Butler's newly reconstructed Pullman Park has hosted its first major event, Wednesday evening's professional boxing card that was telecast nationally by ESPN2.

But even though the event, which was highlighted by Butler boxer Brian Minto's successful defense of his World Boxing Association Fedecentro title, will be long remembered here, attracting about 4,000 people, the work isn't over for the group that's charged with overseeing the facility's operation.

That group, the Butler City Parks, Recreation Grounds and Facility Authority, now has the task of thoroughly evaluating Wednesday's experience — determining what went right and where there is room for improvement for future events.

That includes such issues as permanent parking for the ballpark. Fortunately on Wednesday, the event had the benefit of hundreds of parking spaces at the now-vacant site of the former Shop N Save supermarket. The availability of those parking spaces necessitated just a short trek to the ballpark for many of those attending the fights.

At the top of the plaudits for Wednesday's successful experience must be Minto's willingness — his faith in his hometown — to put up much of the money to promote the fight card.

That hometown faith was quickly rewarded. The event, which consisted of 3,000 seats and about 1,000 standing-room tickets, sold out in two weeks; ringside tables sold out in just two days.

In addition to facility authority members, big-time plaudits also extend to the Redevelopment Authority of the City of Butler and its executive director, Perry O'Malley, for working so hard to achieve such a success within the small time window with which they had to organize all of the event's facets.

O'Malley and both groups should provide a public report to the community once the event is fully evaluated. That could occur within the context of a city council agenda.

At that time, it would be appropriate for a report to be given on what plans for Pullman Park — besides baseball — are being considered. There reportedly are a couple of Christmas parties already booked for indoor facilities at the ballpark this year.

Indeed, the ballpark should be utilized as much as possible throughout the year for a variety of events, including concerts. And, for smaller events like wedding receptions, the ballpark is a possibility when other events aren't scheduled there.

The ballpark has the capability of bringing thousands of people to the city on a regular basis. Meanwhile, ESPN2's telecast boosted the city, showing viewers some local sites and acknowledging Minto's role and hometown loyalty in bringing the boxing card to the newly reconstructed baseball facility.

The telecast also reflected on some of Butler's sports history, including Butler once serving as the home of a New York Yankees minor league franchise, and local appearances by Yankee greats.

Leading up to Wednesday, Minto told John Enrietto, Butler Eagle sports editor, "The community really got behind this and I'm grateful for that." And the community can feel grateful that it has a "hometown boy" who is so dedicated to Butler's best interests. He can do — and already has done — much to spread Butler's name far and wide.

As he moves up the WBA rankings, the name "Butler, Pennsylvania" will increasingly be tied to professional boxing and be a growing source of interest to fans of the sport.

Since reconstruction of Pullman Park was first envisioned, one focus has been on the possible benefits of the ballpark to local businesses. A woman who went to the bar and restaurant at the Lyndora Hotel Wednesday evening found it packed with people watching the fight on television.

Other such businesses with access to ESPN2 had similar experiences.

It's not too early for other local businesses to start thinking about how they too can benefit from the new Pullman Park's presence when major events are scheduled.

Until all aspects of the Pullman Park project are complete, and possibly even afterward, there will be some who will reflect on whether the new ballpark should have been built along Route 8 for better visibility, allowing it to become more of a showpiece for the community.

But Wednesday's event showed that its current location won't impede attendance, if events and games are booked that are of wide interest. Apparently many people came from a wide area to see the fights; some longtime Butler residents remarked about the number of unfamiliar faces at the ballpark on Wednesday. Also, fan interviews turned up people from places as far away as Philadelphia.

Indeed, the focus in coming days must be on what went right, why and where improvements are possible. But one thing is certain: Butler can feel good about the way it entertained the nation's boxing fans during ESPN2's "Wednesday Night at the Fights."

In fact, the city is justified in feeling a great amount of pride in the event and the refurbished facility.