WWE moving ThunderDome to Tampa Bay
November 19, 2020
By Nik Roseveare
WWE is moving its ‘WWE ThunderDome’ set to Tropicana Field in Tampa Bay as it begins a new residency starting with SmackDown on December 11th.
The move to Tampa Bay marks the next iteration for WWE ThunderDome, which launched in August as part of WWE’s first-ever residency at Amway Center in Orlando in response to the coronavirus pandemic.
Featuring a state-of-the-art set, video boards, pyrotechnics, and drone cameras, WWE ThunderDome provides an immersive viewing atmosphere and virtually brings thousands of fans into the arena via live video for every Monday Night Raw, Friday Night SmackDown and WWE pay-per-view event.
“The Tampa Bay Rays are excited to welcome WWE to Tropicana Field for this residency and shine a spotlight on the Tampa Bay area for WWE fans around the world,” said Matt Silverman, Tampa Bay Rays President. “The ballpark will be transformed to host the spectacle of WWE ThunderDome, allowing fans to enjoy this wildly popular experience virtually.”
“We are proud to have reimagined the in-arena atmosphere and provide an interactive experience like nothing else in sports and entertainment with the launch of WWE ThunderDome,” added Kevin Dunn, WWE Executive Producer & Chief, Global Television Production. “Our fans’ response and industrywide recognition are both humbling and further validation of the innovative spirit and passion that exist across the entire WWE organization.”
“Hollywood celebrities, WWE Legends and millions of fans from around the world have all enjoyed what the world-class WWE ThunderDome has to offer,” said Brian Flinn, WWE Chief Marketing & Communications Officer. “This new residency will enable us to continue offering an unmatched live spectacle and would not have been possible without the strong support from the Tampa Bay Rays organisation. We remain grateful for the hospitality provided by the Amway Center over the past four months.”