I just received word on this and you are seeing this first right here.
There are preliminary plans underway for the District of Columbia to build a state-of-the-art training facility for amateur boxing, wrestling, martial arts and education in the city.
Members of the committee for this project include representatives from the DC Department of Parks and Recreation, the District of Columbia Boxing and Wrestling Commission, the Sports and Entertainment Commission and the Boxing Information Center. There are local promoters involved in this project as well.
According to documents provided by the Boxing Information Center, the current plans are to have a 40,000-50,000 square foot facility that would operate in the same manner as the successful SE Tennis and Learning Center. The facility would have the ability to host amateur boxing matches, martial arts and wrestling events as well as serve as a training facility to develop amateur participants.
The facility would also be used by underserved and less-privileged young adults to focus their energies and train in boxing, martial arts, wrestling and education in a supportive environment.
Some of the main components planned for the facility are:
• A main floor that would accommodate 1500-2000 spectators for sporting matches
• A permanently located boxing ring with several mats for shadow boxing, martial arts and wrestling.
• A state-of-the-art training center to include standard machine, free weights and a cardio-vascular conditioning area, with a separate area for boxing, martial arts and wrestling specific equipment.
• A concession, pro-shop and Boxing Hall of Fame area.
• Administrative offices, production and utility rooms and a mezzanine level for special viewing, broadcasting and television.
• On-site parking and men’s and women’s locker and restroom facilities.
As I’ve said, this is in the early planning stages. The committee is still looking for a site for the facility and of course, money is always an issue. But this is a very interesting endeavor that I will be keeping you abreast of as news comes forward. If you have ANY suggestions, post the suggestions here and I will pass them on to the project committee.
Joe Hensley, you will never do a show here unless it outside and it is free. First of all. I am in contact with the ones who are considering building this building. If it gets the go ahead it will not be completed until march 2009. Second, you have did so many people wrong in the past, I doubt very seriously that we will wish to have any dealing with you what-so-ever. Robert Pruckner
ReplyDeleteI don't know who he is, Joe! I will ask around, but the name doesn't ring a bell.
ReplyDeleteJoe Hensley is a straight up guy who has never done anyone wrong to my knowledge. He always has a smile and a kind word for everyone and looks out for the little guy. He is also a big fan of the sport. I'll bet the guy above just simply has him confused with someone else.
ReplyDeleteBy the way, This is spectacular news and will be huge for boxing in the future in DC. Very Exciting!
ReplyDeleteHey Joe, been about five years. The kind words were well-deserved. I'd bet that he has you confused with another Joe and that was it. You got any shows coming up in Richmond? I could make the trip. With you down there and Han Kim up here in NOVA, VA could really heat up.
ReplyDeleteI just realized that I forgot to mention Keystone Boxing who has been putting on magnificent shows featuring Jimmy Lange at the Patriot Center in Fairfax. Virginia should make a major comeback this year and have a lot more shows.
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