If there is one thing WWE is good at, it’s delivering a spectacle. The worldwide leader in sports entertainment did just that in Tampa/St. Pete this weekend. The 2024 Royal Rumble was more than a show; it was an experience.
The Superstore
2024 Women’s #RoyalRumble Match Winner @itsBayleyWWE has arrived at the #RoyalRumble Superstore for the LIVE auction right now on @fanaticslive!
▶️ https://t.co/kHFTTG2lDP pic.twitter.com/5jJjpWe7yl
— WWE (@WWE) January 28, 2024
Close your eyes. Imagine the team store of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers transformed into a massive WWE shopping experience. The superstore at Raymond James Stadium was the centerpiece of the fan experience aside from the Rumble itself. Playing on the nostalgia of the huge event, there was merchandise from throughout the Rumble’s history.
Once you walk into the store, you realize that from wall to wall, it is nothing but wrestling merch. If you had a preference for your fandom, it was there. From the collection of hats and tee shirts to the wall displaying dozens of commemorative and replica belts. Everything had a price tag on it, but the walls themselves.
Tucked away in a corner was a case full of wrestling holy grails. Collector items of high price tag and demand. Items range from ring mats signed by Roman Reigns and Asuka to a 1 of 1 signed Rey Mysterio mask. The stock of these high-demand collectibles dwindled as the weekend ended.
Along with the experience of the superstore came the opportunity to meet your favorite WWE superstars. Patrons had the opportunity for photo ops with superstars Big E and Apollo Crews, amongst others. Fans could pay for wristbands that would guarantee a pass to the meet and greet, but every superstar stayed after to get as many pictures, handshakes and hugs as possible.
The only strike the superstore could be given was location. It was a nearly 45-minute drive back to Tropicana Field with traffic.
The City
Ahead of #RoyalRumble, WWE made an impact in the St. Petersburg and Tampa Bay community with @BGCA_Clubs and three local Community Champions! pic.twitter.com/uQxruIV9rw
— WWE (@WWE) January 29, 2024
St. Pete has hosted the granddaddy of them all, WrestleMania. The city council and mayor know they are the WWE’s biggest partner in making sure the event goes off without a hitch. Tampa was prepared for the challenge and delivered.
The parking situation was flawless. Getting in and out of paid lots was nearly pain-free. The staff around the arena were helpful and courteous. The atmosphere around the arena had a big fight feel to it.
Every restaurant, bar or coffee shop was bursting at the seams. No business saw low cover counts on Saturday. The surrounding areas have nightlife options for after the show and even boast one of the largest sports bars in the United States, Ferg’s. Before the Rumble, Ferg’s hosted a charity tailgate for fans. This included more celebrity appearances and wrestling superstars.
Located adjacent to Tropicana Field, Ferg’s was massive. Traversing multiple floors, a rooftop bar, a courtyard and a food truck line was an adventure unto itself.
Various country acts and cover bands were operating an outdoor stage in the courtyard. Walking out of the venue after the event, you could still hear the party going. The coup de grace of the restaurant was the attached dog park! You read that correctly; there was a place to take your four-legged furry friends while you hung out so they could socialize as well.
The Venue
Let’s get ready to @WWE #RoyalRumble !!! Heading out to tonight’s event? Here’s everything you need to know before you go. pic.twitter.com/VUGM59r6CG
— Tropicana Field (@tropicanafield) January 27, 2024
Getting into the event was seamless. Security was friendly and professional and expedited the process well. There seemed to be two different experiences once you got inside.
The floor seats were in a world unto themselves. They had a separate entrance, different concession options, and their own merchandise shop on the floor. The process of going from the floor seats to the main concourse was a hike. This all-inclusive floor experience was needed as the arena was full of rafters with over 48,000 screaming fans.
The main section of the arena was electric. With chants from fans and video vignettes playing on monitors, there was no shortage of action to keep the patrons busy.
Inside the arena, there were merchandise shops set up, with rotating stock of inventory. There was an assortment of food and snacks. This was all nice, but Tropicana Field did hit the wallet hard with prices. A lukewarm hotdog and beer was $25, a pack of peanuts and a bottle of water was $15. This was the biggest hit the event took. As a chef, wrestling venues need to step up their concession stand game.
Once the show started, it was off to the races. From the opening bell to the final promo by Cody, the Rumble experience, much like Carmelo Hayes, doesn’t miss.
