Mixed martial arts considered for Libertyville Sports Complex

Another unique use is being considered for the Libertyville Sports Complex, as the village continues efforts to tout the facility as an entertainment venue.

During Tuesday’s village board meeting, officials will consider a request from Hidden Talent MMA to host a mixed martial arts event July 7. Rental agreements for the facility requests typically don’t reach the village board level unless they are large or unique, according to Connie Kowal, director or recreation and the Sports Complex.

“One of the things we’re trying to do is say we have the ability to host a variety of events,” Kowal said. “First-time events, you try to have a total consensus from everyone.”

The cage fighting event proposed by Darrell Romanos, founder of Round Lake-based Hidden Talent, would include 10 scheduled bouts in a tournament. Attendance would be capped at 1,000.

Romanos would pay $3,000 in rent for the village-owned facility. The village also would run and receive fees from its concession, and a private restaurant/caterer would share in net sales from beer and wine.

The event was originally proposed last fall and has undergone several months of planning, fact-finding and discussion among various departments.

“We wanted to make sure if this was a different event we could prepare for it,” Kowal said.

After discussing the request at several meetings, the village board’s parks and recreation committee, which is comprised of three trustees, last month recommended approval. The agreement is for one event with the option of two more at the village’s discretion.

Romanos on Monday said this would be the first public tournament for his organization.

“It’s definitely something new that could be brought into town and it could do good for both sides,” he said. Private security and medical personnel will be on site.

As an example of the variety of uses, the Sports Complex in late 2009 hosted a Dirks Bentley concert that drew 4,000, held a dog show this past weekend and will host the Mundelein High School graduation ceremony May 13.

Hidden Talent’s request is lumped with several items on the omnibus agenda portion of the meeting, which deals with matters considered routine. The meeting begins at 8 p.m. at village hall, 118 W. Cook Ave.