Rochester moves East

Carrier Dome, Syracuse, N.Y.

DECEMBER 31 - The Rochester Rockers franchise has been officially renamed the Syracuse Rockers and will play in the Carrier Dome, home to the Syracuse University football team, during its inaugural season.

The Rockers had been unable to secure a suitable playing field in Rochester but worked out a deal to use the Carrier Dome as their home stadium.

The 31-year-old facility, which seats nearly 50,000, is covered, providing protection from the elements. The Rockers will be the first major-league franchise in Syracuse since the Syracuse Nationals played in the National Basketball Association, leaving the city in 1963 to become the Philadelphia 76ers.