Common Council isn't ready just yet to allow mixed martial arts bouts to be staged in the city at the L-B-R. It wants to first hear from City Solicitor John Nugent on the legal ramifications, if any.
Councillor Ray Strowbridge wants the city to move ahead, saying it will allow Saint John to compete on this level with Moncton and Halifax. He also argues mixed martial arts is one of the hottest sports around these days and staging bouts in the city would boost the local economy.
Council also wants to hear from the city's Leisure Services Committee before it decides whether or not to spend 3 and a half million dollars to turn the ice surface at the L-B-R into Olympic size which would benefit figure skaters in the area.