Add as a preferred source on Google As we previously reported, Ireland could seriously enter the race to host a future WrestleMania, but the project is still far from being considered anything concrete by WWE.
Last week, Kilkenny councillor Maurice Shortall told the Irish Mirror that the country has what it takes to put together a strong bid to host the Showcase of the Immortals. The idea has gained traction behind the scenes, but according to Fightful Select, people close to the matter are treating it as a long-term project.
The main hurdle, as expected, is financial. WWE received $6 million from Las Vegas to hold WrestleMania 42 at Allegiant Stadium, along with other incentives that brought the total package to around $10 million. In other words, Ireland would need to at least come close to those numbers to be in the running.
Another point brought up is Croke Park in Dublin, a stadium with a capacity of over 82,000 and seen as the most likely destination for the event. The issue is that the venue doesn’t have a roof, which matters to WWE because of Ireland’s unpredictable weather.
On the other hand, the stadium has been hosting major international events. In addition to the NFL’s recent visit, Manchester United and Leeds United will play a friendly at Croke Park on August 12, marking the first football match at the venue since 2009.
The estimate is that a WrestleMania in Ireland could generate around €300 million for the local economy. The question now is whether the Irish government will be willing to turn that interest into an actual proposal for WWE.