The WWE ThunderDome's next home has been officially confirmed.
WWE announced today that, starting with the Monday, April 12 episode of Raw, the ThunderDome is moving to the Yuengling Center in Tampa, Florida. Tampa's Tropicana Field currently hosts the ThunderDome, but WWE's residency at the venue needs to end due to the start of the Tampa Bay Rays baseball season.
"Raw, SmackDown and pay-per-view programming will be produced at Yuengling Center on closed sets with only essential personnel in attendance, " WWE
announced. "WWE will continue to administer its health and safety protocols for talent, crew and employees in conjunction with each production, including PCR testing for COVID-19, social distancing and wearing masks."
The Yuengling Center is located on the campus of the University of South Florida. It was formerly known as the USF Sun Dome.
WWE's press release announcing the move notes that it continues WWE's longstanding relationship with the state of Florida.
“WWE has always been a highlight of our event mix and bringing this world-class residency to Yuengling Center only strengthens our relationship,” said Kevin Preast, Executive Vice President of Event Management at Vinik Sports Group. “Hosting WWE ThunderDome is another step towards a full return of hosting more events in the area.”
“WWE takes great pride in providing our fans and network partners with cutting-edge production and one of the most interactive atmospheres in all of television every single week,” said Kevin Dunn, WWE Executive Producer & Chief, Global Television Production. “We look forward to the next iteration of the WWE ThunderDome at Yuengling Center as we continue to take the fan experience to a whole new level.”
The ThunderDome, which features virtual fans appearing on video screens, first launched in August of last year. Orlando's Amway Center was its original home. The ThunderDome moved from the Amway Center to Tropicana Field in December due to the start of the NBA season.
The April 12 episode of Raw is the post-WrestleMania 37 edition of the show. Raw and SmackDown's WrestleMania 37 go-home shows
will be taped in advance before the ThunderDome moves out of Tropicana Field.
