Championship Wrestling from Florida
Donation protected
As the old Fort Homer Hesterly Armory is transformed into the Jewish Community Center, one of the goals of those heading up the construction project is to honor the history of this site as the epicenter of wrestling in the southeast. In addition to the significant role this building played in the history of wrestling, it also was where Elvis performed three times, JFK and Dr. Martin Luther King spoke, and countless other acts performed, joined, met, and celebrated.
In honor and memory of The Great Malenko, Eddie Graham, Dusty Rhodes, Jack Brisco, Gordon Solie and so many other talented athletes, a group of wrestling insiders and fans have taken the lead in raising funds for this legacy project, which will commemorate and memorialize what wrestling and its past stars meant to the people of Tampa from the 1950s through the mid 1980s. Scores of Tampa citizens grew up sitting next to their parents and grandparents every Tuesday night, transfixed by the action of the evening. Many here still have vivid memories of those times.
In the preliminary stages, this display will include photos (and possibly videos) of the superstars and local heroes of those bygone days and the entertainment they brought to each and every fan. Memorabilia, programs and posters will mark the different eras of the sport, and those who made the Armory what it was will be recognized. All donors who support this effort will be recognized permanently as part of the collage. Renovation of the Armory is currently under way with an anticipated opening of Summer 2016.
All donations are tax deductible and will be received and recognized for tax purposes by the Tampa JCC/Federation, which is a 501(c)3.
In honor and memory of The Great Malenko, Eddie Graham, Dusty Rhodes, Jack Brisco, Gordon Solie and so many other talented athletes, a group of wrestling insiders and fans have taken the lead in raising funds for this legacy project, which will commemorate and memorialize what wrestling and its past stars meant to the people of Tampa from the 1950s through the mid 1980s. Scores of Tampa citizens grew up sitting next to their parents and grandparents every Tuesday night, transfixed by the action of the evening. Many here still have vivid memories of those times.
In the preliminary stages, this display will include photos (and possibly videos) of the superstars and local heroes of those bygone days and the entertainment they brought to each and every fan. Memorabilia, programs and posters will mark the different eras of the sport, and those who made the Armory what it was will be recognized. All donors who support this effort will be recognized permanently as part of the collage. Renovation of the Armory is currently under way with an anticipated opening of Summer 2016.
All donations are tax deductible and will be received and recognized for tax purposes by the Tampa JCC/Federation, which is a 501(c)3.
Organizer
Brandy Gold
Organizer
Tampa, FL