Report: Tropicana Field Considered As New Venue For WWE ThunderDome
The WWE ThunderDome could be headed to Tampa Bay.
According to Dave Meltzer on Wrestling Observer Radio that WWE officials are exploring the possibility of setting up the WWE ThunderDome at Tropicana Field in St. Petersburg, Florida. WWE’s current contract with the Amway Center in Orlando is set to expire soon, and they are looking at open venues that can host a long-term residency for the setup. Meltzer noted that WWE is looking at other indoor venues in the region, but Tropicana Field was discussed as one possible option during the pandemic.
Tropicana Field is a domed stadium that has been the home of the Tampa Bay Rays baseball team since 1998. One interesting bit of trivia is that Tropicana Field has also been known as the Thunderdome, using that name from 1993 through 1996 when the NHL’s Tampa Bay Lightning played there.
WWE is contracted to run events in Amway until November 24, confirmed by a report from Spectrum Sports 360’s Jon Alba. Alba also speculated that with NBA eyeing a December 22 start for their new season, as well as the ECHL’s Orlando Solar Bears beginning play in December that it would appear to be the end of ThunderDome’s stay in Orlando.
During the quarterly WWE earnings call last week, WWE Chief Financial Officer Kristina Salen revealed that the company has plans to keep running shows in arenas that can house the ThunderDome for at least the rest of 2020, if not longer. According to Salen, moving to a new venue won’t end up being a problem, saying that there are lots of venues that would fit the bill.
One more interesting detail is that @WrestleVotes also claims WWE is working on something unique for the Royal Rumble event and would like to potentially have fans at the show. No other details were given about capacity or other logistics, but the company is hopeful it came happen, even if for one show.
Related: Next WWE ThunderDome Residency Expected To Run Through February, Possible Royal Rumble Plans