Was UFC 96 a sellout?

by Zak Woods on Mar 11, 2009 3:17 PM EDT in Ohio MMA Comment 1 comment

In the aftermath of UFC 96 several publications reported that UFC 96 was a sell out. However if we look at the numbers that may not be the case.

Nationwide Arena, where the UFC event was held, has a total capacity of over 18,000 for a center stage event.

At UFC 68 the attendance was 19,049, UFC 82 drew 16,043 and this past weekend UFC 96 drew 17,033.

So was UFC 96 really a sell out?

Probably not.

At several bars in the Arena District, I was informed that the telecast was blacked out since UFC 96 did not sell out. Kris Karkoski of MMA Frenzy also informed me he heard similar comments from a hotel worker.

Still, the fact that the UFC drew close to a sellout crowd with a weak fightcard and main event is still good news.

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Comments

Thanks for the link Zak.

If I recall correctly Dana said at the pre-fight presser that it was sold out, but that tickets remained for sale which makes little sense but generally seems to be how it works. I’m guessing the UFC uses the most generous definition of a sellout possible to drum up positive news while the rules determining blackouts are more strict.

In either case, the UFC drew a very good crowd considering the fight card and outdrew last year’s Anderson Silva vs. Dan Henderson headliner with a non-title bout main event. Seems like a strong showing to me.

by kriskarkoski on Mar 11, 2009 3:33 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs