From Our Archives
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From Our Archives |
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Bridgeport Jai-Alai's Grand Opening
Home video taken by Jeff "Laca" Conway, June 1, 1976 Click here to view the home video of the grand opening festivities of Bridgeport Jai-alai taken by Jeff "Laca" Conway on June 1, 1976 with his Super 8 camera. Note the grand opening festivities that included Earl "The Pearl" Monroe throwing out the first pelota, and Conway, as a 20-year old becoming one of the first persons to ever make a bet at Bridgeport Jai-alai! Also included is the first few follies of the very first game played in Bridgeport. The film is grainy - old - over 31 years ago, and taken without any lighting and shot with a cheap Super 8 camera that he snuck in that evening. |
Tampa Jai-alai's last night
Exclusive! Never released before! After 46 seasons of great jai-alai action, Tampa Jai-alai's "official" last night was on June 29, 1998. |
Classic Photos and Videos
Jeff and Benny
Sign at Coachman Park in Clearwater,
Derek Smith played professional jai-alai for 8 years. In addition to playing in Ocala, Ft. Pierce, and Miami, he played 6 years at the Tampa Jai-alai court until it closed in 1998. He started practicing right on the same location where our court is now, when it was just the side of a practice handball court, at the age of 15. He will assist in league forming and will be available for court instruction for beginners. Derek was born in Middlebury, VT. Moved to St. Pete when he was 13. He is 39 and single. |
Classic Photos and Videos
Orlando Amateur Jai-Alai action |
(click picture to view video)
