The Orlando Citrus Bowl to host WrestleMania 33

March 8, 2016

Superstars and Divas joined local dignitaries in officially announcing Orlando as the home of next year's Showcase of the Immortals.

ORLANDO, Fla. — WrestleMania is returning to the Sunshine State.

The Orlando Citrus Bowl in Florida will host WrestleMania 33 on Sunday, April 2, 2017, WWE and local dignitaries officially announced this morning at a press conference in Florida.

The event marks WrestleMania’s first time back at the Citrus Bowl since 2008, when more than 74,000 members of the WWE Universe attended WrestleMania XXIV, featuring Undertaker’s clash with Edge for the World Heavyweight Championship, plus, Big Show against boxer Floyd Mayweather.

See photos from the press conference | Cena, Reigns and more speak about WrestleMania

“We’re excited to bring this event back to Orlando,” Florida Gov. Rick Scott said in a press release. “Florida set a tourism record by welcoming 105 million visitors in 2015, and WWE will help bring even more visitors to Florida in 2017. We’re excited WWE once again chose Florida to host WrestleMania.

Orlando, just like WrestleMania, makes moments that last a lifetime.

- John Cena

Gov. Scott joined Orlando Mayor Buddy Dyer and Orange County Mayor Teresa Jacobs for the historic announcement, which was also made in conjunction with the Central Florida Sports Commission. WWE Chairman & CEO Vince McMahon, Roman Reigns, WWE Tag Team Champions The New Day, Divas Champion Charlotte and Chief Brand Officer Stephanie McMahon were among the Superstars and Divas in attendance.

“You will leave the Citrus Bowl emotionally exhausted,” Vince McMahon said. “Everyone will enjoy the drama and the athleticism ... but most importantly, you’ll leave with a big smile on your face.”

Check out images from the WrestleMania 33 press conference, announcing that sports-entertaiment's greatest spectacle will be coming back to the Citrus Bowl in Orlando, Fla. in 2017.

John Cena, who also spoke at the press conference, described why Orlando is a fitting home for WWE’s pop-culture extravaganza.

“Orlando welcomes people and makes the impossible possible, makes dreams reality,” the Cenation leader said. “Orlando, just like WrestleMania, makes moments that last a lifetime.”

In addition to WrestleMania 33, the Orlando region will be home to a variety of events during next year’s WrestleMania Week. The Orange County Convention Center will host the interactive fan festival WrestleMania Axxess, and the 2017 WWE Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony and Monday Night Raw will both take place at the Amway Center. Additionally, Be a STAR anti-bullying rallies and other community outreach evens will be held that week.

For four consecutive years, WrestleMania has generated more than $100 million in economic impact for its host region. This year’s Showcase of the Immortals — which airs live on WWE Network — takes place Sunday, April 3, at AT&T Stadium in Dallas.