There was a time when Newport first opened that all 3000 seats
were filled and they were paid admissions. The fronton even sold
standing room only tickets and sold quite a few of them! The crowd
was electric. If a player made chula the crowd would roar CHULA!!!
Players were referred to by their names, not their post position.
Players like Saez, Del Rio and Felix were local legends. Jai alai
was the hottest ticket in town and it was truly a magical time.
Now I am relegated to watching the Dania or Miami live feed. It
just aint the same and it will never be.
Finally the payoffs at Newport were huge because of the large
pools which further added to the excitement. Trifectas of $5000
or more were not unheard of at the fronton. Oh, take me back for
one more day.
