Rajadamnern Stadium

Infobox Stadium
stadium_name = Rajadamnern Boxing Stadium
(Sanam Muay Rajadamnern)
nickname =


fullname =
location = No.1 Rajadamnern Nok Rd. Pomprob, 10100
flagicon|THA Bangkok, Thailand
coordinates = coord|13|45|40|N|100|30|32|E|region:TH_type:landmark_scale:2000
broke_ground =
built = 1941-45
opened = December 23, 1945
renovated =
expanded =
closed =
demolished =
owner = The Rajadamnern Co. Ltd
operator =
surface =
construction_cost = ฿ 258,900 baht
architect =
structural engineer =
services engineer =
general_contractor=
tenants = Choocharoen Boxing Promotion
project_manager =
main_contractors = Imprese Italiane All' Estero-Oriente
former_names =
seating_capacity =
dimensions =

Rajadamnern Boxing Stadium ( _th. สนามมวยราชดำเนิน) is an indoor sporting arena located in Bangkok, Thailand. Along with Lumpinee Stadium, the Rajadamnern is one of the two main stadiums for modern Muay Thai. The stadium has its own ranking system and championship titles up to Middleweight (160lbs). cite web
url=http://www.muaythaionline.org/features/thaistadiums.html
title= Stadiums in Thailand
last=
first=
publisher=www.muaythaionline.org
date=
accessdate=2008-01-21] Muay thai contests are held on every Mondays, Wednesdays, Thursdays, and Sundays. The fights usually start around 6.30 p.m. Ticket prices range from 500 to 1,500 Baht.cite web
url=http://www.muaythai2000.com/muaythai2000/rachadumnernEn.php
title=Stadiums
last=
first=
publisher=www.Muaythai2000
date=
accessdate=2008-01-21]

History

In 1941, the Prime Minister of Thailand, Field Marshal Plaek Pibulsongkram gave orders to build a national boxing stadium on Rajadamnern Avenue. Imprese Italiane All' Estero-Oriente won the construction rights and the 258,900 baht project foundation stone was laid on March 1, 1941. cite web
url=http://www.muaythai2000.com/muaythai2000/rachadumnernEn.php
title=Stadiums
last=
first=
publisher=Muaythai2000.com
date=
accessdate=2008-01-20]

Due to the lack of construction supplies during the WWII, the project was halted until August 1945. When the war ended and the construction resumed, it took only four months to complete it. The first boxing match was held on December 23, 1945. Tickets were priced at between 70 and 300 Baht. Pramote Puengsoonthorn became the first stadium manager, who remained in the post until his retirement in 1947.

The original stadium was an open-air construction, resembling a Roman amphitheatre in design. Six years later, in 1951 a concrete roof was added, making it more convenient and weather-proof. cite web
url=http://www.wmtc.nu/html/wmc03_mthist-rajhist.html
title=History of Rajadamnern Stadium
last=
first=
publisher=wmtc.nu
date=
accessdate=2008-01-20] After seven years of government ownership the stadium was running in loss and in May 24, 1953 Chalerm Cheosakul, the stadium manager at he the time, asked permission from the Crown Property Bureau to run the stadium and founded the "Rajadamnern Co Ltd". The Rajadamnern Co. Ltd operates it to this day and it has become one of the world-renowned boxing stadiums of Muay Thai in Thailand.cite web
url=http://www.muaythai2000.com/muaythai2000/rachadumnernEn.php
title=Stadiums
last=
first=
publisher=Muaythai2000.com
date=
accessdate=2008-01-20]

In 1969, Rocky Marciano attended Rajadamnern as a guest referee for the International Boxing title match between Raksak Wayupuk and Saknoi Sor Kosum. Since then the tradition is kept that the last fight of the night is always an International level fight. cite web
url=http://www.wmtc.nu/html/wmc03_mthist-rajhist.html
title=History of Rajadamnern Stadium
last=
first=
publisher=wmtc.nu
date=
accessdate=2008-01-20]

[http://chuwattana.com/index.html| Chuwattana Muay Thai & Boxing camp] is the official promoter of the Rajadamnern stadium licensed by the Thailand boxing commission.

Gambling

Gambling is legal and takes place at the second level. The betting is done by hand-signals, as in a stock exchange trading floor. Often such signs are misunderstood by one side and additional fights may erupt outside the ring between gamblers. The security service at Rajadamnern Stadium is managed by armed Military Police officers. Foreigners usually occupy the expensive ringside seats, while gamblers and aficionados prefer the second or third ring of seats upstairs.cite web
url=
title=Muaythai in Bangkok now gamblers, tourists and the showbiz...
last=
first=
publisher=
date=
accessdate=2008-01-20]

List of former champions:

* Kozo Takeda
* Toshio Fujiwara
* Kaoklai Kaennorsing
* Apidej Sit Hrun

ee also

* Muay Thai
* List of male kickboxers

External links

* [http://www.rajadamnern.com/ Rajadamnern Stadium website]
* [http://www.muaythai2000.com/muaythai2000/champofstadiumEn.php?stadium=2 Rajadamnern Stadium Rankings]

References