When the race to host WrestleMania 33 was in full swing, Orlando wasn’t considered the front runner to land the big show. Minneapolis was leading the pack and the new Vikings stadium was going to host it.
The plan was so solid that Lester Bagley, the Executive Vice President of the Minnesota Vikings stadium let it slip that WrestleMania is coming to the brand new US Bank Stadium in downtown Minneapolis during an interview on the news.
But somehow, somewhere, plans changed, and Minnesota lost its footing in the race with tourist-heavy Orlando snatching the second WrestleMania in 9 years.
“We’re excited to bring this event back to Orlando. Florida set a tourism record by welcoming 105 million visitors in 2015, and WWE will help bring even more visitors to Florida in 2017,” said Florida Governor Rick Scott. ”We’re excited WWE once again chose Florida to host WrestleMania.”
Orlando Mayor Buddy Dyer said that the city of Orlando is extremely proud to have the show return to the Citrus Bowl. “WrestleMania 33 will proudly display to the world the incredible reconstruction that recently went into transforming the iconic Citrus Bowl.”
Orange County Mayor Teresa Jacobs also chipped in, expressing delight that WWE chose Central Florida as the host destination for next year’s mega event. “The week-long series of events will provide a significant economic boost to our region, while giving visitors a chance to experience Orlando’s world-class attractions.”
