Chaos at WrestleMania 37 with fans kicked out over weather warning
Fans have been ordered to leave WrestleMania after a weather warning that has plunged wrestling’s biggest event into disarray.
Fans were ordered to leave a Florida Stadium less than an hour before the start of WrestleMania 37.
The biggest event in wrestling was thrown into disarray on Sunday morning (AEDT) when a storm hovered over the Raymond Jones Stadium in Tampa Bay — the venue where Tom Brady’s Buccaneers play, and where Super Bowl 55 was held this year.
The brave decision to hold the event at an outdoor stadium — after last year being forced to hold the event without any fans — backfired almost immediately.
The official pre-show started its broadcast with the announcement that fans were being allowed back into their seats after being ordered to leave the stadium as a result severe weather and lightning.
Florida’s forecast predicted thunderstorms on both nights of WrestleMania 37.
And unfortunately for WWE, the rains came before the wrestling extravaganza could even start, The Sun reports.
The harsh wind began knocking over floor seats while traffic outside the arena was reportedly at a standstill.
WWE tells fans to seek shelter and prepare for severe weather including lighting at #WrestleMania
— B/R Wrestling (@BRWrestling) April 10, 2021
(via @stellar_jl319)pic.twitter.com/cWR0FLcZwo
Fans already inside the Raymond James Stadium were told over the PA system that they were temporarily evacuating due to weather concerns.
It said: “Ladies and gentlemen, please be advised as severe weather, including lightning, is within the immediate vicinity of Raymond James Stadium.
“At this time we ask that all fans seek shelter on the covered concourse nearest your seats.”
Respected wrestling journalist Bryan Alvarez claimed that such was the severity of the conditions that WWE have put WrestleMania “on hold”.
The report added that the company’s tech department are fixing some minor damage before the pre-show can get underway.
Day One of the two-day spectacular is headlined by championship match between Bobby Lashley and Drew McIntyre.