Cage Wars Venue Shifts, Rivers Schenectady Rejects Political Role

After collaborating for years with Rivers Casino and Resort Schenectady, Cage Wars hosted their last event at the venue on November 1, 2024. Despite the successful collaboration between the duo which dates back to 2018, Cage Wars is not going to return to the popular casino in an unexpected move that raised concerns about potential ties to politics.

Cage Wars Return to February at New Location

The next Cage Wars event is planned for early February. On February 7, a free event will take place at Cool Insuring Arena in Glens Falls, made possible through sponsorship by Anthony Constantino‘s 21st Congressional District campaign fund, as explained by the Daily Gazette. The upcoming Cage Wars event will deliver a total of 10 amateur fights and is expected to attract fans of the sport.

Timothy Rankins, Cage Wars’ CEO, who was recently interviewed by the publication shared his disappointment with how the collaboration with Rivers Casino Schenectady has come to an end. He recognized the abrupt end of their business relationship as a major hit after years of “hard work and loyal service.”

On the bright side, Rankins acknowledged that more people are going to be able to enjoy the future Cage Wars events. Besides the upcoming events in Glens Falls, Cage Wars fights will also take place at Armory Studios in Schenectady on March 17.  In the words of the executive, the event at Armory will provide entertainment for 2,500 people considering that the venue is two and a half times bigger compared to Rivers Casino Schenectady.

During the last Cage Wars event at Rivers Casino Schenectady, Constantino, who chose to sponsor the upcoming event in Glens Falls, demonstrated his support for Donald Trump. This came ahead of the presidential elections which ultimately resulted in a win for the former president, businessman and billionaire. Speaking about the upcoming Cage Wars event, Constantino explained: “I immediately decided to support this great local business by throwing a bigger event at the historic Glens Falls Cool Insuring Arena.”

Solely a Business Decision

Recognized as a premium gaming and entertainment venue in New York, Rivers Casino Schenectady offers a wide range of amenities. Besides slots, table games and dining outlets, the venue provides live entertainment and luxury hotel accommodation.

In a statement, Rivers Casino Schenectady explained that ending their collaboration with Cage Wars was “solely a business decision.” The premium gaming and entertainment location explained that it constantly reviews and evolves its entertainment offering, seizing new opportunities that may better cater to guests and the community.

The Schenectady-based hotel and casino offers more than 1,100 slot machines, 67 live table games and a poker room. Rivers Casino Schenectady features a hotel with 165 rooms, as well as different restaurants, entertainment and banquet facilities.