Friday, November 2, 2007
ORLANDO -- World Wrestling Entertainment ring announcer Lilian Garcia and "Good Ole J.R.," ringside commentator Jim Ross, stopped by the Central Florida News 13 Studios to share a secret about WrestleMania XXIV tickets.
Ross and Garcia were in Central Florida this week getting ready for the event, which will invade the Citrus Bowl March 30, to reveal how you can nab tickets before the rest of the world.
J.R. is considered one of the best play-by-play commentators in professional wrestling. Garcia made history as the first female and first Latino ring announcer at a WrestleMania event, and the two were trying to make history in O-Town.
"Every WrestleMania has its own personality. Every WrestleMania has its own story. This is the first WrestleMania in the state of Florida," Ross explained.
It was also one of the few WrestleManias held outside. The only other time the annual event was outdoors was WrestleMania IX, in 1993 at Ceasers Palace in Las Vegas.
WWE would transform the Citrus Bowl in Orlando into one of the biggest nighttime spectacles.
"We're talking about it being 'the Biggest WrestleMania Under the Sun,' so having it at a stadium with great heritage and history in sports will bring a uniqueness to it," J.R. said.
A uniqueness that was expected to draw over 70,000 fans from around the world, who would slap down millions of dollars.
WWE said 2007's WrestleMania 23 revved up Detroit's economy by $30 million.
"In our business, it's not like a play that we are doing the same thing night after night. It does change, and that's what keeps it so great an interesting," Garcia said.
The "show" is what keeps attracting the fans. WrestleMania is more than a wrestling match; it is an entertainment production.
"It's theatrics, it's music, it's pyro, athleticism, fan involvement," Ross said.
"Just to see the athleticism from our Superstars is incredible, and we both have the best seats in the house. We are in front of the front row," Garcia said.
Central Floridians would get the first shot at those front seats.
"The big news is for the folks who live here in this area," J.R. announced. "Tickets go on sale on Friday (November 2, 2007) at 6 p.m. at participating FYE stores."
The pre-sale was just for Florida residents. They could get a jump on it before anyone else around the world, so you have the chance to be first in line for a first-time, power-slamming event in Orlando.
Tickets were scheduled to go on sale worldwide at 10 a.m. Saturday.
What's more: J.R. has a new restaurant adventure, and Lilian just released an album with Jon Secada. You can see the entire interview on Central Florida on Demand, digital cable channel 300. Select Entertainment-travel and then Hey John! at no additional cost.
What's more: J.R. has a new restaurant adventure, and Lilian just released an album with Jon Secada. Watch the entire interview with News 13's John Handiboe at no additional cost on Central Florida On Demand, Digital Cable Channel 300.
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