Green Monster: UFC targeting Fenway Park for 2010 Boston debut
by Jesse Holland on Aug 9, 2009 10:24 AM EDT
Email
Print
UFC President Dana White mentioned the historic and beloved Fenway Park as A possible venue for the promotion's anticipated Boston debut in mid to late 2010.
White made the surprise announcement at the UFC 101 post-fight press conference during the early morning hours of Aug. 9.
A bill to legalize mixed martial arts in Massachusetts recently cleared its latest hurdle in the legislative process after breezing through the State Senate by a vote of 34-1.
The bill now heads to the House Ways and Means Committee for additional consideration before arriving at the desk of Governor Deval Patrick for his signature.
The Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) officials stormed Massachusetts earlier this year, attempting to convince lawmakers in the "Bay State" that mixed martial arts regulation is good for them and the state economy … to the tune of $12.3 million in just one weekend.
The latest dog and pony show appeared to have done the trick during a State House hearing held back in April. If all goes according to plan, the promotion is hoping to stage a major pay-per-view (PPV) event at some point in 2010.
Boston's TD Banknorth Garden is also under consideration to host the planned event.
Former number one lightweight contender and local-area fighter, Kenny Florian, UFC vice president of regulation and governmental affairs Marc Ratner, as well as general counsels Lawrence Epstein and Michael Mersch, comprised the UFC contingent charged with making the case for regulation.
Ratner has previously mentioned that a UFC Fan Expo could also accompany their freshman effort as a way to celebrate the move to Boston as well as reward Northeast fans for their patience.
It can’t come soon enough — Florian, Marcus Davis, Jorge Rivera and Gabriel Gonzaga are just a few of the talented fighters who hail from the region and would more than likely be featured on a New England card.
And remember that company president Dana White is from "Southie," which means that he would certainly pull out all the stops to ensure that his homecoming would be unforgettable.
The success of UFC 101 in Philadelphia can only help their cause as they continue to plow their way into unregulated markets. Zuffa held it's first-ever Pennsylvania event just five months after the state sanctioned MMA, indicating the quick turnaround between regulation and a debut show.
MMA in Boston but not New York? No self-respecting New Yorker would stand for that.
Step aside, Mr. Reilly
12 comments
|
0 recs |
Do you like this story?
Comments
how can you have fenway park as a venue when its an outside stadium? i dont think thats gona happen. id rather have mma in a stadium with a roof
by bobby o'shea on Aug 9, 2009 10:44 AM EDT reply actions
bJ! BJ! BJ! when I say I am 100% positive about an outcome of a fight, people need to start listening. I dont say it often, but when I do, I am usually spot on.
I made a killing last night, going 5 for 5 on my bets
by john G on Aug 9, 2009 2:17 PM EDT up reply actions
I’m a big Florian fan, but that was the worst f*cking gameplan, and performance I’ve ever seen from him. Trying to hug BJ to a decision isn’t exactly a thrilling victory, nor a fight that would be happily watched. BJ’s intensity wasn’t very high at the weigh-ins as Kenny said, but when he came out the the cage he was an absolute beast. He was like the 22 year old BJ that he said he’d be! He Never was in a bad spot throughout the fight. Kenny wasn’t all there, not to discredit BJ, but Florian looked aweful. I cannot wait to see Penn/Sanchez. That will be an amazing fight!
by allamerican on Aug 9, 2009 3:29 PM EDT up reply actions
It’s a Boston thing…..
The problem is, you wouldn’t be able to see sh*t! Atleast at an indoor arena there’s jumbo TV’s all over, and above. At Fenway it would be very difficult to see the fights. It was like that when the Stones were there for a concert, you couldn’t even see them. And what happens if it starts raining? It won’t hold up, the UFC will have the event at the TD banknorth Garden if there’s an event in Boston…
All I have to say is this BETTER happen at some time in the near future! You want energy, well Boston has it! Not to mention the amount of MMA fans that reside in MA.
by allamerican on Aug 9, 2009 3:13 PM EDT up reply actions
I have learned not to question Dana. I live 30 minutes away. If the come I will be there.
by iagoof22 on Aug 9, 2009 11:20 AM EDT reply actions
Sounds like a good idea. I wouldn’t have said anything yet if I were him. Things may end up like New York.
On another note, Deval Patrick is the worst Governor currently in the US. 33% approval ratings. Nice.
by El Mexicutioner, formerly The Mexicutioner on Aug 9, 2009 11:45 AM EDT reply actions
yea, I don’t know what the hell he’s spending my money on but he blows.
Fenway….I’m in.
by Crowls on Aug 9, 2009 2:35 PM EDT up reply actions
boston would be a huge get for the ufc, but new york and toronto are the places the ufc wants after that. new york is obvious because of the size of the city and the intrigue of a UFC event at MSG. however, living just 30 mins from toronto i can almost guarantee the most lucrative live gate and merchandise records would be shattered at the rogers center(formerly skydome). the stadium has hosted wrestlemainia in the past and it can hold upwards of 60-70000 fans. combine that with a rabid fan base of mma in the region, a solid pro canadian fight card including gsp, and the place sells out fast!! montreal welcomed the ufc nicely, but i think TO would blow them away. not to mention the possibility of an outdoor stadium weather permitting. get er done already!!
by tank on Aug 10, 2009 4:17 AM EDT reply actions
Comments For This Post Are Closed
Secondary Sidebar
User Tools
FanPosts
Community blog posts and discussion.
Certain photos copyright © 2012 by Associated Press or Getty Images. Any commercial use or distribution without the express written consent of Associated Press and Getty Images is strictly prohibited.
