San Juan Police Athletic League to host RGV Golden Gloves at Payne Arena Feb. 1-2

Ruben Wahado, speaking for the San Juan Police Athletic League, told the San Juan City Commission that the Rio Grande Valley (RGV) Golden Gloves regional championships will be held Feb. 1–2 at Payne Arena.

Wahado said the event will include roughly 122 total bouts, with about 80 preliminary bouts on Saturday and 40–42 bouts on Sunday. He said winners will qualify for the state championships in Fort Worth, Texas, March 18–21. The local event will include musical performances and other activities intended to increase attendance.

The presentation described the venue arrangement as a paid booking with ticket revenue and concessions offsetting costs. Wahado said the arena will retain a percentage of ticket sales this year; concession revenue will go to the arena and Golden Gloves, as a nonprofit, will handle some operations. He said tickets will be sold at the gate and online (organizers expected online sales to open within days), and that general admission at the door will be $35 with an additional online service fee that Wahado estimated could add about $5–$10. He also mentioned a floor-level VIP area with higher-priced tickets (Wahado estimated $40–$50, not finalized).

Wahado credited local trainers and organizers, including Oscar Toar and the RGV Golden Gloves organization, and said the San Juan Police Athletic League has partnered with the Golden Gloves since 2021. He noted the program’s role in youth development and said several past participants have moved on to professional careers.

Commissioners asked whether San Juan’s new north-side gym could host future indoor events; Wahado said the facility could be an option but that the regional event has grown and Payne Arena offers greater capacity. He said Golden Gloves has offered to help start a local training program if the city develops the facility.

Wahado closed by issuing an open invitation to commissioners and community members to attend the Feb. 1–2 tournaments.