By John Fullilove, Jackson's MMA Series
Jackson’s MMA Series: What is your role here at the Hard Rock Casino Hotel Albuquerque?
Sean Lujan: I’m the special events manager for the Hard Rock Casino Hotel Albuquerque and I put together all the Mixed Martial Arts, Boxing, Concerts, and Entertainment events. I put together all the special events.
Jackson’s MMA Series: What is the purpose of special events here at the Hard Rock Casino Hotel Albuquerque?
Sean Lujan: The Hard Rock name is legendary for music entertainment. We’ve gone beyond that here with the new Hard Rock here in Albuquerque to put together events that are not only strategic but also a little out of the box with a rock star type atmosphere. We try to create that atmosphere for our guests and for those who are part of the entertainment.
Jackson’s MMA Series: How does MMA fit in as a special event?
Sean Lujan: Mixed martial arts are just getting bigger and bigger every year. We are really excited to be doing the second part of the Jackson’s MMA Series. Jackson’s Gym being the number one gym in world brings a lot to the table. It’s a great partnership for us and Jackson’s to put on these events.
Jackson’s MMA Series: Besides the event what else is there for fans to do at the Hard Rock?
Sean Lujan: We have the hotel; we have a wide variety of food, the spa and a couple of different night clubs. We also have a couple of other things that don’t come to people’s minds right away but we do have the fun connection with the bowling, the golf course, we have the RV Park and the lakes that are also part of our amenities here. (NOTE: UFC and Jackson’s Fighter Clay Guida is sponsored by Isleta Lakes and stays at the RV Park when at camp in Albuquerque)
Jackson’s MMA Series: What are your thoughts about the card for the second installment of the Jackson’s MMA Series?
Sean Lujan: I think the card is going to be great. I think having Ox Wheeler and Henry Martinez, a couple of local guys, who have huge followings, I think it’s going to be great. It’s going to be great both for Jackson’s Gym and the Hard Rock. We are going to sell a lot of tickets and it’s going to be an exciting night of fights.
Jackson’s MMA Series: How was the environment for the inaugural Jackson’s MMA Series Event this last June?
Sean Lujan: I think it was electric. Mixed martial arts are back in Albuquerque. There are a lot of great fighters here. It was electric seeing the famous fighters from Jackson’s here in the crowd. It was a great show. People felt like rock stars when they walked out of here. It was great for the fans and great for the fighters.
Jackson’s MMA Series: Do you follow MMA?
Sean Lujan: I follow MMA quite a bit. I love sports period. MMA is another sport. Overall, I’m a huge fan of all the sports. So, I’m very excited to be a part of this.
Jackson’s MMA Series: Fans can get tickets from tickets.com but also from the box office here as well, correct?
Sean Lujan: The can go to http://purchase.tickets.com/buy/TicketPurchase?agency=TDC&pid=6824346 or you can go to hardrockcasinoabq.com and there is a link to purchase your tickets online. You can also stop by and purchase tickets here at the Rock Star Club.
