Dome Arena Pickleball Club Closes: The ROC Dome Pickleball Club, operational since November 2023, has closed its doors as of July 24. Zachary Agliata, the club’s general manager, revealed that the shutdown came abruptly via an email instructing him to manage administrative tasks and retrieve keys from employees. “I received an email just saying we were shutting down immediately, and I was asked to handle some administrative duties and collect keys from employees,” Agliata explained. He also confirmed the cancellation of memberships and issued refunds to those owed.
Facility Details and Member Reactions
The club, located at 2695 East Henrietta Road, featured 12 tournament-quality indoor pickleball courts and had 2,400 individuals listed as players. However, only a small fraction held active memberships. Agliata had drafted an email to notify members about the closure but was unsure if it was sent. Some members reported learning about the shutdown through fellow players rather than official communication.
Owners and Historical Context
The Dome Arena, a well-known multipurpose venue, is owned by Dr. Seth Zeidman, a local neurosurgeon, and Frank Imburgia, president of FSI General Contractor. The duo, along with other developers, acquired the venue and adjacent Minett Hall in 2015 for $2.8 million. Attempts to contact Zeidman and Imburgia for comment went unanswered. The Democrat and Chronicle’s visits to the site found locked doors and an empty parking lot, with the facility’s website listing the reservations page as closed.
Previous Renovations and Use
In early 2017, Zeidman and Imburgia completed an $8 million renovation of the Dome, including new box office and concession areas, and an updated ceiling with LED lighting. Before the pandemic, the venue hosted concerts by bands such as Flogging Molly and Joywave. During COVID-19, it served as a mass vaccination site, and later featured “Beyond van Gogh: The Immersive Experience.”
Community Impact and Conversion Costs
The decision to convert the Dome to a pickleball facility was driven by the sport’s rising popularity and the need for indoor pickleball courts. Zeidman estimated the conversion cost at $500,000, involving significant modifications to level the floor and install courts. Susan Gollands of Rochester, a member since January, expressed her disappointment with the facility’s conditions, noting the absence of air conditioning and lack of use by other members.
For decades, the Dome Arena was a central location for various events, including rock shows, roller derby bouts, conventions, and high school graduations. It also served as the base for the Monroe County Fair and was originally owned by the Monroe County Fair and Recreation Association.
News in Brief: Dome Arena Pickleball Club Closes
The ROC Dome Pickleball Club, which opened in November 2023, has closed its doors as of July 24. General Manager Zachary Agliata was notified via email of the immediate shutdown and tasked with handling administrative duties and issuing refunds. Despite having 12 tournament-quality courts and 2,400 players on its list, only a few had memberships. The facility, located at 2695 East Henrietta Road, was owned by Dr. Seth Zeidman and Frank Imburgia. Previous renovations included an $8 million upgrade in 2017. The decision to pivot to pickleball was influenced by the sport’s popularity and the high maintenance costs of the 25,000-square-foot space. Members were disappointed, noting poor facility conditions.
Also Read: Little Falls Choosing Pickleball Over Tennis: Conversion of Courts
