In a sad bit of news for professional wrestling fans, wrestlers, promoters and anyone that has ever been involved with the ECW Arena in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, the arena will be closing as of February 2nd, 2012 for extensive renovations. Various independent wrestling promoters, including JCW’s Kevin Gill and CZW’s DJ Hyde met with new leaseholder, Joanna Pang, of Trocadero earlier this week and although Pang noted that she is not opposed to professional wrestling being held in the venue, there will be extensive renovations taking place at the arena.

There are plans for the backstage area to be removed for a permanent stage and backstage dressing rooms and the eagle’s nest side of the building, where Joey Styles appeared for many ECW events, will be knocked down so that the venue size can be expanded.

EVOLVE Wrestling and Combat Zone Wrestling are in discussions right now with former ECW stars about coming in for an emotional farewell to the arena on January 14th, 2012. Among the names I have been told that have been contacted are Mick Foley, Sabu, The Sandman, Balls Mahoney, Axl Rotten, Taz, Rob van Dam, Mikey Whipwreck, Tommy Dreamer and Joey Styles, although more names are likely to be added.