Add as a preferred source on Google Tonight’s WWE SmackDown in Jacksonville, Florida, is expected to draw a much smaller crowd than the company’s last visit to the city.
According to WrestleTix, the show at VyStar Veterans Memorial Arena has just over 6,700 tickets sold or distributed hours before airtime, more than 3,000 below WWE’s 2024 stop in the same market.
That previous visit took place on May 17, 2024, at the same venue, where Wrestlenomics reported 10,197 tickets distributed based on WrestleTix data. The number stands out even more with tonight’s episode serving as the final SmackDown before Backlash.
WWE SmackDown tonight in Jacksonville is reportedly drawing a much smaller crowd than its 2024 visit.
— Wrestling Observer (@WONF4W) May 8, 2026
Ticket sales are down by over 3,000 compared to the last time WWE ran the same building.
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Source: WrestleTix pic.twitter.com/84VBLvClpD
Despite the slower box office pace, WWE still has an important show lined up to close out the premium live event build. Gunther is expected to explain his attack on Cody Rhodes, Tiffany Stratton will defend the Women’s United States Championship against Kiana James, and Rhea Ripley, Charlotte Flair, and Alexa Bliss will face Fatal Influence. WWE has also announced the funeral of the Gingerbread Man as part of the Trick Williams and Sami Zayn feud.
SmackDown airs at 8 PM on USA Network. Backlash takes place tomorrow in Tampa, Florida, streaming on Netflix at 6 PM.