Valley Arena (Holyoke, MA)
Located on North Bridge Street in Holyoke, MA, USA, the Valley Arena opened Oct. 15, 1924 (per linked photos below). (IBRO Journal #89, pp. 106-08, says it opened in 1926. Most of the following information comes from that IBRO article.)
Homer Raineault had converted the old "Gas House" into a then brand-new boxing arena. He ran it until he died in 1944, when his nephew, Oreal Raineault, took over.
Shows were on Monday nights. (In 1936, ticket prices were 40 cents.) It was known as having a great atmosphere, with foot-stomping and hand-clapping. Big bands appeared there on weekends (including the Dorseys, Glenn Miller, and acts by boxers Max Baer and Maxie Rosenbloom). The venue eventually also presented wrestling.
Many well-known fighters appeared here, including: Leo (Kid) Roy, Billie DeFoe, Petey Mack, Rocky Marciano (who made his pro debut here), Willie Pep, Sandy Saddler, Beau Jack, Sixto Escobar, Lou Salica, Fritzie Zivic, Paddy DeMarco, Tony DeMarco, and Lou Ambers. Joe Louis refereed a wrestling match in this venue; and Jersey Joe Walcott once fought an exhibition here. Visiting boxers usually came by train or bus from New York and slept above Kelly's Lobster House.
The Arena burned to the ground three times. The first time on June 13, 1943; and then again in 1952. After the second fire it was restored, re-opening in May 1953. It closed for good on May 12, 1960, when it was destroyed by a third fire.
Photos of the Arena on opening night, Oct. 15, 1924 (from the Raoul Godbout Collection): Photo 1, Photo 2
