Pro wrestling comes downtown

ONEIDA >> Known as a venue for awards presentations, charitable efforts, and musical performances, the Kallet Civic Center serves as a prominent gathering places downtown.

On Saturday, Nov. 5, visitors to the Kallet will have the opportunity to witness a different kind of event behind the landmark’s doors: professional wrestling.

Beginning at 6:30 p.m., the Kallet will transform into the setting of a battle royale as the CNY Slam Jam invade for eight wrestling matches with 20 professional wrestlers on tap for fans. Presented by Skull Wrestling Productions, the CNY Slam Jam will include the likes of former WWE/

ECW superstar “The Innovator of Violence” Tommy Dreamer and Oneida High School class of 2004 graduate Mike VanSlyke - better known to wrestling fans as the massive Brute VanSlyke.

In a night packed with action, heavyweights collide as local Oneida favorite Brute VanSlyke takes on tag-team partner “The Man” Kevin Graham in a match wrought with animosity. A 6-man tag match scheduled between “The Fellowship” and “Northern Fury” will prepare fans for the true chaos of the culminating, 20-man battle royale.

The event will also feature local musician Roy Coston of Love Bone performing the National Anthem during intermission.

CNY Slam Jam is co-produced by Happy2Assist/Out & About Oneida, operated by Carrie Earl and Michelle Stewart whose mission is to bring empowerment and positive experiences to their com- munity.

“This is a great event for families and wrestling fans alike; it aligns perfectly with our mission,” Stewart said.

Earl explained the decision to bring wrestling to the City of Oneida, citing two separate driving forces.

“We have local pro wrestling, and we have a couple of people from the area who are pro wrestlers,” she said before turning her attention to the atmosphere of a professional wrestling bout. “It brings camaraderie in a sense. There’s good guys and bad guys to cheer for or against.”

For Earl, events like the CNY Slam Jam are designed to “assault peoples’ senses.” She hopes people are drawn in at the ringside event, with an up close and personal viewing experience for fans. One of the goals of the event is to build box office excitement for the action packed venue. Waiting in line for a ticket to witness the action builds excitement, she said. The longer the line, the more anticipation and joy experienced.

Earl also discussed the increase in foot traf- fic downtown that events like CNY Slam Jam can generate. Pro wrestlers, she said, have travelling fan bases and hopes are these fans visit other businesses in the downtown area before or after the event. In light of the late night showcase, the Big Cheese pizza restaurant will extend its hours beyond the shop’s normal 10 p.m. closing time on Saturdays.

Doors to the CNY Slam Jam open at 6:30 p.m. The event begins at 7 p.m.

General admission seating is $12 adults, $8 for children ages 12 and younger, and free for children under age 2. VIP tickets are $25 and include a wrestler meet-and- greet and front seats.

Tickets for the event are available at www.outandaboutoneida.com or at the door.

The Kallet Civic Center is a major sponsor of the event.