By Robert Haugh
This past weekend, over 125,000 fans packed Las Vegas’ Allegiant Stadium for WWE’s WrestleMania, a spectacle that blends sports and entertainment into a high-flying, pyrotechnic-filled showcase.
The event raked in an estimated $215 million for the local economy. WWE touted it as their most successful event ever.
Ten years ago, Levi’s Stadium hosted WrestleMania, setting a record at the time with $12.6 million in ticket revenue. Today, with tickets priced higher and the event spanning two days, the event has become even more lucrative. With 130,000 tickets sold this year, imagine $1.3 million flowing directly into Santa Clara’s general fund — and that doesn’t count sales tax and hotel taxes.
So, why hasn’t the 49ers’ management made a move to bring WWE back to Levi’s Stadium? They’ve been busy body slamming any chance of a major event return by focusing on other distractions.
Other cities aren’t hesitating. San Diego’s Petco Park just landed WWE’s Survivor Series in November, and SoFi Stadium in Los Angeles hosted WrestleMania in 2023. Despite its financial squabbles over other major events, SoFi’s ownership group found a way to host the event.
Levi’s, with its public transit options, great spring weather, and location in the heart of Silicon Valley, should be a prime contender.
In fact, out of the “major” public non-NFL events held at Levi’s in 2024, only a handful were profitable, according to the current Levi’s Stadium Marketing Plan.
WWE, on the other hand, is a Leg Drop of earnings when it comes to bringing in revenue. Their events could bring fans and celebrities from around the world to the Mission City.
Consider the possibilities: The Santa Clara Convention Center could host a week of fan events, while the Betty Hangs Theatre could be repurposed for premium WWE activities. Even California’s Great America could be transformed into a wrestling-themed attraction.
Philadelphia, host of WrestleMania 2024, touted “record-breaking numbers” in both attendance and economic impact. The event didn’t just boost tourism; it highlighted WWE’s commitment to the community.
Santa Clara, which likes to call itself “The Center of What’s Possible,” has been sitting on the sidelines, acting like a Jabroni.
WrestleMania is now on par with the Super Bowl, the Indy 500, and the World Cup in terms of global significance. It’s an opportunity to generate substantial local revenue without the massive security costs associated with other large-scale events.
If the 49ers spent as much time and effort courting major events like WrestleMania as they do suing the City or trying to get the government to pay its office rent, Santa Clara might see more economic growth — and more fans — in the future.
Jed will make sure the City doesn’t make a dime while Mayor Gilmore is at the helm. The guy has such an ax to grind cause he can’t stand that a strong woman beat him at his *game* that he has forgotten all he promised to get his *toilet bowl* passed. You can’t make up all the sh** he has pulled over the last 10 years. Yet all the football stadiums and their cities are benefitting while Levi’s sits silent until football season starts. Lady GaGa announced a 3-day tour in SF in July. Couldn’t help but wonder if she and her crew considered Levi’s?
These are my reservations.
1) Serious erhical issues from the first time Santa Clara hosted Wrestlemania remain unanswered. I have judged Mr Haugh’s presence and participation as a fair to cover it. Though I am not a fan of his. Nor is he of me. Mr Matthews use of first class airfare was not legit ant all. The WWE was not a well managed business.
My nephew was unfairly ignored about this event though he did legitimately have a investment in it. Again’ I will give Mr Haugh fair presumotion of his presence. It was legit. But I think others like my nephew were not treated well by other players and that has to answered.
As long as the 49ers run the stadium management they will lord over our city council and frankly the entire city staff, Jed will continue to rule the fate of our city. Nothing will change as long as election law permits the 49ers to put millions of dollars into dark PAC’s to get the 49ers choices for city council elected and their choice of City Manager and City Attorney. If not for Mayor Gilmore as the last line of defense between the city residents and the 49ers, we would have the convicted felon, Anthony Becker, as mayor and the 49ers puppet after they poured millions into his mayoral campaign. The 49ers should concentrate on their on-field player problems that they can’t even handle. Their team and team management is in complete disarray and they are looking to have another massive losing season as they can’t even handle their own player contracts.
Santa Clara should make money from every ticket sold. Put a tariff on every ticket for every event.
City leaders lack the courage to do this. If the Super Bowl or World Cup does not make money, then there will be a day of reckoning for those responsible.