Check out these images of the new WWE ThunderDome being setup inside at the Tropicana Field in Tampa, Florida.
The original ThunderDome was set to be built at the Amway Center in downtown Orlando, but the WWE had to move due to the Orlando Magic starting up the 2020-21 season in the coming weeks.
A source inside Tropicana Field just passed this along: your first look at the new #WWE ThunderDome at the home of the #Rays. First show there will be this Friday, final Orlando show at Amway Center is tonight with #RAW. @MyNews13 @BN9 pic.twitter.com/GEL5HmOWou
— Jon Alba (@JonAlba) December 7, 2020
The arena will play host to several events including Monday Night Raw, Friday Night SmackDown and monthly pay-per-views starting with this Friday’s SmackDown.
Spectrum Sports 360’s – Jon Alba – and Sports Illustrated’s – Justin Barrasso – were the first to publish footage of the impressive stage setup which looks to be about the same size as the original ThunderDome, but in a much larger venue.
Source passed along video from inside Tropicana Field of the new #WWE ThunderDome. Shows you the true scale of it inside the Trop. #Rays @BN9 pic.twitter.com/HwyXyOH4d0
— Jon Alba (@JonAlba) December 8, 2020
Reports have popped up in recent weeks that WWE wants live fans in attendance inside the stadium for the Royal Rumble in January, though nothing has been made official as of yet.
WWE’s ThunderDome makes its Tropicana Field debut this Friday during SmackDown — here is a view high above ringside from the catwalk pic.twitter.com/fMLsh5gZrH
— Justin Barrasso (@JustinBarrasso) December 8, 2020
WWE’s next pay-per-view, TLC, takes place on Dec. 20 at Tropicana Field and will feature some of the following match-ups (so far):
WWE Championship: Drew McIntyre vs. AJ Styles (TLC Match)
WWE Universal Championship: Roman Reigns vs. Kevin Owens
SmackDown Women’s Championship: Sasha Banks vs. Carmella
WWE Women’s Tag Team Championships: Nia Jax and Shayna Baszler vs. Asuka and Lana
“The Fiend” Bray Wyatt vs. Randy Orton