Downtown Rochester, New York • Visitor Information
Rochester Riverside Convention Center: Parking, Skyway, Events & Directions
Visiting the Joseph A. Floreano Rochester Riverside Convention Center? Find the exact address, parking garage rates, enclosed skyway directions, hotel connections, venue facilities and practical event-day information before you travel.
Address: 123 East Main Street, Rochester, NY 14604
Phone: 585-232-7200
Downtown Rochester, beside the Genesee River.
Published South Avenue Garage rate.
Enclosed connection from South Avenue Garage.
Meeting, convention and exhibit facilities.
Various event and meeting configurations.
Enclosed skyway connecting the venue and hotel.
Information reviewed October 2026. Parking tariffs, construction-related entrances and event arrangements may change.
Where Is the Joseph A. Floreano Rochester Riverside Convention Center?
The convention center is located at 123 East Main Street in downtown Rochester, New York. It stands alongside the Genesee River within Rochester’s central convention and hotel district.
Visitors will also see the venue referred to as the Rochester Riverside Convention Center, Floreano Convention Center or JAFRRCC. These names refer to the same downtown facility.
Important Location Information
Official name: Joseph A. Floreano Rochester Riverside Convention Center
Street address: 123 East Main Street
City and ZIP: Rochester, NY 14604
Main telephone: 585-232-7200
Primary parking: South Avenue Garage
Closest major connected hotel: Hyatt Regency Rochester
The venue is used for trade shows, professional conferences, business meetings, banquets, community events, exhibitions and private functions.
Rochester Riverside Convention Center Parking: Garage, Rates & Payment
The convention center’s official website directs visitors to the South Avenue Garage, which is connected to the facility by an enclosed pedestrian skyway.
The garage has entrances from Broad Street, South Avenue and Stone Street. If entering from Stone Street, follow the posted directions for convention center parking.
South Avenue Garage Parking Rates
| Parking Duration | Published Charge |
|---|---|
| Up to 1 hour | $3.00 |
| Up to 2 hours | $5.00 |
| Up to 3 hours | $7.00 |
| Up to 4 hours | $9.00 |
| Daily maximum | $11.00 |
These are the rates displayed on the venue’s official parking page at the time of research. Confirm holiday, event, overnight and updated rates before arriving.
The official garage information states that vehicles over 7 feet tall must contact the garage ahead of time to arrange appropriate parking. Do not assume oversized vehicles can use the standard entrance.
How to Pay for Parking
Card Payment
Visa and Mastercard payment is available at the exit according to the garage’s published instructions.
Cash Payment
Use a payment station inside the convention center, on the garage’s second-floor concourse or at the Broad Street ground-level elevator vestibule.
Parking Validation
Some events may offer parking validation. That does not mean all event attendees park free.
- Take a parking ticket when entering the garage, where issued.
- Keep the ticket with you rather than leaving it in your vehicle.
- Ask your registration desk or event organizer whether the event provides validation.
- If eligible, obtain validation before returning to the garage.
- Use the validated ticket according to the garage’s payment and exit instructions.
Practical example: Without validation or special arrangements, parking for four hours would be $9 under the published rate schedule, while an ordinary stay reaching the listed daily maximum would be $11.
South Avenue Garage Skyway: How to Reach the Convention Center
The enclosed skyway makes South Avenue Garage especially convenient in Rochester’s snowy, rainy and cold weather.
The Key Detail: Go to Level 3
The venue’s official driving instructions identify the skywalk on Level 3 of South Avenue Garage. Follow signs toward the Rochester Riverside Convention Center.
- Park in the designated South Avenue Garage area.
- Remember your vehicle’s location, level and nearest elevator or stairwell.
- Use garage signs to reach Level 3.
- Follow the enclosed skyway signage for the convention center.
- After entering the building, follow your event’s directions to registration, the ballroom or exhibit hall.
- When returning, use the same garage connection and remember where you parked.
The convention district also offers an enclosed connection between the convention center and Hyatt Regency Rochester. The hotel connection and the garage connection serve different destinations, so follow their respective signs.
The official facility information reports that some original escalators linking the garage and hotel skyway areas were replaced by stairs during earlier upgrades. Visitors who cannot use stairs should confirm the currently operational elevator route rather than relying on an escalator.
Driving Directions to Rochester Riverside Convention Center
For the simplest arrival, navigate directly to South Avenue Garage if you intend to park. Rochester’s one-way streets and downtown intersections can make navigating to the convention center’s Main Street entrance less convenient for drivers.
| Starting Area | Official Route Guidance |
|---|---|
| From the East | Take the New York State Thruway toward Exit 45, then I-490 West toward Rochester. Use the Clinton Avenue exit and approach Broad Street for the garage. |
| Eastern Suburbs | Follow I-490 West to the Clinton Avenue exit, continuing toward Broad Street and South Avenue Garage. |
| From the West | Take the Thruway toward Exit 47 and I-490 East toward downtown Rochester. Follow the signed downtown approach toward St. Paul Street, South Avenue and the garage. |
| Greece, Brockport, Hamlin or Spencerport | Use the I-390 / I-490 corridor toward downtown, following the west-side approach to South Avenue. |
| From the Southern Tier | Use I-390 North toward Rochester, then I-490 East and the downtown approach. |
| From ROC Airport | Follow I-390 North to I-490 East toward downtown, then navigate toward South Avenue Garage. |
These routes summarize the venue’s published approach instructions. Follow current traffic signs, GPS directions and road closures, particularly because some historic highway-exit descriptions may change after road projects.
Useful Destination Links
From Frederick Douglass Greater Rochester International Airport
The area’s principal airport is Frederick Douglass Greater Rochester International Airport (ROC), southwest of downtown. Visitors can reach the convention center by taxi, rideshare, rental car or a combination of public transportation and walking.
| Transportation | Practical Information |
|---|---|
| Taxi | Direct airport-to-hotel or convention center transportation. Check taxi queue signs and applicable fares. |
| Rideshare | Book through your app and use the airport’s designated pickup location. |
| Rental Car | Useful if visiting Rochester suburbs or Finger Lakes destinations; budget for downtown garage parking. |
| Public Transportation | Check RTS service and schedules. Some itineraries require a connection or walking portion. |
Airport Arrival Steps
- Collect your luggage and open the airport’s ground transportation information.
- Choose taxi, rideshare, rental car or transit based on your luggage and schedule.
- Set the destination to 123 East Main Street if being dropped at the venue.
- If driving yourself, navigate to South Avenue Garage instead.
- Confirm the correct event entrance before leaving your vehicle or transportation.
For public transit, use the official RTS Rochester website to check current routes, fares and service alerts.
Accessibility, Elevators & Construction Updates
The venue describes its facilities as accessible, with connected circulation between meeting spaces and the downtown convention district.
What Accessible Visitors Should Plan
- Parking: Confirm accessible parking availability and an elevator route in South Avenue Garage.
- Skyway: Verify the step-free connection from the garage’s Level 3 skyway into the event area.
- Inside the building: Ask your event organizer for the best accessible route to your registration location and assigned room.
- Service or mobility requirements: Contact the venue ahead of time to arrange any necessary assistance.
- Restrooms: Confirm the nearest accessible facility on the level where your event takes place.
The convention center has announced improvements including ADA accessibility upgrades to the south riverfront terrace, new first-floor all-gender restrooms, exterior building repairs and a Main Street addition.
The venue says it expects to continue hosting events during renovation work. Verify current entrance and access instructions, especially if attending a large event or requiring a step-free route.
Venue telephone: 585-232-7200
Floor Plans, Exhibit Space & Convention Center Capacity
The Joseph A. Floreano Rochester Riverside Convention Center offers around 100,000 square feet of flexible convention and event space. It hosts everything from smaller business meetings to large exhibits and banquets.
| Facility Detail | Officially Published Information |
|---|---|
| Total flexible space | Approximately 100,000 square feet |
| Empire Hall | 50,000 square feet of column-free exhibit space, divisible into sections |
| Meeting rooms | 25 rooms |
| Banquet-style capacity | Up to 3,500 guests |
| Theater-style capacity | Up to 5,000 guests |
| Exhibit booths | Up to 400 standard 10-by-10-foot booths |
| Loading dock | Approximately 15,000 square feet |
| Truck bays | Four loading bays |
| Technology | Broadband wireless internet and audiovisual support |
These are overall venue specifications and example configurations, not capacity guarantees for every individual function room. The allowable occupancy for a specific event depends on room setup, equipment, safety requirements and organizer arrangements.
What Is Empire Hall?
Empire Hall is the venue’s major exhibit area, offering approximately 50,000 square feet of column-free space. It is useful for trade shows, large exhibitions, conferences and flexible setups.
Depending on the event layout, the hall may be divided into smaller sections. Meeting room and ballroom assignments should be checked against the event’s floor plan.
How to Find Your Hall or Meeting Room
- Check your conference confirmation for the exact meeting room, ballroom or exhibit hall name.
- Open the official facility floor plan or event-specific attendee map.
- Locate the registration and badge collection area.
- Identify the correct building level and nearby elevators or stairs.
- Allow extra time if you need to move between meeting sessions or exhibit areas.
Events, Tickets, Opening Hours & Visitor Rules
The convention center is primarily an event venue. There is no single universal public admission ticket or daily visitor timetable that applies to every conference, trade show or private function.
| Visitor Question | What to Know |
|---|---|
| What time does the venue open? | Public access is typically determined by individual event schedules and organizer arrangements. |
| Do I need a ticket? | Some events require paid admission; others require registration, invitation or an attendee badge. |
| Can I attend without registering? | Only when permitted by the specific event organizer. |
| Are parking fees included? | Do not assume so. Ask if the event offers parking validation. |
| Can I bring outside food? | Food and beverage rules depend on event arrangements and venue policies. |
| Are large bags allowed? | Check the event organizer’s security, baggage and equipment policies. |
| Can I leave and re-enter? | Depends on badge, wristband or ticket rules. |
Event-Day Checklist
- Confirm that your event is at the Rochester Riverside Convention Center, 123 East Main Street.
- Check the exact date, registration time and hall or ballroom.
- Save your ticket, badge confirmation or registration QR code.
- Review available South Avenue Garage parking and any event validation.
- Allow time to travel from the garage via the Level 3 skyway.
- Locate the correct event registration desk before going to a session.
Hotels Near Rochester Riverside Convention Center
The downtown convention district is designed to allow attendees to walk between event facilities and nearby hotels. Some connections are enclosed, making them especially useful during Rochester winters.
Hyatt Regency Rochester
Address: 125 East Main Street, Rochester, NY 14604.
Located immediately next to the convention center. The hotel and venue are connected by an enclosed climate-controlled skyway system.
Best for: Attendees who want direct indoor access to convention activities.
Hilton Garden Inn Rochester Downtown
Located in Rochester’s downtown convention district, near the Hyatt Regency and convention center.
Best for: Visitors wanting a nearby hotel while comparing room availability and total stay costs.
If attending a multiday conference in December through March, an indoor hotel connection can be valuable during snowfall or icy conditions. Confirm the precise hotel-to-venue route and any after-hours access before booking.
What to Check Before Booking a Hotel
- Whether your room rate includes breakfast or parking.
- The total cost after taxes and other applicable charges.
- Actual walkability from the hotel to your assigned event entrance.
- Cancellation terms if the event schedule changes.
- Accessible room requirements and elevator access.
- Whether an official convention room block provides a discounted rate.
Visitor Amenities, Food & Nearby Downtown Attractions
The convention center has in-house food and beverage operations, with menus and catering services arranged for meetings, conventions, gala dinners and special events.
Availability of food stations, concessions, coffee service and catered meals depends on the individual event. Do not assume every food counter operates throughout the day.
For Longer Events
- Check the event schedule for lunch breaks and designated dining periods.
- Look for catering information in the attendee guide.
- If your conference provides meals, verify whether registration includes them.
- Ask about allergy or dietary accommodations early.
- Explore downtown restaurants when your schedule allows, but check current business hours.
The venue is close to Rochester’s riverfront and downtown activity areas. Visitors staying longer may also explore the city’s museums, cultural attractions and the wider Finger Lakes region, depending on travel time and transportation.
Exhibitor Information: Loading Dock, Freight & Move-In
Exhibitors should use the official event’s move-in and move-out instructions rather than following ordinary attendee directions with freight.
| Exhibitor Facility | Details |
|---|---|
| Loading dock | Approximately 15,000 square feet with four truck bays. |
| Main hall access | Direct drive-on access is available under approved arrangements. |
| Electrical infrastructure | Includes 120/208-volt three-phase distribution and higher-capacity infrastructure listed by the venue. |
| Internet | Broadband wireless service; specific exhibitor connectivity requirements should be coordinated. |
| Equipment and freight | Follow the organizer’s appointed freight handling and loading schedule. |
Practical Move-In / Move-Out Process
- Get your assigned move-in time and loading dock instructions.
- Confirm whether freight is handled by a contractor or directly by the exhibitor.
- Use the permitted loading entrance, not the public Main Street doorway.
- Unload materials only according to dock personnel’s instructions.
- Move your vehicle away from the dock after unloading.
- On move-out, pack your exhibit before bringing a vehicle to the loading area.
Venue facility guidelines prohibit using the loading area for ordinary vehicle parking. South Avenue is also not an approved general parking location for exhibitor vehicles.
Contact the event organizer for its current exhibitor handbook, service orders, electrical requirements and assigned loading hours.
Rochester Riverside Convention Center Location Map
10 Frequently Asked Questions
1. Where is Joseph A. Floreano Rochester Riverside Convention Center located?
The convention center is located at 123 East Main Street, Rochester, NY 14604, in downtown Rochester beside the Genesee River.
2. Where should I park for Rochester Riverside Convention Center?
The venue recommends South Avenue Garage, with entrances from Broad Street, South Avenue and Stone Street. The garage connects to the convention center through an enclosed Level 3 skyway.
3. How much is parking at Rochester Riverside Convention Center?
The official South Avenue Garage rate schedule lists $3 for up to one hour, $5 for up to two hours, $7 for up to three hours, $9 for up to four hours and an $11 daily maximum. Rates and event arrangements may change.
4. Is the convention center connected to a parking garage?
Yes. South Avenue Garage is connected by an enclosed pedestrian skyway. Follow convention center signs on Level 3 of the garage.
5. Is Hyatt Regency Rochester connected to the convention center?
Yes. Hyatt Regency Rochester at 125 East Main Street is connected to the convention center through an enclosed, climate-controlled skyway system.
6. How large is Rochester Riverside Convention Center?
The venue advertises approximately 100,000 square feet of flexible event space, a 50,000-square-foot Empire Hall and 25 meeting rooms. Event capacities depend on the configured space.
7. Is the Rochester Riverside Convention Center wheelchair accessible?
The venue advertises accessible event facilities. Visitors who require a step-free route should confirm the current elevator and garage skyway arrangements, particularly while renovations are underway.
8. Does the convention center have an admission fee?
There is no single admission fee covering all events. Tickets, registration costs and entry requirements are established by each conference, exhibition or other event organizer.
9. What is the garage height limit?
South Avenue Garage lists a maximum vehicle height of 7 feet. Drivers of taller vehicles must contact the garage in advance about special parking arrangements.
10. What is the phone number for Rochester Riverside Convention Center?
The convention center’s main phone number is 585-232-7200. Its address is 123 East Main Street, Rochester, NY 14604.
Official Sources & Useful Resources
The following primary sources provide venue information, parking instructions, building specifications and visitor updates.
- Official Rochester Riverside Convention Center website
- Venue contact, South Avenue Garage rates and payment instructions
- Official driving and skyway directions
- Facility specifications, floor plans and services
- Convention center renovation information
- Visit Rochester convention district information
- RTS Rochester public transportation
This is an independent visitor guide, not the venue’s official website. Review current event instructions, parking policies and construction updates before traveling.