Broken Arrow Prepares For Internationally-Televised Rumble In the Rose District

An internationally televised boxing event is happening in the City of Broken Arrow’s Rose District this weekend.

The event was first held two years ago, but this is the first time it's outside.

Crews set up this week for the big live event happening on Friday night.

"So this is a big deal from Broken Arrow, Oklahoma and for boxing,” said boxing promoter with Holden Productions, Tony Holden.

A giant canopy and stage lights are getting the Rose District ready to take an international stage Friday night.

Seven fights, three televised, will happen in the middle of Main Street. Holden said the televised event will be around two hours long on primetime.

"This show will be seen live from coast to coast. New York, LA, Australia, all around the world,” Holden said.

The city hosted the first event two years ago with seven sold-out fights. Due to weather, the matches had to be moved indoors, but now, it's on the street.

Four blocks of Main Street are closed, but shop owners like Melvin Piper are hopeful this event will bring more business.

"I'm kind of excited to see what it does, you know, see the kind of crowds it brings,” Piper said.

He owns Nouveau Chocolates and said he's spending the day prepping, but he'll have a front row seat.

"I'll be here making chocolates so I might take a few breaks, go to the window and just watch it from here,” Piper said.

Holden said most boxing events like this are held indoors, so this is unique.

"It's rare, but I'm happy Broken Arrow gets this because the city has worked so hard to try to get this event here,” Holden said.

Tickets are required to watch inside the gates, but anyone can stand around the gates and watch for free. Seating starts as early as 6 p.m., and tickets are still available online.

The live coverage on Showtime starts at 9:35 p.m. CST Friday on their boxing program called ShoBox: The New Generation.

Rumble in the Rose District Tickets, Fri, Sep 24, 2021 at 6:00 PM | Eventbrite