Since the WWE ThunderDome opened in August 2020, fans have been able to experience WWE's weekly television shows and Network specials online.
Fans have registered online at no cost and have been allowed to sit and enjoy the product with zero latency, reacting to everything happening on-screen. Over 500,000 fans have registered for the ThunderDome according to WWE Chief Marketing Officer Brian Flinn.
While this would seem to be an opportunity to make back some ticket sales by charging a fee to register for the ThunderDome, Flinn is adamant that WWE wanted the experience to remain free.
"There have been a number of opportunities in how we drive business off of the ThunderDome and right now we're connecting the dots on the backend between people who register for the experience and the other direct consumers we have, whether it's WWE Network and those subscriptions of e-commerce. We're connecting those dots behind the scenes. It's not necessarily a formal 'fan loyalty' program, but it operates in that way for fans to connect to those experiences. At the end of the day, we felt like the viewing experience should be free, but we're still working on further development plans," Flinn told Variety.
The ThunderDome was initially housed at Amway Center in Orlando before moving to Tropicana Field in Tampa as the NBA season resumed in December 2020.
When asked if the ThunderDome would continue when fans are able to return, Flinn said, "I do see a scenario where you could mix the ThunderDome experience with live audiences, but no determination has been made. The live event experience is still important to us and as soon as we can safely put people back in venues, that is still our goal."
WWE is seemingly hinting at fans returning in some capacity for WrestleMania 37, which will be held at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa, FL. In the press release put out by the company, it notes "In coordination with local partners and government officials, WWE will announce ticket availability and safety protocols for WrestleMania 37 in the coming weeks"
WWE has yet to announce ticket availability for WrestleMania 37, which is scheduled to be a two-night event taking place on April 10 and 11.
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