By Will McGuirk
Although seen primarily as the current home to the 2015 Memorial Cup-winning Oshawa Generals, the Tribute Communities Centre is a multi-faceted economic driver for the City of Oshawa. With a capacity of 6,000 (give or take an event), the spin-offs for parking, hotels, restaurants and retail in revenue are substantial. And its income does not rely on the repeat business of a single team’s fan base alone.
By Will McGuirk
Oshawa, for all of what we do here, is a big sports town, and you know what they say if you can’t beat them, train harder . . .
The Tribute Communties Centre hosts Rise of the Phoenix, a professional mixed martial arts contest featuring James "The Suplex Kid" Clarke, Glory knockout artist Matt Embree and undefeated professional, Justin "KING" Condie. Plus other local sensations including Bubba Picard making his pro debut and Joe "All Day" Elliot.
Durham Fight Series is a local combat promotional company who started with the goal in mind to help grow the skills of local athletes and to give them a platform where they can build the skills needed to make it to the highest levels of competition like Bellator and the UFC! For the last 10 years Durham Fight Series has been showcasing its local talent to the fans through kickboxing, Muay Thai and Brazilian jiu-jitsu events across Ontario.
All proceeds from this event are going towards the Hearts For Martial Arts Foundation. A not-for profit organization whose main goal is to provide sponsorship opportunities to families who could benefit from martial arts.