How many of you have actually attended a major MMA event?

[GeneChing]

I was just at STRIKEFORCE: Diaz vs Cyborg (http://ezine.kungfumagazine.com/forum/showthread.php?t=59561) and I started wondering how many of you have actually been to a major MMA fight. By major, I mean a stadium show, some thing above a 12K+ seat house, perhaps even televised.

I'm just curious. If you've never been to one, you really should treat yourself. They are a ton of fun.

[YouKnowWho]

They are a ton of fun.
Beside MMA event, there are boxing, Sanda, Sanshou, MT, kickboxing, SC, Judo, wrestling, ... events as well. It may be more fun to compete in a "golden glove boxing" in any small town in Texas. You will meet a lot of "crazy red necks" like Tank Abbott who only care about how to knock your head off your neck, that will be "a ton of fun".

[Syn7]

nah... ufc came here but it was sold out in like 30 minutes... ive been to tons of casino type events... some on the reserve... but never a big league stadium with a massive capacity or anything... i mean, i want to, but i just havent had the opportunity... like all sports, im sure its better when youre there... even the small ones are better than tv coz of the atmosphere... and the liquor and gambling :D

[Syn7]

Beside MMA event, there are boxing, Sanda, Sanshou, MT, kickboxing, SC, Judo, wrestling, ... events as well. It may be more fun to compete in a "golden glove boxing" in any small town in Texas. You will meet a lot of "crazy red necks" like Tank Abbott who only care about how to knock your head off your neck, that will be "a ton of fun".

yeah but none of those draw a crowd like mma does in north america... aside from boxing of course... but they will even out as the one grows and the other, well, doesnt... we'll see... i hope boxing stays popular... i'd like to see it find another golden age...

[lkfmdc]

Never actually been to a UFC live. Was at the Mohegan Sun arena for some shows though, it's an experience but like most sports, you actually get better view and can watch the fights better at home with your TV :p

[Nite Templar]

I saw Josh Barnett beat up and submit Semmy Schilt at the Brendon Byrne arena in New Jersey back around 2000/2001. Josh was still in the UFC. Don't remember the rest of the card that night, though. Do remember that Frank Shamrock was introduced to the crowd - and I walked right by Tank Abbott on the way out - he was a spectator that night.

[GeneChing]

...and those are a lot of fun too. But that's not what I'm asking. I'm curious how many of you have actually been to a live stadium MMA event. It's a different experience.

I totally agree with lkfmdc that you get a better view watching it on TV at home. It's just like any sporting event. The same goes for listening to music at home on your stereo over having to deal with the crush of a crowd. But the experience of live stadium MMA is great. The roar of the crowd. There's just nothing like that crowd energy. Of course, I work in the concert industry so I spend a lot of time in stadiums, so big auditoriums are like my second home.

Being in the Bay Area, I go to a lot of STRIKEFORCE fights (as you all know). UFC came here once, but I didn't go. STRIKEFORCE at the HP Pavilion is an awesome experience.

So right now, we have just two: lkfmdc & Nite Templar. That can't be right. Come on. I'm sure there are more.

[TenTigers]

not for MMA, but way back when, I was an official in the PKA, so I got to sit ringside at Madison Square Garden.

[GeneChing]

I must say I'm rather disappointed. I asked the initial question because I was interested to see who here was supporting the big stadium fights. I really expected more of you would chime in.

Maybe it's just early and people haven't seen this thread, so I'll ttt it again.

[sanjuro_ronin]

I was contemplating going to the first one here in April, not sure though.
You sending anyone as press Gene?

[phoenix-eye]

been to two UFC's in London and one in Vegas (Machida v Evans). All were great fun and I'd recommend it. Better technical viewing on tv but the atmosphere live is amazing.

[LoneTiger108]

Only ever been to one of the Cage Rage events in Londons Wembley Arena. A great night too, having access to VIP drinks and stuff.

Still couldn't figure out why they charged so much for ringside seats and you couldn't see anything once the fighters went to the floor!??! Thank heavens for being given the tickets :D

[Brule]

I was contemplating going to the first one here in April, not sure though.
You sending anyone as press Gene?

Unless you got connections, better hurry up!!

http://www.sportsnet.ca/mma/2011/02/10/ufc_129_tickets/

[Three Harmonies]

Though nothing that big, I went to many of the King of the Cage events in New Mexico. I would actually say quite the opposite Gene, not really fun. Poor view. Surrounded by a bunch of drunk wanna be fighters who end up swinging on each other throughout the night, is just not my cup o' tea. WAY too much testosterone at events like that. My first one I saw a Mexican gang fight right after the event!

It has been my experience that testosterone and booze are a dangerous mix!

Sorry to be Debbie downer!
JAB

[PlumDragon]

Used to go the MMA events when I lived in Huntsville. I had friends from the Straight Blast Gym I used to train at that fought both amateur and pro, so we would go out to support them. Lots of fun, especially with a good group of friends.

The venue wasnt terribly large, but I believe it was probably above 12,000 seats.

[DukeNukem]

I went to around 7 or 8 UFC events in Atlantic City, and one in the Meadowlands. The first event I went to was the one when the then light heavyweight champ Tito Ortiz beat Evan Tanner. The best event I saw live was the first war between Randy Couture and Pedro Rizzo.