News Summary
The Greater Orlando Sports Commission is pursuing an $18 million grant from tourist-tax funds to attract major wrestling and MMA events, including WWE and UFC. The proposal also seeks to offer $11 million to the Jacksonville Jaguars for relocating home games to Orlando during their stadium renovations in 2027, potentially totaling a $30 million investment. Upcoming events may feature WWE’s Royal Rumble and WrestleMania 46, which could have a significant economic impact on local businesses.
Exciting Times Ahead for Orlando Sports Lovers!
Orlando is buzzing with excitement as the Greater Orlando Sports Commission is seeking an impressive $18 million grant from tourist-tax funds. This funding aims to attract spectacular events from the world of wrestling and mixed martial arts, specifically targeting the WWE and UFC for the coming years. Orange County commissioners are gearing up for a big decision on this proposal during their meeting on Tuesday.
But that’s not all! The proposal includes an alluring $11 million offer to the Jacksonville Jaguars to temporarily relocate their home games to Orlando in 2027 while their stadium gets a makeover. If approved, the total investment aimed at luring these high-energy, adrenaline-pumping sports events could reach nearly $30 million.
What’s on the Event Horizon?
The targeted events listed in the proposal are downright thrilling. Here’s what’s on the agenda:
- WWE’s Survivor Series or Saturday Night’s Main Event in November or December 2026 at the stunning Kia Center.
- UFC pay-per-view fights in 2027 that are sure to get fans on the edge of their seats.
- WWE’s Royal Rumble in 2028, taking place at the iconic Camping World Stadium.
- The epic WrestleMania 46 in 2031, which promises to be a weeklong extravaganza, featuring the Hall of Fame ceremony and thrilling Raw and SmackDown shows.
WrestleMania is often referred to as the crown jewel of live sports events, and with Orlando’s rich history of hosting this spectacular show, it’s sure to be a blast. The city has welcomed WrestleMania not once, not twice, but three times in the past, with the last grand event in 2020 amidst the challenges of COVID-19.
Why the Push for This Grant?
Hosting a marquee event like WrestleMania is not just about the wrestling matches; it’s about the economic impact too! Last year, the event hosted in Philadelphia raked in over $200 million for the local economy. With Orlando’s proven track record, there’s hope this series of events could significantly boost local tourism and related businesses.
Speaking of UFC, Orlando has been patiently waiting since 2022 for its next dose of mixed martial arts action. This proposal is not merely a shot in the dark; the sports commission has been working tirelessly for nearly two years to secure these bids, and it’s finally coming to fruition.
The Funding Breakdown
The necessary funding for these exhilarating events will come from tourist-development taxes, which is a modest 6% surcharge on hotel room rentals and short-term lodgings. This is noteworthy, as the tourist-development tax (TDT) has been hitting record numbers, raising a whopping $359 million in the fiscal year 2023-24, and projections suggest it will exceed that figure in the current fiscal year.
If all goes according to plan, sports fans in Orlando can expect a flurry of exciting events that will not only bring world-class entertainment to the region but could also prove immensely profitable for local businesses. It’s a win-win situation that could put Orlando right back in the center of the sports universe!
As the day of reckoning approaches with the commissioner’s meeting, the atmosphere is electric—will Orlando emerge victorious in this bid for a sports-filled future? Stay tuned!
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Additional Resources
- Orlando Sentinel: What’s it Worth to Bring WrestleMania to Orlando?
- WrestleZone: Orlando Sports Commission Seeks $18M Grant for WWE and UFC Events
- SI: Orlando Sports Commission Makes Big Push for Major WWE and UFC Events
- PWMania: Orlando Sports Commission Makes Bid for Future UFC and WWE Events
- ITR Wrestling: US City Seeking Multi-Million Deal with WWE & UFC
- Wikipedia: WrestleMania
- Google Search: Orlando Sports Commission
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Mixed Martial Arts
- Google News: WWE UFC Orlando
