Tropicana Field is set to play host to "Friday Night SmackDown" tonight at 8 p.m., the stadium’s first time hosting WWE ThunderDome. For the unfamiliar, ThunderDome is an interactive experience that allows thousands of fans to virtually attend WWE events. "Thunderdome" is also the former moniker of Tropicana Field where the Lightning played from 1993-1996.
Fans will be able to see themselves on TV from the virtual seats through a live video feed. By signing up for a spot, fans can guarantee a chance to be a part of WWE Thunderdome—in the Thunderdome.
The company announced Nov. 19 that Tropicana Field would be the new home of ThunderDome after launching this August at the Amway Center in Orlando. The experience features pyrotechnics, lasers, cutting-edge graphics and drone cameras, among other things.
Friday's fight card features matches between Sami Zayn & Big E, Montez Ford & Dolph Ziggler, and a contract signing between Sasha Banks and Carmella, according to Cagesideseats.com.
“The Tampa Bay Rays are excited to welcome WWE to Tropicana Field for this residency and shine a spotlight on the Tampa Bay area for WWE fans around the world,” said Matt Silverman, Tampa Bay Rays President, in a November statement.
This episode of "SmackDown," as well as all future shows and pay-per-views, will be produced on closed sets with only essential personnel in attendance. WWE will continue to enforce PCR testing for COVID-19, social distancing, and mask wearing policies for all crew members.
Support local journalism in these crazy days. Our small but mighty team is working tirelessly to bring you up to the minute news on how Coronavirus is affecting Tampa and surrounding areas. Please consider making a one time or monthly donation to help support our staff. Every little bit helps.
Subscribe to our newsletter and follow @cl_tampabay on Twitter.
