August 13, 2011, Norfolk, VA - Spartyka Fight League IV hosted an amateur Mixed Martial Arts event at the Norfolk Scope. This venue is one of the larger arenas in the State of Virginia, which hosts professional sports and large events. Acquiring a venue this size requires substantial revenue for a return on investment. Spartyka Fight League is a large contributor to the Wounded Warrior Foundation, and in order to contribute to their charity a success for the evening is a must.
The event was scheduled for twenty amateur fights, of which only sixteen fights happened due to fighter pull-outs, and dropped matches. The fighters consisted of local competitors from Virginia and North Carolina, as well as traveling gladiators all the way from Alabama. The show had one sales booth for MMA apparel and one concession stand. Sponsors from local stores assisted with cost for the event.
Fight promoters hosting and event like this must be cautious when faced with the following circumstances. Ticket sales for general admission were $30.00, the event only filled the ground floor, and lower level of the Arena. The cage and the building needed to be leased. The sanctioning body for the fights needed to be paid, which of course they charged the fighters $25.00 and the Corner men $15.00 each for registration. Ring Girls and DJ must be provided remuneration for entertainment, along with various other expenses.
The fights were entertaining and I wouldn’t consider the night a bust. The promoters did an excellent job with coordination, and it was obvious that some profits were made off of the event. I am glad because they support an excellent cause.
This was the second small promotion I have experience take on a large venue. Back in April of this year, promoter Perry Gibson hosted a MMA event in the coliseum at Virginia Tech. Sadly, in my own personal opinion, the show did not do very well. I believe that it was due to a lack of advertising.
There are many promoters out there trying to make their dream to become the next UFC happen. Competition is tough out there in the promoter world. I encourage fans of the sport to go check out these smaller events because the fights are exciting. From a business point of view, I enjoy watching small time shows grow up. I applaud promoters for taking on the bigger venues, and wish them luck on their way to the big time.
Darrell Pacansky - A MBA student from Trident University, who currently works in Marketing for one of the largest Chiropractic offices in the state of ...
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