The proposal to bring WrestleMania to Ireland is being described as a long-term project by those close to the initiative, with Fightful Select’s Corey Brennan learning more about both the ambitions and the obstacles surrounding the bid.
According to sources close to the hoped project, the concept of WrestleMania coming to Ireland can be achieved if the Irish government views the country as a global sporting hub and gets behind the bid accordingly. Those involved are actively dismissing concerns about Croke Park residents, who have historically created obstacles for major events at the 82,000-capacity Dublin stadium, pointing to the NFL’s successful games at the venue and the upcoming Manchester United and Leeds match in August as evidence that large-scale international events can work there.
However, two challenges have been identified. The first is financial. Ireland would need to at least match the six-million-dollar bid Las Vegas submitted to host WrestleMania, a figure that sources within the Irish wrestling scene described as a major roadblock. The second is practical. Croke Park does not have a roof, making Irish weather a genuine logistical concern for an outdoor premium live event of WrestleMania’s scale.
On the positive side, the economic case for bringing WrestleMania to Ireland is big. It was estimated to Fightful that the event would inject close to 300 million euros into the Irish economy, a figure that could help make the case to government officials when the formal pitch is made.
Kilkenny Councillor Maurice Shortall had previously told the Irish Mirror that Ireland is well placed to make a credible and competitive bid for WrestleMania, and he has indicated plans to take the proposal to the Irish government. WrestleMania 43 is currently planned for Saudi Arabia, with Nashville also in discussions for a future year.
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