Jack Dempsey, champion heavy weight pugilist of the world, was given the decision in a 15-round bout at Shelby, Mont. on the Fourth. . . . The size of the crowd was disappointing, only about 7,000 people being seated in the big arena which was built to hold 40,000. Hundreds of people who stood around unable or unwilling to pay $40 or $50 for a seat were finally admitted for $10 and as low as $5. The gate receipts were not large enough to make up for the $300,000 guarantee which had to be turned over to Dempsey prior to the fight. Gibbons who was promised 50 percent of the second $300,000 to be taken in, did not receive cent.
— July 5, 1923 | The Ward County Independent
Why We Chose It
Wow. On so many levels… First, a title bout in Shelby, Montana! In 1923 Shelby had a population of about 1,000. Second, a stadium that seated 40,000. It’s so outrageous, one might assume it’s a typo. Third, tickets in the $40-50 range in 1923 equate to $750-$1,000 today! Fourth, and unsurprisingly — it did not work. But what a gamble; and what an event to learn from! Sometimes it’s the lessons in the extreme that make it easy to see the mistakes to avoid . . . event promoters take note!
Also, for the curious searcher, there is much more information about this event out there for discovery.
Today’s Happenings!
SavorMinot’s guest writer for today is . Read and grade the results here.
Future Fun
Special Events & Fundraisers
Double D-Haw 2025 @DoubleDHaw
Saturday, September 6th
Join us for Double D-Haw 2025, Minot’s biggest breast cancer fundraiser, featuring a seafood boil, art auction, pink beer, and more at The Blue Rider on September 6th. All proceeds support breast cancer detection and treatment at Trinity Health. #BreastCancerAwareness #MinotEvents #SavorMinot
In Theaters
Disney’s High School Musical JR. @MSUSummerTheatre
Thursday, July 17th — Saturday, July 19th
Join MSU Summer Theatre for Disney’s High School Musical JR. from July 17th to 19th, where Troy and Gabriella’s secret audition takes center stage in this fun-filled production. Don’t miss out on the songs and excitement that will have you bopping to the top! #HighSchoolMusicalJR #MSUSummerTheatre #SavorMinot
Live Music!
Brandon Foster @BlueRider
Friday, July 25th
Don’t miss the Brandon Foster Happening at Blue Rider on July 25th for an unforgettable night of live music, stiff drinks, and free popcorn in downtown Minot! Gather your friends and experience the best of the Minot music scene starting at 9:00 pm. #LiveMusicMinot #BlueRiderVibes #SavorMinot
Let’s Celebrate!
St. Patrick Swayze Day @BlueRider
Saturday, August 16th
Join the fun at Blue Rider’s St. Patrick Swayze Day on August 16th and celebrate with themed specials, merchandise, and non-stop hits from Dirty Dancing and Roadhouse. Don’t miss the chance to relive the magic of Swayze in downtown Minot! #SwayzeCelebration #DanceTheNightAway #SavorMinot
Food Truck Spots
Mama Mac’s Kitchen @Atypical
Tuesday, July 15th
Join us at Atypical Brewery & Barrelworks in Downtown Minot on Tuesday, July 15th, for a taste of Mama Mac’s Kitchen’s mouthwatering delights. Enjoy award-winning barrel-aged beers, live music, and a vibrant atmosphere. #FoodTruckFun #DowntownMinot #SavorMinot
Play & Participate
Draft Joggers – Running Group @Atypical
Tuesday, July 8th
Join the Draft Joggers on Tuesday, July 8th, for a lively group run starting and finishing at Atypical Brewery in downtown Minot. Enjoy a post-run victory pint and connect with fellow runners in a fun, welcoming atmosphere. #RunAndSip #MinotEvents #SavorMinot
In Theaters
One Strange Night @MSUSummerTheatre
Tuesday, July 8th — Sunday, July 13th
Experience a whirlwind of comedy and chaos at MSU Summer Theatre with “One Strange Night,” running from July 8th to 13th in Minot. Join James Nelling as he navigates mistaken identities and hilarious mishaps for an unforgettable evening of laughter. #ComedyNight #MinotTheatre #SavorMinot
