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Rochester Sports Banquet

Event Details

For nineteen years Rochester Sports has hosted the Rochester Sports Banquet and each year it continues to be a highlight around the community. The Banquet recognizes area athletes, coaches and teams on their hard work, dedication and commitment to amateur sports. Each year a guest speaker shares a message with the attendees, that promotes the ideas that amateur athletics is all about.

While the evening is all about the athletes and sharing the special night with families and friends, there is also a Silent Auction that takes place throughout the evening. The Sports Banquet designates an organization to donate the proceeds of the auction to and the support of items whether it be sports memorabilia, gift cards, tickets to events, etc have grown each and every year.

If you have questions about the Sports Banquet or are interested in attending please call our office at 507.280.4701, we would be happy to answer any questions. We look forward to seeing you all at the 19th Annual Sports Banquet in February of 2025!

Guest Speaker

Our Guest Speaker for 2024/2025 Rochester Sports Banquet is John Randle!

Randle's fierce style of play and emotional leadership were hallmarks of his 11 seasons with the Vikings (1990-2000). He played 14 NFL seasons, ending his career with Seattle from 2001-03. One of the most popular Vikings during his playing days, Randle's high-energy style earned him the respect of teammates and opponents across the NFL. His play redefined the DT position during his era and his game-changing ability made pass rushing from the DT spot a premium.

A success story from the start of his Vikings career, Randle came to the team in 1990 as an undrafted rookie free agent from Division II Texas A&I. In 1991, he cracked the regular starting lineup and he went on to start 150 of the 176 career games he played. Randle led or tied for the team lead 9 times in his 11 Vikings seasons and had 10+ sacks in 8 straight seasons from 1993-2000. Randle's 114.0 career sacks ranks 3rd in Vikings history and ranks as the most by a DT. Randle earned starting spots for the NFC in 6 straight Pro Bowls, 1993-98, with the Vikings and went to the Pro Bowl in 2001 as a Seahawk, representing the AFC. Randle was named to the NFL Team of the Decade for the 1990s.

Randle was inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame for his Texas A&I career. The Vikings honored him as the 2008 selection for induction to the Ring of Honor. He received the highest honor of the NFL as part of the 2010 Pro Football Hall of Fame enshrinement class.

Event Information

Schedule of Events
  • 4:30- Reception & Silent Auction
  • 5:30- Dinner
  • 6:30- Program
  • VIP Social Following the Program

Sports Benefit Auction Information: This year’s silent auction will see 100% of the proceeds go to the Rochester Sports Foundation Community Grant Program

Lifetime Achievement Award

Ticket Information - Limited to 550 tickets

  • Individual Tickets: $50.00
  • Student Tickets: $30.00
  • VIP Meet and Greet: $20.00 
  • Business Table: $400.00
  • VIP Business Table: $550.00
  • To purchase tickets: CLICK HERE!
  • Tickets will NOT be sold at the door

Sponsor Information

The Rochester Sports Banquet is a great opportunity to get your businesses' name out in front of a large group of local athletes, parents, and fans. We are in the process of securing the 2025 Category Sponsors. Contact Bryant with Rochester Sports for more details at: bschmidt@rochestermnsports.org or 507-280-4725.

  • Award Category Sponsor: $500.00 or $300.00

2025 Rochester Sports Banquet Sponsors: 

  • Eagle Rock Bank
  • ABC 6 News-KAAL TV
  • Rochester Event Center
  • SPONSOR AVAILABLE-Adaptive Athlete/Team of the Year
  • SPONSOR AVAILABLE-Coach of the Year
  • SPONSOR AVAILABLE-Female Athlete of the Year
  • SPONSOR AVAILABLE-Male Athlete of the Year
  • SPONSOR AVAILABLE-Lifetime Achievement Award
  • SPONSOR AVAILABLE-Post Secondary Female Athlete of the Year
  • SPONSOR AVAILABLE-Post Secondary Male Athlete of the Year
  • SPONSOR AVAILABLE-Team of the Year

Media Sponsors

Contacts

Rochester Sports Team

Nominee Contact

Matt Esau

Ticket Information

Bryant Schmidt

Table Sales/Auction Contact

Tony Grabowske

Location

All-Star Restaurants

  • Featured restaurant

    Beetle's Bar And Grill

    Beetle's Bar and Grill
    230 20th Avenue Southwest
    Rochester, MN 55902

    Beetle's Bar and Grill, conveniently located 2 blocks west of St. Mary's Hospital on 2nd Street. We feature a full lunch and dinner menu with everything from burgers to broasted chicken and wraps to ribeyes. Enjoy outdoor dining while the weather is warm on our patio.

  • Featured restaurant

    Bowlocity

    2810 North Broadway Avenue
    Rochester, MN 55906

    Grab a bite to eat in our Sports Bar! We offer a menu featuring delicious pizzas, burgers, appetizers and more! We have great lunch specials as well!

  • Featured restaurant

    Charlie's Eatery & Pub

    1654 US-52
    Rochester, MN 55901

    Charlie's Eatery & Pub is locally owned and is located in the Hillcrest Shopping Center next to the Indoor Golf Center. Enjoy a meal in our restaurant with live Bluegrass music on Wednesdays or visit our pub for food, drinks, entertainment, music and games.

  • Featured restaurant

    Chick-Fil-A

    1201 Broadway Avenue South
    Rochester, MN 55904

    We’re proud to be your nearest Chick-fil-A®, serving freshly prepared food crafted with quality ingredients every day of the week (except Sunday, of course). Our restaurant offers everything from Chick-fil-A menu classics, like the original Chick-fil-A Chicken Sandwich, Chicken Nuggets and Chick-fil-A Waffle Potato Fries®, to breakfast, salads, treats, Kid’s Meals and more. Feeding a group? Our Chick-fil-A location also offers a variety of catering options, perfect for your next get-together. On this page, you can check out our operating hours as well as the dining options that are currently available at our restaurant.

    If you’re looking for great food nearby, it’s our pleasure to serve you.

  • Featured restaurant

    City Market

    212 1st Avenue Southwest
    Rochester, MN 55902

    Voted Rochester's Best Deli and Sandwiches for the past seven years. A bustling, urban deli set in the heart of downtown Rochester, featuring big New York-style sandwiches, filled with large portions of freshly sliced meats, gourmet cheeses, crisp vegetables, and one-of-a-kind spreads on bakery-fresh bread.

  • Featured restaurant

    Five West Kitchen + Bar

    1991 Commerce Drive Northwest
    Rochester, MN 55901

    Five West offers a large variety of menu options, from salads and sandwiches to pizza and main dishes such as the salmon, we have something for everyone!

  • Featured restaurant

    Jac's at the Legion 92

    915 21st Avenue Southeast
    Rochester, MN 55904

    Good Eats. Good Drinks. Good Company at JAC'S at The Legion 92. Located inside The American Legion Post #92 - Rochester, MN.

  • Featured restaurant

    Newt's

    1201 Broadway Avenue South
    Rochester, MN 55904

    There are now 4 Newt’s locations. Downtown, North, South, and Express (a faster version of the sit-down restaurants located in the Mayo clinic subway). Each restaurant serves up over 2 tons of fresh ground beef a month. Cooks are continuously busy patty-ing the burgers to half a pound, and then seasoning and cooking them to your temperature specifications. In addition to fresh meat, Newt’s also receives freshly baked Kaiser buns daily, these are buttered and grilled and are the perfect complement to our delicious burgers.   

  • Featured restaurant

    Purple Goat

    3708 North Broadway Avenue
    Rochester, MN 55906

    The Purple Goat, located in the old Shopko North building in northwest Rochester, MN, the restaurant will seat 166 indoors, 24 at the bar, and 60+ on the extensive patio. Try our sandwiches, salads, and other familiar items – but with a creative twist. 

  • Featured restaurant

    The Redwood Room

    300 1st Avenue Northwest
    Rochester, MN 55901

    The Redwood Room is a cozy restaurant serving new American cuisine with global influences. It offers an innovative twist on classic cocktails featuring premium spirits and house-made syrups.

  • Featured restaurant

    SMOAK

    2291 Commerce Drive Northwest
    Rochester, MN 55901

    SMOAK mixes a modern and casual ambiance with traditional Texas-style BBQ. Our open dining room features spacious farm tables for large parties, a beautiful bar with smoked handcrafted cocktails, and vast windows and garage doors. SMOAK also features a beautiful patio with a large pergola, string lights, and outdoor bar seating – the perfect spot to relax during those warm summer months.

  • Featured restaurant

    The Workshop

    1232 3rd Avenue Southeast
    Rochester, MN 55904
  • Featured restaurant

    Red Cow

    Red Cow
    217 14th Ave. SW, Suite #100
    Rochester, MN 55902
    507-361-7910

    Family owned and locally operated since 2013, Red Cow provides a sophisticated twist on the classic neighborhood tavern.  We celebrate finely crafted eats and drinks with a focus on gourmet burgers, craft beers and fine wine.  #Followtheherd to Red Cow!

  • Featured restaurant

    Nautical Bowls

    230 20th Avenue Southwest
    Rochester, MN 55902

    WE KNOW IT IS DIFFICULT TO FIND A QUICK MEAL WITHOUT COMPROMISING YOUR HEALTHY LIFESTYLE. AT NAUTICAL BOWLS, WE COMBINE HEALTHY, FRESH SUPERFOOD BOWLS WITH AN UPLIFTING ATMOSPHERE, GIVING YOU ENERGY TO LIVE A FULL LIFE.

  • Featured restaurant

    Glynner's Pub

    Glynner's Pub
    1643 North Broadway Avenue
    Rochester, MN 55901
    507-252-8800

    We set out to provide the best quality and service you'll find anywhere, at prices you can afford. We've been serving great wholesome American food, over 50 kinds of import and domestic beer, and a full wine and cocktail menu since 2005. Known for our 100% chopped sirloin steak burgers, seasoned fries, and hand dipped, Guinness beer battered fresh tenderloin chicken strips, we also have awesome homemade soups, chicken sandwiches, wraps, appetizers, and other specialty items (Philly anyone?). Come on in, have a beer, check out our drink specials and see exactly what Glynner's Pub has to offer! Check out our Daily Specials and Menu! Everyday we strive to provide the best customer experience. We specialize in small batch cooking, all from scratch, to ensure our customers are getting the freshest, most perfectly cooked and seasoned meal possible. As a result...our food speaks for itself! Our restaurant can accommodate any size group. Call us at 507-252-8800 to make a reservation for your next happy hour, party, event, night out or get together. In a hurry, or hosting a gathering, call to place your order to go! Glynner's Pub sponsors many sports teams.

    Vibrant hangout featuring burgers & other casual eats, plus cocktails & brews in a casual setting.

  • Featured restaurant

    Red Savoy

    Red Savoy
    2550 Broadway Avenue South
    Rochester, MN 55904
    To be Determined.
    Don't miss out on a pizza experience that's as unique as you are! Join us for a taste of tradition, a slice of community, and a whole lot of flavor. Red Savoy's Pizza - Where Every Slice Tells a Delicious Story!
  • Featured restaurant

    Bad Ass Coffee of Hawaii

    Bad Ass Coffee of Hawaii
    1529 Highway 14 East, Suite #100
    Rochester, MN 55904
    507-206-6574

    We are excited to share the aloha spirit as the newest coffee shop in Rochester, Minnesota. We're located in the Eastwood Plaza at the Intersection of US Highway 14 East and Marion Road.

    At Bad Ass Coffee of Hawaii, we proudly serve Hawaiian blends, 100% Kona coffee, espresso drinks, and more. Enjoy one of our breakfast and lunch sandwiches served on King's Hawaiian ® sweet bread with your new favorite signature latte featuring our famous coffee ice cubes. Bad Ass Coffee of Hawaii was born on the Big Island of Hawaii in 1989 with a goal of sharing American-grown, premium Hawaiian coffee with coffee lovers everywhere.

  • Featured restaurant

    Twigs

    401 6th Street Southwest
    Rochester, MN 55902

    Located within the Centerstone Plaza Hotel, Twigs offers a unique dining experience. Features a separate dedicated gluten-free kitchen and innovative dishes using only the freshest ingredients available. Order small plates for easy sharing with a group, or gather around a Hot Rock, a 650° rock that is brought to your table where you can cook and season your entree to your liking.

  • Featured restaurant

    Wildwood Sports Bar and Grill

    Wildwood
    1517 16th Street Southwest
    Rochester, MN 55902
    507.226.8380
    Our mission is to provide excellent eats and drinks in a casual, fun environment, and there’s no place we’d rather do it than right here in southeast Minnesota.
  • Featured restaurant

    Tavern 22 Neighborhood Grill

    Tavern 22
    3401 Northern Valley Place Northeast
    Rochester, MN 55906
    507.258.4445

    Dine-in. Outdoor seating. In-store pickup.

    The Tavern 22 Neighborhood Grill is located along 37th Street Northeast just east of the CMX Chateau Theater Complex.

Additional Restaurants

  • Buffalo Wild Wings

    792 16th Street Southwest
    Rochester, MN 55902

    Sports Bar and restaurant chain known for their chicken wings and a wide variety of sauces. The menu also features appetizers, burgers, tacos, salads, and desserts. Willing to accommodate large groups and sports teams!

  • Canadian Honker

    1203 2nd Street Southwest
    Rochester, MN 55902

    Since 1984, Canadian Honker has been preparing the freshest, made from scratch recipes to create memorable meals. Serving breakfast, lunch, or dinner, our favorites include the Honker Breakfast feast, world famous Bunnie's Coconut Cake, homemade soups and stews, pan seared walleye, hand cut steaks, prime rib, and fresh jumbo shrimp. Also offers special children's and senior options, and a gluten free menu.

  • CB3 Burgers

    9 3rd Avenue Northwest
    Rochester, MN 55901

    Casual restaurant located downtown at the Kahler Inn & Suites. Providing all-day dining in a comfortable atmosphere. Featuring signature breakfast dishes, light refreshing lunches, and dinner featuring 12 savory specialty burgers.

  • Fat Willy's

    4325 Maine Avenue Southeast
    Rochester, MN 55904

    Fat Willy's is a family neighborhood bar and grill with a garage theme. Their menu features full flavor burgers, specialty dishes, and available take out service.Voted Rochester's biggest meal and best seafood dish for their delicious Shrimp Boil, as well as runner-up for Rochester's best burger for the "Super B", there are plenty of options for everyone!

  • Pasquales

    130 5th Street Southwest
    Rochester, MN 55902

    A neighborhood gathering place offering authentic New York style pizza, paninis, and pasta. Serving fresh, house made gelato, authentic Italian pastries, and coffee. Catering menu is available, from simple pizza parties for teams, to multi-course meals. Additional space for celebrations, events, team-meals available with reservation.

  • Whistle Binkies

    3120 Wellner Drive Northeast
    Rochester, MN 55906

    Whistle Binkies offers two convenient locations to serve you on both the North and South ends of Rochester. The large menu features delicious appetizers, entrees, soups, salads, specialty sandwiches, wraps, desserts, and much more! Ranked as the best bar in Minnesota by "Business Insider" in March 2016.

    South Location:
    247 Woodlake Dr SE, Rochester, MN 55904
    507-424-1227