floreano Rochester Riverside Convention Center
123 East Main Street, Rochester, NY 14604
Telephone: 585-232-7200
Website: www.rrcc.com
Official Venue Event Inquiry Facility Information & Floor PlansMore Convention Center Information
For another detailed reference about this same Rochester venue, including parking validation, accessibility, renovation updates and the garage skyway, see our existing Joseph A. Floreano Rochester Riverside Convention Center parking and visitor guide.
Its main focus is arriving and navigating the venue. This guide additionally explains meeting-room capacities, event planning, exhibitors and facility specifications.
10 FAQs About Joseph A. Floreano Riverside Convention Center
1. Where is Joseph A. Floreano Riverside Convention Center located?
It is located at 123 East Main Street, Rochester, NY 14604, beside the Genesee River in downtown Rochester.
2. How much is parking at Rochester Riverside Convention Center?
The connected South Avenue Garage publishes regular rates of $3 for one hour, $5 for two hours, $7 for three hours, $9 for four hours and an $11 daily maximum. Special-event charges may apply.
3. Which garage should visitors use?
South Avenue Garage at 39 Stone Street is the main connected parking facility. It has entrances from Broad Street, South Avenue and Stone Street.
4. What level is the skyway from South Avenue Garage?
The convention center’s published directions identify the enclosed skyway connection on Level 3 of South Avenue Garage.
5. Is there a hotel connected to Rochester Riverside Convention Center?
Yes. Hyatt Regency Rochester is connected to the convention center by an enclosed pedestrian skyway system.
6. How big is Empire Hall?
Empire Hall has 49,275 square feet in the detailed venue capacity chart, commonly described as approximately 50,000 square feet. It can be divided into North and South sections.
7. How many people can the convention center accommodate?
Published Empire Hall configurations include up to 5,000 theater-style seats or 3,500 banquet places. Actual event capacity depends on the approved room layout.
8. Is Rochester Riverside Convention Center accessible?
The venue advertises accessible facilities. South Avenue Garage has designated accessible parking, and the building includes accessible circulation routes. Visitors should confirm the appropriate step-free route for their event.
9. Is the convention center undergoing renovations in 2026?
The venue has announced modernization plans, including a Main Street addition, riverfront accessibility improvements, restroom upgrades and exterior work. It says events will continue during renovation activity.
10. How can I book a meeting or event at Rochester Riverside Convention Center?
Contact the convention center at 585-232-7200 with your proposed dates, attendance, event type, room needs and service requirements. Request a written proposal and review the agreement before confirming the booking.