Apr 19, 2022 | Entertainment
The record-breaking Rock band is the 36th inductee
On Saturday, April 16th, Mohegan Sun honored the 36th inductee of the Walk of Fame, Shinedown, ahead of their sold-out show that evening. President of Sports and Entertainment at Mohegan Gaming & Entertainment, Tom Cantone, presented the record-breaking Rock band with the Walk of Fame star.
“They’ve broken every record – I can’t even list off the things they’ve done. 10 million records sold, billions of streams, they’re (everywhere) on the Billboard charts. They’re awesome and incredible,” Cantone said before introducing the band amongst an eruption of cheers and applause.
Shinedown band members Brent Smith, Zach Myers, Eric Bass, and Barry Kerch were in attendance to accept the award in front of a large crowd of their most dedicated fans.
“We love playing this Arena,” Myers told the crowd after accepting the award. “It’s probably one of our most favorite arenas to play in, and I’m not just saying that. Everybody here has always been so amazing to us, and every time we come, you guys sell it out. Thank you very much, seriously. It means the world to us to come to this part of the world and have you guys show up,”
Shinedown performed to a sold-out crowd on Saturday evening as part of their Planet Zero World Tour, with Diamante and The Pretty Reckless as support. It was their fifth sold-out show and sixth performance at Mohegan Sun Arena since first playing in 2010.
The Walk of hosts names like Bon Jovi, Kevin Hart, KISS, Kenny Chesney, Keith Urban and so many more long-time sell-out acts that are enshrined outside of the Mohegan Sun Box Office forecourt. Mohegan Sun’s Walk of Fame awards seek to recognize individuals and organizations who have made significant contributions to the success of Mohegan Sun as the Northeast’s premier entertainment destination. All the inductees into the Mohegan Sun Walk of Fame have their name engraved on a plaque that will be permanently placed at the entrance to Mohegan Sun Arena.
Mohegan Sun Arena finished 2021 with its first “#1 Indoor Arena” ranking for its capacity in the world according to Pollstar and VenuesNow, ranked among the top 10 venues in the U.S. regardless of size based on ticket sales, and was named “2021 Innovator of the Year” by Celebrity Access for its ViacomCBS residency. In recent years, the “Most Beloved Venue in America” has also been the “#1 Casino Venue in the World,” “#1 Social Media Venue in the World” and a seven – time national award – winner for “Arena of the Year.” For more information on concerts and other great events, visit Mohegan Sun. For information on this week’s schedule, call the Entertainment and Special Events hotline at 1.888.226.7711.
# # #
Apr 15, 2022 | Community Relations, Food & Beverage, Gaming, General News, Sports
Book your Tee Time Today!
BALTIC, CT (April 15, 2022) –It’s officially time to dust off your golf clubs and lace up your spikes as the Mohegan Sun Golf Club (MSGC)is open again for the 2022 season! Today, MSGC located at 7 Dows Ln, Baltic, CT, opened to all resort and public play. In addition to enjoying one of the top golf course destinations New England has to offer, golfers can dine at the Pautipaug Pub where a variety of delicious food options are offered, including Southwest Quesadillas, the Cajun Salmon Sandwich, and the Bacon BBQ Burger. Guests can also enjoy a spacious and well-appointed clubhouse, a well-stocked and revamped pro shop, a fitness room, the “Triple Tee Snack Bar” that greets players half-way through their round, top-notch practice areas, a training facility and a complimentary driving range for all players. This season, MSGC is also accepting all eGIFTIFY digital gift cards for all your golf course needs. Tee times can be made by phone (860-862-9235) or by visiting our website.
Led by PGA Master Professional and VP & General Manager, Philip Krick Jr., MSGC kicks off the 2022 season with a public rate of $120 Monday through Thursday ($85 after 2:00pm). Weekend rates before 2:00pm are priced at $140.00, ($115 after 2:00pm). MSGC does offer military discounts and guests staying at Mohegan Sun receive reduced rates as well. Golf carts are included in all of the above fees. Mohegan Sun’s Momentum members experience 18 holes at MSGC like no other! The Momentum program provides exclusive opportunities through earning rewards and benefits just by playing your favorite slots and table games. Enjoy benefits such as complimentary rounds of golf, preferred golf guest rates, lessons and discounts at The Golf Shop at Mohegan Sun Golf Club.
Signing up for Momentum, Mohegan Sun’s loyalty rewards program, is free and can be done at any Player’s Club booths on property!
MSGC is also home to a state-of-the-art Golf Academy where guests can save strokes on their scorecards by improving their gameplay through taking advantage of a comprehensive training facility equipped with the latest in video and shot tracking technologies. Head Golf Professional Joe Mentz will also provide outdoor training, with a coaching model that is based on asking the right questions, actively listening and empowering students with focused, fact-based feedback. Guests can book lessons through the “Golf Academy” tab at the top of mohegansun.com/golf.
Mohegan Sun Golf Club is a 72-par course and was recently recognized as one of the top 50 Casino Golf Courses by Golfweek. The 156-acre course is kept in pristine playing condition by a dedicated grounds team and upgrades to various holes have been made since Mohegan Sun took ownership in 2007. Those renovations continue 15 years later as a 3-year multi-phase renovation is underway, implementing various redesigns and improvements across the course to improve both pace-of-play and the overall golfing experience for all levels of play.
Mohegan Sun Golf Club has also become known for hosting high-profile tournaments and events, some of which that have brought the likes of Michael Jordan, Aaron Rodgers, Charles Barkley, Chris Paul, Joe Pesci, Ahmad Rashad, Larry Fitzgerald and Ray Allen to the championship course.
MSGC’s clubhouse, stretching 20,000 square feet, has also been significantly updated in recent years, including renovations to the Pautipaug Pub and lounge areas.
The clubhouse also features a second-floor banquet room, which can be customized for private parties, receptions & group events.
For more information on all things Mohegan Sun Golf Club, including the Golf Academy, group event booking and upcoming tournaments, call 860.862.9660 or email Clubhouse & Event Manager, Lisa Najjar-Melkoun, at [email protected].
###
Apr 15, 2022 | Entertainment, General News
***MEDIA ALERT***
The Lorde show originally scheduled on Friday, April 15th at Mohegan Sun Arena has been postponed to Thursday, August 25th. Ticketholders should hold on to their tickets for the new date.
Message from Lorde:
“Connecticut — these past couple days I’ve been pushing through some horrendous laryngitis, and I regret to inform you that my voice hasn’t sufficiently recovered to be able to play the show for you tonight. I’m so, so sorry. I don’t take postponing a show lightly. I’ve tried everything, and unfortunately, it’s physically impossible for me to sing much of the set. Please accept my sincere apologies. All well besides that, and absolutely frothing to party with you when I am able. Rescheduling info to come.”
For more information on Mohegan Sun Arena and other events at Mohegan Sun, please visit mohegansun.com.
###
Apr 14, 2022 | Breaking News, Food & Beverage, General News, Hot Summer Fun, Travel & Leisure
Major Refreshes to Sachem Lounge and the Summer Entrance are also beginning soon
UNCASVILLE, CT (April 14, 2022) – $15 million will be
invested on various projects that are now underway and planned at Mohegan Sun and Mohegan Sun Golf Club. By the end of this year, a new 6,500 square-foot VIP Lounge & Bar in Casino of the Earth will open and major renovations to Mohegan Sun’s two most luxurious suites (The Royal Suites) will be completed. Over the stretch of 3-years, significant course improvements will also take place at the award-winning Mohegan Sun Golf Club. Additionally, key updates to Sachem Lounge and the outdoor patio at Summer Entrance will soon begin.
With the aim of launching by late fall of this year, Mohegan Sun has started work on a new VIP Lounge & Bar to be located in Casino of the Earth. World-class architects and longtime Mohegan Sun partners, Rockwell Group, are contracted for this new venue that will stretch 6,500 square-feet and feature dining, a full bar and an alluring fireplace at the center of the venue. Rockwell Group is also working with the Mohegan Tribal cultural department to incorporate Mohegan influenced designs and elements through this new space, located next to BALLO Italian Kitchen & Bar. When complete, the VIP Lounge & Bar will offer a dramatic and elegant atmosphere, creating the backdrop for the perfect night out for Mohegan Sun’s Momentum VIP members. An additional food & beverage offering in Casino of the Earth will also be developed, with more information to be announced soon.
Upon completion of this new Lounge & Bar in Casino of the Earth, Mohegan Sun’s Sachem Lounge will also begin work on a renovation that will refresh and liven up this luxury food & beverage area inside Casino of the Sky.
A full revamp is also underway inside the Royal Suites, which are the two largest and most spectacular suites at the heights of Mohegan Sun’s Sky Tower. More than $3 million will be invested on these renovations that will undergo an extensive Fire & Water themed makeover. Both suites will be distinctively different to provide two unique luxury hotel experiences. Royal Suites at Mohegan Sun are 3,500 square-feet and home to two master bedrooms, two Jacuzzis, butler service, a large circular living room, panoramic views of the Thames River and more.
Major improvements are also coming to Mohegan Sun Golf Club (MSGC), the 18-hole Mohegan-owned championship golf course located in Baltic, CT and originally designed by the renowned Geoffrey Cornish. A 3-year multi-phase renovation will implement various redesigns and improvements across the course. More than $1 million is also being spent on brand-new John Deere turf equipment, which along with the course renovations, will improve efficiencies on maintenance and labor. Phase 1 is currently focused on eliminating select bunkers, improving dozens more and engaging in selective tree removal to help preserve the integrity of cart paths and improve turf coverage and quality. Replacement trees will also be planted to create more strategic division amongst holes and to sustain the natural beauty of one of the most scenic and enjoyable courses in all of New England. An overarching goal of these renovations is to improve both pace-of-play and the overall golfing experience for all levels of play. Mohegan Sun Golf Club opens for the season on Friday, April 15th.
Furthermore, the partially covered patio outside at Mohegan Sun’s Summer Entrance, where tribute bands are booked throughout the summer as part of Hot Summer Fun, will undergo key upgrades this year and into 2023. Highlights of this project include the additions of a permanent outdoor bar, a deck, a music stage and a re-designed area dedicated to activities and lawn games.
Mohegan Sun will also soon announce exciting new additions to its lineup of restaurants, which currently consists of more than 40 offerings, including the popular TAO Asian Bistro & Lounge which opened last year.
ABOUT MOHEGAN SUN
Owned by Mohegan Gaming & Entertainment, 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, 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 Twitter and Instagram @mohegansun, view us on YouTube and find us on Snapchat at username MoheganSun.
# # #
Apr 12, 2022 | General News
A very lucky guest struck it big just after Midnight on April 4, 2022 taking home the largest IGT Wheel of Fortune jackpot to be won at Mohegan Sun in nearly 20 years
UNCASVILLE, CT (April 12, 2022) – While the winner opted to keep their information private, there was a very lucky guest who won a massive progressive slot jackpot on April 4th, 2022 at Mohegan Sun. The guest won $3.8 million on one of Mohegan Sun’s most popular games, IGT’s Wheel of Fortune. This is the largest jackpot won on a Wheel of Fortune slot machine at Mohegan Sun in nearly 20 years. The previous high mark was on October 26, 2003 when a guest struck it big for close to $4.49 million on a Wheel of Fortune slots game.
Mohegan Sun is home to nearly 4,000 slot machines and nearly 300 table games across two unique casinos and offers various promotions throughout the year. For more information on casino gaming at Mohegan Sun, and to learn more about the Momentum rewards program, visit mohegansun.com/playing
ABOUT MOHEGAN SUN
Owned by Mohegan Gaming & Entertainment, 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, a golf course, over 75 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 Twitter and Instagram @mohegansun, view us on YouTube and find us on Snapchat at username MoheganSun.
# # #
Apr 12, 2022 | Entertainment, General News
Mohegan Sun is proud to announce that Shinedown will be the newest Walk of Fame inductee – the 36th group or individual to receive the honor. The members of Shinedown will be presented with a Walk of Fame star outside Mohegan Sun’s Box Office a few hours before their sold-out show on Saturday, April 16th in a public ceremony. Media and the public are invited to attend.
Since their Mohegan Sun Arena debut in 2010, the multi-platinum band’s upcoming show will be its sixth performance and its fifth sold-out show at Mohegan Sun Arena.
WHEN/ WHERE: 2:00pm on Saturday, April 16th at Mohegan Sun Arena Box Office Forecourt
WHO: Mohegan Sun and Shinedown
IN DETAIL: Bon Jovi, KISS, Rod Stewart, Taylor Swift, Mötley Crüe, Keith Urban, New Kids on the Block and so many more have been honored as Mohegan Sun Arena Walk of Famers and have stars lining the floor outside of the Mohegan Sun Box Office. Shinedown will be the 36th inductee to receive the honor.
Shinedown – Brent Smith (vocals), Zach Myers (guitar), Eric Bass (bass, production), and Barry Kerch (drums) – has sold more than 10 million albums and 10 million singles worldwide, earned 14 Platinum and Gold singles, six Platinum and Gold albums, 17 No. 1 Active Rock hits, and amassed more than 4.5 billion total streams. They were recently named No. 1 on Billboard’s Greatest of All Time Mainstream Rock Artists Chart after totaling 17 No. 1 singles on Billboard’s Mainstream Rock Songs Chart – the most in the history of the Billboard chart. Each of Shinedown’s 28 charting singles on Billboard’s Mainstream Rock Songs Chart has reached the Top 5 – an unparalleled achievement – and they hold the record for most Top 5 singles ever on this chart.
The Walk of Fame award recognizes individuals who have made significant contributions to the success of Mohegan Sun as the Northeast’s premier entertainment destination. All of the individuals inducted into the Mohegan Sun Walk of Fame will have their name engraved on a plaque that will be permanently located at the entrance to Mohegan Sun Arena.
For more show information, visit mohegansun.com/entertainment.
*Media interested in attending or photographing the ceremony should email Jacqueline LeBlanc ([email protected]) to RSVP.
Mohegan Sun Arena finished 2021 with its first “#1 Indoor Arena” ranking for its capacity in the world according to Pollstar and VenuesNow, ranked among the top 10 venues in the U.S. regardless of size based on ticket sales, and was named “2021 Innovator of the Year” by Celebrity Access for its ViacomCBS residency. In recent years, the “Most Beloved Venue in America” has also been the “#1 Casino Venue in the World,” “#1 Social Media Venue in the World” and a seven – time national award – winner for “Arena of the Year.” For more information on concerts and other great events, visit Mohegan Sun. For information on this week’s schedule, call the Entertainment and Special Events hotline at 1.888.226.7711.
# # #
Apr 11, 2022 | Entertainment
Tickets on sale Friday, April 15th
After selling out more than 40 shows and performing to more than 450,000 fans last year, Grammy-award winning superstar Mr. Worldwide, aka Pitbull, has announced his latest North American Can’t Stop Us Now Tour. The extensive 50-plus date run kicks off this July and stops at Mohegan Sun Arena for an 8:00pm show on Saturday, August 6th.
Tickets are $129.50, $99.50, $79.50, $59.50 and go on sale Friday, April 15th at 10:00am via ticketmaster.com. Tickets will also be available at the Mohegan Sun Box Office beginning Saturday, April 16th, subject to availability.
Pitbull invites disruption on a global scale as a Grammy-winning independent international superstar, education advocate, business entrepreneur, and motivational speaker. With countless awards, dozens of international No. one songs, hundreds of Gold and Platinum certifications, millions of single sales, 25 million album sales, and cumulative video views in excess of 15 billion, one of the most impressive careers in music history set the stage for him to make true change. Not only did he successfully help establish Sports Leadership Arts and Management (SLAM!), tuition-free public charter schools across the country, he was honored by the United Nations General Assembly on behalf of Clean Water Here. He is a partner in eMerge Americas, the annual tech and innovation summit held in Miami, and he was honored alongside music legends, as well as Nobel Peace Prize and Pulitzer Prize winners at the 2019 International Achievement Summit.
Pitbull and Horizon Media have partnered to launch 305 Worldwide, a new multicultural agency. After announcing several partnerships in 2020 such as Espanita Tequila, LivexLive, and the From Negative to Positive podcast, Pitbull ended 2020 with a bang by ringing in the new year performing on the main stage in Times Square.
He returned to the road in 2021 with the sold out I Feel Good Tour, packing arenas and amphitheaters coast-to-coast. Pitbull has performed for millions worldwide and even joined forces with the No. 1 life and business strategist Tony Robbins for numerous engagements around the globe. He maximizes his own creative, entrepreneurial and personal freedom on his next long-awaited English album, coming soon.
Mohegan Sun Arena is now ranked consistently among the top venues in the world according to Billboard Magazine, Pollstar and Venues Now. Mohegan Sun Arena is consistently ranked among the top three “Arenas in the World for its Size” and top 15 in the “World for All Size Venues.” The award – winning venue is the “#1 Casino Venue in the World,” “#1 Social Media Venue in the World” and a seven – time national award – winner for “Arena of the Year.” For more information on concerts and other great events, visit Mohegan Sun. For information on this week’s schedule, call the Entertainment and Special Events hotline at 1.888.226.7711.
# # #
Apr 11, 2022 | Entertainment
Tickets on sale Friday, April 15th
El Gran Combo and special guests Grupo Niche, Luis Figueroa, and Sara Contreras will take the stage at Mohegan Sun Arena at 8:00pm on Saturday, November 26th as part of the El Gran Combo 60th Anniversary World Tour.
Tickets are $125, $99, $79, and $55 and go on sale Friday, April 15th at 10:00am via ticketmaster.com. Tickets will also be available at the Mohegan Sun Box Office beginning Saturday, April 16th, subject to availability.
For 60 years, El Gran Combo de Puerto Rico has brought people together around the world with their joyful brand of Salsa music. The charming performers of El Gran Combo are still as funny, flirty, and fabulous as ever. Don’t miss this spectacular Salsa party in celebration of their milestone anniversary. It will be a night of irresistible rhythms that will have you on your feet! El Gran Combo will be joined by special musical guests Grupo Niche, Latin pop heartthrob Luis Figueroa (“Hasta el Sol de Hoy”), and Latina comedian Sara Contreras.
Mohegan Sun Arena finished 2021 with its first “#1 Indoor Arena” ranking for its capacity in the world according to Pollstar and VenuesNow, ranked among the top 10 venues in the U.S. regardless of size based on ticket sales, and was named “2021 Innovator of the Year” by Celebrity Access for its ViacomCBS residency. In recent years, the “Most Beloved Venue in America” has also been the “#1 Casino Venue in the World,” “#1 Social Media Venue in the World” and a seven – time national award – winner for “Arena of the Year.” For more information on concerts and other great events, visit Mohegan Sun. For information on this week’s schedule, call the Entertainment and Special Events hotline at 1.888.226.7711.
# # #
Apr 7, 2022 | Breaking News, Community Relations, Food & Beverage, General News, Travel & Leisure
Finger-licking festival returns June 11th & 12th, rain or shine
Uncasville, CT (April 7, 2022) – Mohegan Sun’s BBQ Fest is back and bigger than ever to celebrate the unofficial start of summer with award winning ribs, chicken, brisket, pulled pork and other succulent delicacies at the 9th Annual Sun BBQ Fest. This is a 2-day BBQ LOVER’S DREAM EVENT! On Saturday, June 11th and Sunday, June 12th – join the celebration of the best in barbecue with tons of food, cold beer, cocktails and live music. We invite guests to enjoy full plate vending from nationally acclaimed BBQ teams, sample small bites in our “People’s Choice Competition”, or participate in our annual Wing & Rib competition. Sun BBQ Fest also features a World Food Championship sanctioned barbecue competition with teams that compete all over the country. During the last hour of the event stick around to celebrate, over $25,000 will be given out in prize money!
We’re upping the ante this year with outdoor activities for your friends and family. Get your protein fix with delicious BBQ and sweet treats, then burn some calories all weekend at Big Dog’s Axe Throwing. If you’re feeling competitive, get a team together for the Wicked Cornhole Tournament on Sunday from Noon-4:00pm! Entry fee is $20 per team. Visit SUNBBQFEST.com to learn how to register early. Walk-ups are based on availability. The tournament team that wins will receive a free hotel stay as well as (2) tickets to a show at the world-class Mohegan Sun Arena! (for available dates)!
Tickets to the Sun BBQ Festival are $8.00 per day or $10.00 for the whole weekend and are on sale now through Ticketmaster and at Mohegan Sun Box Office. Kids ages six and under receive free admission.
Grab a seat at a picnic table and learn from leading BBQ Chefs, including Mike Puma from Gotham Burger Social Club and more. If you are interested in viewing the BBQ judging, Mohegan Sun is pulling back the curtain for guests to view select judging times throughout the weekend. Seating is limited. Mohegan Digital is also bringing the heat this summer, promoting their online casino app with more exciting giveaways and the Temperature Rising Game Show! There’s more! Now offering private fire pit rentals available for groups of 6-8 guests. This is a 21+experience. No underage admission is allowed within this seating area. Visit SUNBBQFEST.com for more information and live updates.
Ribs & Wings Galore
Guests can feast throughout the day by participating in the People’s Choice Contest. Participating World Food Championship teams will offer $2.00 BBQ samples all weekend long, and guests can vote for the best in show. Voting will be open from Saturday at 11:00am until Sunday at 3:00pm and the winners will be announced on Sunday at 4:00pm.
In addition to the People’s Choice competition, guests can indulge at the Rib and Wing Challenges. All participating WFC Team competitors will be given racks of ribs and loads of chicken wings to prepare in any flavor they wish. For $1 each, guests can taste any ribs or wings and help determine who reigns supreme. Winners will be announced during Sundays Awards Ceremony at 4:00pm, and a portion of the proceeds from both competitions benefit Operation BBQ Relief, an organization dedicated to providing meals to disaster-stricken communities across the U.S. The Rib Challenge Tent is open to guests on Saturday from Noon – 2:30pm, and the Wing Challenge Tent is open on Saturday from 6:00pm – 8:30pm.
Sun BBQ Fest wouldn’t be complete without entertainment!
All weekend long guests can pair their favorite slice of BBQ with great live entertainment including an upbeat set from DJ E@ZY kicking off the day at 11:30am, and the soulful sounds of local favorite Davey Blues. Blues hits the BBQ Fest stage Saturday at 3pm with the smoothest melodies guaranteed to have you on your feet. End Saturday night with a bang! An eye-popping firework show starts at 9:15pm. Sunday, live music will be provided on the Main Stage to keep the party rolling.
Updates on live music entertainment will be available prior to the event. To stay up to date on all things Sun BBQ Fest, visit SUNBBQFEST.COM
ABOUT MOHEGAN SUN:
Owned by Mohegan Gaming & Entertainment, 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, a golf course, over 90 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 Twitter and Instagram @mohegansun, view us on YouTube and find us on Snapchat at username MoheganSun.
###
Mar 30, 2022 | Entertainment, General News, Sports
Mousasi will take on undefeated Johnny Eblen live on Showtime
Bellator MMA will continue its stirring streak of impressive fight cards with a Middleweight World Championship and two Bantamweight Grand Prix quarterfinal combats this summer. The No. 4-ranked pound-for-pound fighter Gegard Mousasi (49-7-2) will defend his Bellator Middlewieght World Championship against No. 1-ranked Johnny Eblen (11-0), who’s fresh off a massive victory over previously No. 1-ranked John Salter. Mohegan Sun Arena will host the fights at 9:00pm on Friday, June 24, and will air live on Showtime.
Tickets are $225, $175, $125, $85, and $50 and go on sale Friday, April 1st at 10:00am through Ticketmaster and Bellator.com. Tickets will also be available at the Mohegan Sun Box Office beginning Saturday, April 2nd at 10:00am, subject to availability.
In addition, fight fans can expect a captivating supporting televised card for Bellator 282: Mousasi vs. Eblen with the remaining two Bantamweight World Grand Prix quarterfinal matchups featuring Magomed “Tiger” Magomedov (18-2-0) and Leandro “Pitbull” Higo (21-5-0). The opponents for both men will be determined by a pair of Wild Card bouts set to take place at Bellator 278 on Friday, April 22nd.
The preliminary card will feature a fantastic female flyweight fight between former title challenger and No. 5-ranked Alejandra Lara (9-5) and Team Pitbull’s Ilara Joanne (9-6), which will stream live on the Bellator MMA YouTube channel, Showtime Sports YouTube channel, and Pluto TV beginning at 6:00pm on Friday, June 24th.
Given a body of work that spans nearly 20 years and 60 fights, Mousasi is widely considered one of the best fighters of all time. Having competed in multiple weight classes from welterweight to super heavyweight, Mousasi has asserted his dominance against all challengers. A two-time Bellator MMA Middleweight World Champion, Mousasi enjoyed his first reign as the promotion’s 185-pound king in 2018, winning the title against Rafael Carvalho and defending it against Rory MacDonald. The Dutchman reclaimed his title in a dominant performance over Douglas Lima, who held the welterweight championship at the time, before adding successful TKO title defenses against John Salter and Austin Vanderford, both of whom were ranked No. 1 at the time of their fights. Now, Mousasi will look to defend his reign against a third straight No. 1 contender in a hungry Johnny Eblen.
A rising name amongst the Bellator MMA stable, current No. 1-ranked Johnny Eblen has impressed MMA fans with his ability to find the “cheat code” to take down his opponents. With 11 pro fights under his belt, Eblen jumped in rankings when he beat the previously top-ranked John Salter in March. Other notable finishes include conquering Daniel Madrid via a first-round TKO at Bellator 258 and Colin Huckbody via strikes in 71 seconds at Bellator 272. Eblen, who trains at American Top Team in south Florida, has “King Mo” Lawal, one of the few men to ever defeat Mousasi, among his coaches and will look to him for the blueprint to victory.
About Bellator
Bellator MMA is a leading global mixed martial arts organization featuring many of the best fighters in the world. Under the direction of veteran fight promoter Scott Coker, Bellator events take place in major cities worldwide and can be seen on television in over 160 countries to an available audience of over one billion people. In the United States, Bellator can be seen on SHOWTIME. Bellator is comprised of an executive team that includes top industry professionals in television production, live event orchestration, fighter development/relations, venue procurement, sponsorship creation/development, international licensing, marketing, advertising, publicity, and commission relations. Bellator is based in Hollywood, California and owned by entertainment giant ViacomCBS, home to the world’s premier entertainment brands that connect with audiences through compelling content across television, motion picture, online and mobile platforms.
About SHOWTIME
Showtime Networks Inc. (SNI), a wholly owned subsidiary of ViacomCBS Inc., owns and operates the premium television networks SHOWTIME®, THE MOVIE CHANNEL™ and FLIX®, and also offers SHOWTIME ON DEMAND®, THE MOVIE CHANNEL™ ON DEMAND and FLIX ON DEMAND®, and the network’s authentication service SHOWTIME ANYTIME®. Showtime Digital Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of SNI, operates the stand-alone streaming service SHOWTIME®. SHOWTIME is currently available to subscribers via cable, DBS, and telco providers, and as a stand-alone streaming service through Amazon, Apple®, Google, LG Smart TVs, Oculus Go, Roku®, Samsung Smart TVs, Xbox One and PlayStation®4. Consumers can also subscribe to SHOWTIME via Amazon’s Prime Video Channels, Apple TV Channels, AT&T TV Now, FuboTV, Hulu, The Roku Channel, Sling TV, and YouTube TV. Viewers can also watch on computers at Showtime.com. SNI markets and distributes sports and entertainment events for exhibition to subscribers on a pay-per-view basis through SHOWTIME PPV®. For more information, go to www.SHO.com.
About Mohegan Sun Arena
Mohegan Sun Arena is now ranked consistently among the top venues in the world according to Billboard Magazine, Pollstar and VenuesNow. Mohegan Sun Arena is consistently ranked among the top three “Arenas in the World for its Size” and top 15 in the “World for All Size Venues.” The award – winning venue is the “#1 Casino Venue in the World,” “#1 Social Media Venue in the World” and a seven – time national award – winner for “Arena of the Year.” For more information on concerts and other great events, visit Mohegan Sun. For information on this week’s schedule, call the Entertainment and Special Events hotline at 1.888.226.7711.
# # #