New Arena Turns MMA Stage into Music Hub

A pair of fighters turned their fight‑promoting dream into a big space that now hosts concerts and comedy. The two men, one 48 and the other 35, spent more than two years turning an old movie theater in North Versailles into a 27‑000 square‑foot venue. They called it Sunny Days Arena, named after a senior care sponsor.

• Opening Card: MMA event featuring well‑known fighters
• First Big Event: Jiu‑Jitsu tournament drawing 500 fans

Building the Arena

• Cost: Several million dollars
• Technology: High‑tech sound and lighting that switch from a cage to a concert stage
• Capacity:
• Main floor: ~1,000 people for shows / 1,300 for fights
• Upper level: 300 seats for smaller gigs

The designers found that removing cage walls was cheaper than buying a new stage, cutting the conversion to around $7,000. A local guitarist praised the sound system as “national‑touring quality.”

Current Challenges

• Licensing: Months waiting for a liquor license
• Food Service: Lost first food team; now uses food trucks
• Promotion: Relies on social‑media ads and community groups; venue not known for music
• Concert Draw: Needs headline acts to attract crowds

Future Outlook

The arena can seat more people than nearby small venues, which may lure bigger acts. The town’s manager calls the owners “awesome” and predicts increased traffic for local businesses. The pair aim to keep ticket prices fair, contrasting with big national promoters that add high fees.