Let’s Get Ready To Rumblllllllllllle!
Unless you’ve been on the moon you know what’s coming this week. Wrestlemania 23 comes to Ford Field on April 1st and their are related events all over the City leading up to the event. Even better news is the econimic impact on the region. Think SBXL Jr. According to private econimic consulting firms, SBXL generated $49.3 million for Detroit. The Tigers playoff run of six games last year brought in $37.8 million. (On a side note, I think I personally contributed a large part of that!)
Even though the wrestling match doesn’t have all the corporate sponsors that comes with the Super Bowl, revenue is expected to top $25 million. I have to admit, I am not a WWE fan. In my opinion, pro wrestleing is the number one reason why aliens haven’t landed yet! They look at that and say, “Oh no, they are not ready.” All joking aside, this sporting event is a needed shot in the arm for the city’s economy.
To give you an idea how huge this is, these are some of the facts. Fans are coming from 29 different countries including 5000 alone from across the river. VIA Rail Canada has set up a “Wrestlemania Express” to bring about 700 to the city from Toronto. Even though 65,000 tickets have been sold, topping the $5 million mark, Ford Field is under construction to expand seating on the field.
One more added advantage is that it’s another opportunity for Detroit to show off, including all the new development going on in the Central Business District. Bars and restaurants will be packed this weekend, spilling into next Monday for the Tigers opener. If you’re coming down, remember this. . .before you leave, your fun tank will be full!
you know, i never considered how much Wrestlemania would benefit the city… personally, i think the WWE is trash, but your point is well taken…
“Detroit will never be the same” is an appropriate tagline on the WWE’s website. It is very impressive to have an event with such a following taking place here in the city. I must say that I am not a fan of the WWE either, but there is something endearing about grown men attending these events with the wonder of children. It still alarms me when children mimic what they see in the WWE, but here’s hoping that most grow out of it.
my “fun tank will be full”? you’re a true poet, my friend.