When was this supposed heyday of Mat Classic and where did it take place?

I think you are looking at the past with some foggy glasses of nostalgia.

Unless you are looking to destroy the sport in the state, combining classifications is foolhardy- WIAA has definitions for what makes a "team" for a sport, and championship classifications and sizes are defined by the number of schools with a "team". Insisting that wrestling "should" have one classification when other sports have 3-6 classifications for championships screams choose a different sport.

Regarding the meet: this vague complaint of "used to be" is utterly meaningless. The sheer scale of Mat Classic is impressive. Years ago we met a CA state champ in Pocatello who was intimidated by the size of the event- there were 6 mats at their state championships. What is it you are looking for in the meet?

Do you think fans won't fight over seats in some other venue? Where is your pristine city surrounding a venue that can host the event? I have yet to see a convention center, stadium, etc. In the posh part of town.

(BTW there is plenty of low/no cost parking if you are willing to walk about 10 minutes.)

And all you grumpy old folks face it: those wooden scoreboards are gone and technology exists. Your scoreboard is in your hand...if you don't know how to use track, maybe ask a wrestler to show you...while you're at it maybe ask them which pageantry they miss and is worth extending the meet for in their eyes. For example, my wrestlers would have love to have the "old" parade of champions occur including all medalists, but they have no interest in extending the days with multiple sessions or an evening finals session- they were happy to have time to go to dinner after the meet and awards were over on Saturday.

Maybe suggest solutions rather than just throw out an overarching bitch fest.