UNCASVILLE, CT (September 16, 2026) – The 2026 Connecticut Boxing Hall of Fame will celebrate a historic induction class on Saturday, October 10th at Mohegan Sun, including a special honor for former New England featherweight and super featherweight champion, Joey Negron of Bridgeport. A special ceremony taking place inside Mohegan Sun’s Earth Ballroom is slated for 6:00pm, with tickets available HERE via Eventbrite. The full class of 2026 being recognized at the event are Luis Rosa Sr., Kent Ward, Ken Ezzo, Fernely Feliz Sr., and Rich Cappiello.
After a slow start in 1986, 18-year old Joey Negron caught fire, going undefeated in his next 10 bouts. The streak included a victory over Mike Cappiello to capture the USA New England super featherweight title in May 1991 in Fall River, MA. Soon after Negron scored a TKO over Julio DeJesus to win the USA New England featherweight crown. He successfully defended the title in February 1992 with a TKO victory over Carlos Vergara.
Although he lost his final two pro bouts in Florida and finished with a career record of 14-7-4, Negron faced formidable competition. He retired after six rounds against former world champion John John Molina, who owned a 42-4 record when they met in October 1997. In May 1998, Negron dropped a decision to the undefeated Frank Olsen, who entered the fight with a 25-0 record. As an amateur, Negron was a New York State Golden Gloves champion.
In 2009, Luis Rosa Sr. founded the Boxing in Faith Gym in New Haven, CT with his wife Marilyn. He has earned praise for his ability to mentor and train both amateur and professionals that have come to his gym. One of the best prospects to come out of the gym was his son, Luis Rosa Jr., who passed away in a tragic auto accident in 2018.
A fixture on the New London, CT boxing scene for years because of his leadership, knowledge and dedication as a trainer at the Whaling City Athletic Club, Kent Ward earned further acclaim when he established Championship Rounds, which is a program for boxers with disabilities like Parkinson’s Disease.
Since 2005, Ken Ezzo has been a prominent referee and judge in the amateur and professional ranks in Connecticut. Ezzo is also a recognized historian of the sport, specializing in boxing’s golden era of the 1940s, 1950s, and 1960s.
A Dominican Republic native, Fernely Feliz Sr. is a former professional heavyweight who now runs the Champs Boxing Gym in Danbury, CT. He trains sons Ali and Fernely Jr, the latter of whom is an undefeated prospect.
One of the most prominent promoters in New England, Rich Cappiello was honored earlier this year with a Lifetime Achievement Award from Nolan Brothers Boxing. In addition to being involved with “The Contender” reality show, Cappiello has been lauded for his contributions to the Rocky Marciano Foundation. From 1996-2013, Cappiello promoted several events that featured Connecticut fighters.
Recognitions at the 2026 Connecticut Boxing Hall of Fame Ceremony also include:
Kamarre Kemp for “Amateur Boxer of the Year.”
Chordale Booker for “Pro Boxer of the Year”
Marilyn Rosa for “Pro Official of the Year”
Phyllis Roy for “Amateur Official of the Year”
Paul Cichon for “Trainer of the Year”
And finally, the “Contribution to Boxing” award will be presented to Kirk Lang, a longtime journalist and advocate for the sport throughout Connecticut. The late Mark Foster will also receive the “Willie Pep Courage Award.”
For more information on the 2026 Connecticut Boxing Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony, visit ctboxinghof.com
ABOUT MOHEGAN SUN
Owned by Mohegan, Mohegan Sun is one of the largest, most spectacular entertainment, gaming, dining and shopping destinations in the United States. Situated on 185 acres along the Thames River in scenic Southeastern Connecticut, Mohegan Sun is home to two unique casinos, 1,600 deluxe hotel rooms, two world-class spas, two distinct convention centers, an expo center, a golf course, over 70 shops, restaurants and bars as well as three award-winning entertainment venues including a 10,000-seat Arena. Mohegan Sun is within easy access of New York, Boston, Hartford and Providence and located 15 minutes from the museums, antique shops and waterfront of Mystic Country. More information is available by calling 1.888.226.7711 or visiting mohegansun.com. Connect with us on Facebook, follow us on X and Instagram @mohegansun and view us on YouTube.
WHAT:Tickets for all 2026 Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame college events at Mohegan Sun Arena are on sale now.
EVENTS:
Basketball Hall of Fame Exhibition Event Monday, October 12 6:30 PM ET – Syracuse vs. UConn (Women) Tuesday, October 13 7:00 PM ET – Syracuse vs. UConn (Men)
Basketball Hall of Fame Tip-Off Saturday, November 7 4:00 PM ET – Rhode Island vs. Monmouth 7:00 PM ET – Providence vs. Nebraska
Basketball Hall of Fame Women’s Showcase Tuesday, November 24 5:00 PM ET – UCLA vs. St. John’s 8:00 PM ET – UConn vs. South Carolina
WHERE: Mohegan Sun Arena 1 Mohegan Sun Blvd Uncasville, CT 06382
To explore ticket options and to take advantage of weekend passes, guests can click HERE.
Snowbound Expo delivers the ultimate winter sports kick-off and has been the launch of winter on the east coast for over 40 years. Skiers, snowboarders, brands and top mountain resorts unite for an action-packed weekend filled with high-energy winter gear sales, live stunts, iconic industry speakers, and the latest winter apparel. Snowbound Expo offers something for every kind of mountain enthusiast and brings the ultimate mountain vibe directly to the Northeast, marking the unofficial start of the region’s winter sports season.
The east coast’s premier pre-season gathering brings together over twenty-three thousand snow sports enthusiasts, beginners to pro athletes, and the brands and resorts that shape winter culture. The move to Mohegan Sun bridges the gap between Boston and New York City, connecting riders across the entire New England region. Backed by heavy-hitting alliances like the Connecticut Ski Council, the New York Metropolitan Ski Council, and the Danbury Ski Club, Carve Bunnies, the community support has grown.
Mohegan Sun will serve as the ultimate basecamp, offering smooth travel connections, free parking, hotels and amenities onsite. Inside, the massive layout gives brands total freedom to build custom setups, creating an immersive playground where visitors can experience and buy the newest products.
Snowbound Expo delivers a packed weekend of live action, a strong line-up speakers on the Inspiration Stage and this year a premium Powder Pass ticket offers the chance to meet and greet with the athletes in a VIP experience. The 2026 line-up includes:
– Travis Rice: Legendary big-mountain snowboarder and visionary filmmaker. Learn first-hand how he tackles the world’s most perilous faces. – Jessie Diggins: Olympic gold medalist and cross-country powerhouse. Discover the elite mental toughness required to dominate the global stage. – Kimmy Fasani: Backcountry pioneer and resilient advocate for mountain wellness. Hear her inspiring story of longevity on and off the snow. – Tom Wallisch: Freestyle skiing icon and X Games gold medalist. Get the inside scoop on style, progression, and park creativity. – Luis Medearis: Filmmaker, snowboarder and community leader. – Scott and Shayna: Barrier-breaking Deaf mountaineers. Learn how they navigate extreme high-altitude alpine environments against all odds.
There is live action in every corner of the 2026 event. The Ice Coast Rail Jam returns, where pros compete across pipes and rails. For families, the Indoor Slope is great for beginners to try skis and boards. The Alpine Runway is a new addition to the 2026 features and will offer a fresh look at upcoming winter apparel and hard goods. The opening hours are extended beyond 8pm Saturday night for the first evet After Hours Après-Party with a DJ set, a runway show, film clips and swag giveaways.
Leading brands and partners Attendees can find expert advice on gear, boards, skis, boots, accessories and apparel from top industry names. Committed partners for 2026 include Subaru of New England, Ikon Pass, Colorado Ski Shop, Killington, Sugarbush, Chic Chac, Inn Seasons Resorts, Jackson Hole, and Big Snow American Dream, Powder Ridge, Mount Southington, Otis Ridge and many more.
“Moving Snowbound Expo to Mohegan Sun marks an exhilarating new chapter for the winter sports community,” said Kate Hawley, Snowbound Expo Event Director. “While we are stepping into a world-class, state-of-the-art space that allows for bigger, more immersive brand activations, our core commitment to the rider community remains completely unchanged. By compacting the expo into a high-energy, two-day weekend and adding unmatched features like the Après-Party and Alpine Runway, we are maximizing the experience for both our partners and the 23,000+ passionate enthusiasts who join us to kick off the season. This venue is truly the new long-term home for east coast Winter Sports.”
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For all media enquiries, contact USA Marketing Director, Chloe Hyland at [email protected]
Notes to Editors: Snowbound Expo #SnowboundExpo
Snowbound Expo is a massive winter sports event that brings together skiers, snowboarders, and outdoor enthusiasts to celebrate the start of the winter season. Held annually, the event features a lively, mountain-inspired atmosphere where attendees can shop the latest gear from top brands, meet iconic athletes and speakers, and enjoy live-action entertainment like stunt shows and interactive features. It serves as the ultimate meeting ground for the entire snow sports community – from backcountry powder hounds to families teaching their kids to ski – to connect with major resorts, plan winter getaways, and gear up for the snow
ABOUT RACCOON MEDIA GROUP
Raccoon Media Group was founded in 2018 with the launch of the multi-award-winning National Running Show and over the next few years went on to launch many popular consumer events in health and wellbeing markets. The business has expanded significantly since its inception and is now a dynamic, scaled, high-growth media business focused on mobilizing passion-led B2C and B2B communities across the globe. Our events and media properties deliver year-round content and advice to specialist, self-identifying audiences. Raccoon is entrepreneurial, fast-paced and disruptive. As a business we question the status quo, we invest in exceptional people, we operate with a clear purpose and deliver sustainable events that directly meet the needs of our audiences in a way that ignites and bolsters the industries in which we operate.
ABOUT MOHEGAN SUN
Owned by Mohegan, Mohegan Sun is one of the largest, most spectacular entertainment, gaming, dining and shopping destinations in the United States. Situated on 185 acres along the Thames River in scenic Southeastern Connecticut, Mohegan Sun is home to two unique casinos, 1,600 deluxe hotel rooms, two world-class spas, two distinct convention centers, an expo center, a golf course, over 70 shops, restaurants and bars as well as three award-winning entertainment venues including a 10,000-seat Arena. Mohegan Sun is within easy access of New York, Boston, Hartford and Providence and located 15 minutes from the museums, antique shops and waterfront of Mystic Country. More information is available by calling 1.888.226.7711 or visiting mohegansun.com. Connect with us on Facebook, follow us on X and Instagram @mohegansun and view us on YouTube.
Mohegan Sun Announces Special Red-Carpet Event & 30th Birthday Party Hosted by DJ Cassidy, Featuring Kyle Cooke, Teresa Giudice, Erin Lichy & More
A Performance by Flo Rida in the Wolf Den, Throwback Dining Favorites, a 30-Leg Sportsbook Pick ‘Em Contest, a 30th Birthday Pop-up Bar and More Also Highlight Mohegan Sun’s Milestone Celebration in October
UNCASVILLE, CT (September 2, 2026) – Mohegan Sun is pulling out all the stops to celebrate 30 years of world-class entertainment, hospitality and gaming with a remarkable lineup of special events in October. The celebration reaches new heights on Saturday, October 10th, when country music superstar Lainey Wilsontakes the stage at Mohegan Sun Arena and a star-studded red carpet welcomes celebrity guests beginning at 10:00pm. The evening culminates with a 30th Birthday Party Hosted by DJ Cassidy in the Uncas Ballroom, featuring special appearances and festivities that continue into the late night. Earlier in the evening, multi-platinum artist Flo Rida takes the stage in the legendary Wolf Den for a free show beginning at 8:00pm!
Full schedule of celebrations:
Mohegan Sun’s 30th Birthday Bar | October 1st – 12th
As part of the birthday festivities, guests can visit Mohegan Sun’s 30th Birthday Bar in the Sky Tower Lobby from October 1st through October 12th. The limited-time experience will feature specialty cocktails including The Uncas Legacy, 30 Years Rising, Spirit of the Wolf and Thirty Moons. Open daily throughout the celebration, the decked-out Birthday Bar offers guests a unique opportunity to raise a glass and toast to three decades of unforgettable memories at Mohegan Sun.
On Saturday, October 10th, the Birthday Bar ramps things with a special appearance by Summerhouse TV star Kyle Cooke beginning at 9:00pm!
Red Carpet & 30th Birthday Party Hosted by DJ Cassidy | Saturday, October 10th
Beginning at 10:00pm, guests will have the opportunity to view celebrity arrivals along a red carpet located outside of the MJ23 Sports Bar & Grill before the doors open to Mohegan Sun’s 30th Birthday Party where host DJ Cassidy and special guests will take over the Uncas Ballroom. The lavish celebration will feature DJ Cassidy on the ones and twos, surprise celebrity appearances, a premium open bar, and decor befitting one of the most significant milestones in Mohegan Sun history.
Headlining entertainers Lainey Wilson and Flo Rida will step onto the red carpet for photos before making special appearances inside the 30th Birthday Party Hosted by DJ Cassidy. The Real Housewives of New Jersey icon Teresa Giudice, and TheReal Housewives of New York City star Erin Lichy will also make special appearances at the Red Carpet and the 30th Birthday Party. Jumping into the DJ booth for a set from 11:00pm to Midnight will also be Kyle Cooke. Additional celebrity guests are expected, with surprise appearances planned throughout the evening. Stay tuned to mohegansun.com for updates.
Tickets for this celebration inside the Uncas Ballroom are on sale now, available HERE.
Flo Rida Live in the Wolf Den | Saturday, October 10th
The Wolf Den, Mohegan Sun’s legendary and always free music venue located at the center of Casino of the Earth, will host the one and only Flo Rida on Saturday, October 10th for an 8:00pm performance. Flo Rida is one of the most successful and recognizable hitmakers in hip hop. Since releasing his breakthrough 2007 smash hit “Low” featuring T-Pain, the multi-platinum recording artist has built a catalog of global anthems, including “Right Round” (ft. Ke$ha), “In the Ayer” (ft. will.i.am), “Club Can’t Handle Me” (ft. David Guetta), “Good Feeling,” “Wild Ones” (ft. Sia), “Whistle,” “I Cry,” and “My House.” With more than 80 million records sold worldwide, Flo Rida has become one of the best-selling artists of his generation.
Mohegan Sun’s 30th Birthday Pick’ Em Contest | Entry: October 6th – 11th
Sports fans who are Momentum members can participate in the free to enter 30th Birthday Pick ‘Em exclusively on-site at Mohegan Sun FanDuel Sportsbook. This contest challenges players to enter a 30-leg parlay from a pool of options that will include moneyline, against the spread, over/under totals and player props for pro football games during the Sunday slate on October 11th, excluding the early morning international game. Entries open on October 6th, giving fans a chance to compete for a grand prize of $30,000. Second place will also take home a luxury watch from Mohegan Sun’s Lux Bond & Green, and third place will receive baller status, scoring two tickets to 30 upcoming concerts at Mohegan Sun Arena. Hundreds in Free Slot Play round out the remaining prizes for participants finishing fourth through 30th. For official rules and more information, click HERE.
The Mohegan Sun Poker Room will also host a special 30th Anniversary $30,000 Guarantee No Limit Hold’ Em Tournament on Saturday, October 10th, with registration beginning at 11:00am. The cost to enter is $300, and starting chip counts will be set at 30,000, with blinds increasing every 30 minutes. Re-entry is allowed if a player exits before level 7. For more information, visit mohegansun.com/poker
Mohegan Sun’s Signature Stroll | Throughout October
Throughout the whole month of October, Mohegan Sun restaurants will also celebrate three decades of memories with a collection of throwback menu favorites as part of a special Signature Stroll. See below for more details:
TAO Asian Bistro & Lounge: Thai Chicken Lettuce Wraps (Honoring Fidelia’s)
The Crafty Stir Café: Mile High Banana Cream Pie (Honoring The Cove)
Todd English’s Tuscany: Crispy Longhouse Chicken (Honoring The Longhouse)
Mohegan Sun Arena | October 2nd – 11th
Mohegan Sun’s 30th Birthday Celebration will also feature the previously announced iconic lineup of Mohegan Sun Arena entertainment, set to include Alanis Morissette on October 2nd, Foo Fighters on October 4th, John Mayer on October 9th, Lainey Wilson on October 10th and DJ Cassidy’s Pass The Mic Live! on October 11th, starring Busta Rhymes, Fat Joe, Ja Rule, Jadakiss and Nelly. To learn more about these events and the full 30th Birthday celebrations, visit mohegansun.com/30th-birthday
Mohegan Sun’s 30thBirthday Hotel Package is also available HERE.
Mohegan Sun first welcomed guests on October 12, 1996, ushering in a new era of premier entertainment, world-class hospitality and thrilling gaming in the Northeast. A major expansion elevated the property in 2001 with the debut of Mohegan Sun Arena, The Shops at Mohegan Sun, Sky Tower and Casino of the Sky, propelling Mohegan Sun to become one of the most successful integrated entertainment destinations in North America. Today, Mohegan Sun attracts more than 7 million visitors annually and has spent three decades creating unforgettable moments, from the “Fight of the Century” between Arturo Gatti vs. Micky Ward in 2001, to a 10-show sold-out Mohegan Sun Arena residency by Billy Joel during the summer of 2008 and a record-breaking Barret-Jackson Northeast Auction event in 2016. Named “Best Casino Hotel” seven times by USA Today’s 10Best Readers’ Choice Awards, additional milestones include the opening of Mohegan Sun Golf Club in 2007, the grand opening of Earth Tower in 2016, launching Earth Expo & Convention Center in 2018, opening TAO Asian Bistro & Lounge in 2021, and opening the 11,000-square-foot Mohegan Sun FanDuel Sportsbook in 2022. Most recently, the property rolled out four acclaimed new offerings including Beauty & Essex, The Shed Restaurant, The Farm Italy at Ballo Italian, Sift Bake Shop & A.T.Y. Bar & Bonbons. In early 2026, Mohegan Sun’s annual multi-day Sun Wine & Food Fest welcomed one of its largest crowds ever.
No Limit Texas Hold’Em Tournament to take place in the Mohegan Sun Poker Room from Thursday, October 1 – Sunday, October 4th; Entry is $400 and Players can Purchase a 5,000 Chip Add-on
Mohegan Sun’s Poker Room is set to welcome players from across the region for the return of the Fall Kick-Off Poker Tournament beginning Thursday, October 1st, featuring a $75,000 guarantee! A winner will be crowned on Sunday, October 4th, and players will start with 25,000 in chips from an initial entry fee of $400. Players looking to increase their chip stack can also purchase 5,000 extra for an additional $10.
On-site registration for the Fall Kick-Off Tournament at Mohegan Sun will be held in the Poker Room starting at 10:00am before each flight and will remain open until the beginning of level seven.
This tournament also features a High Hand promotion, allowing the highest hand that is 3 of a kind or better at the end of level one to receive their full buy-in back.
Approximately 12% of the field will make the money in this No Limit Texas Hold’ Em poker tournament, and re-entries must occur immediately and are only possible until the beginning of level 7. Players advancing to Day 2 will earn a spot in the money.
Beyond the marquee events like the Fall Kick-Off Tournament, Mohegan Sun Poker also offers a robust lineup of daily tournaments, including “No Limit Texas Hold’em” and Bounty tournaments. A full tournament schedule can be found on mohegansun.com.
The Poker Room at Mohegan Sun also features a wide variety of daily cash game offerings including 7 Card Stud, Texas Hold’em, No Limit Texas Hold’em, Omaha, Razz, Badugi and 2-7 Triple Draw.
For more information about Mohegan Sun’s upcoming tournaments and all other Poker offerings, visit mohegansun.com/poker.
ABOUT MOHEGAN SUN
Owned by Mohegan, Mohegan Sun is one of the largest, most spectacular entertainment, gaming, dining and shopping destinations in the United States. Situated on 185 acres along the Thames River in scenic Southeastern Connecticut, Mohegan Sun is home to two unique casinos, 1,600 deluxe hotel rooms, two world-class spas, two distinct convention centers, an expo center, a golf course, over 70 shops, restaurants and bars as well as three award-winning entertainment venues including a 10,000-seat Arena. Mohegan also operates an iGaming division, Mohegan Digital, in Connecticut, Pennsylvania and Ontario, CA providing cutting-edge online gaming solutions to Mohegan’s loyal fan base. Mohegan Sun is within easy access of New York, Boston, Hartford and Providence and located 15 minutes from the museums, antique shops and waterfront of Mystic Country. More information is available by calling 1.888.226.7711 or visiting mohegansun.com. Connect with us on Facebook, follow us on X and Instagram @mohegansun and view us on YouTube.
Nut/Cracked, The Gang Group’s version of The Nutcracker, is part holiday tradition and part laugh-out-loud comedy, with unforgettable daning. It arrives at Mohegan Sun’s Cabaret Theatre (The Cab) for back-to-back dates beginning Friday, December 4th. With jazz, tap, ballet and a cheeky dose of humor, these family friendly shows are slated for 7:00pm, with tickets on-sale this Friday, August 28th via Ticketmaster.
Nut/Cracked is a genre blending celebration of the winter holidays, as The Bang Group & Choreographer David Parker liberate the famous ballet from its plot and tradition. The show seeks a new identity as a free-wheeling, genre-fluid vaudeville which breaks apart elements of the holiday season: surprise, anticipation, greed, community, generosity, and delight in a series of dances drawing inspiration from all corners of the dance canon—tap riffs and en pointe ballet by way of bubble wrap, disco, and Chinese take-out noodles, with modern and post-modern dance, disco, social forms and pure invention. Nothing is sacred as Nut/Cracked twists and melds various dance traditions into an ode to American eclecticism that honors the power of the human urge to dance while riding Tchaikovsky’s voluptuous waves of rhythm.
Praised by TheNew York Times as “immensely entertaining” and “intensely musical,” this production combines humor and artistry to leave audiences seeing The Nutcracker in a whole new light.
Tickets for both Nut/Cracked performances in The Cab go on sale Friday, August 28th via Ticketmaster. Tickets will also be available at the Mohegan Sun Box Office beginning Saturday, August 29th, subject to availability.
The 450-seat Cabaret Theatre, known also as “The Cab” is a beautiful venue in Mohegan Sun’s Casino of the Sky that returned in full force in 2025, hosting acts like Anthony Rodia, Roy Wood, Jr., The Bacon Brothers and more. Throughout its history, “The Cab” has showcased dynamic music, popular comedy performances and intimate special events. Opened in 2002, top performers and personalities who have had events inside The Cabaret Theatre include: Dionne Warwick, Al Jarreau, Tony Danza, Neil Sedaka, Joey McIntyre, Michael Bublé, Lou Rawls, Tony Bennett, Wanda Sykes, Paul Anka, Smothers Brothers, Tony Orlando, Derek Jeter, Aaron Lewis, Indigo Girls, Dave Attell, Chris Botti, Air Supply and Chelsea Handler.
