The coronavirus was officially declared a Pandemic today by the World Health Organization as it continues to spread throughout the world. It has had a major effect on large gatherings like sporting events, some of which have been canceled outright. Others, like the NCAA Men’s and Women’s tournament games, will go forward but be closed to the public.
So what about WrestleMania 36, which is scheduled to take place in just a couple weeks in Tampa?
As of now, this is the official status:
Hello, at this time @WrestleMania is still planned to proceed on schedule. Please contact the @WWE with questions about cancellations. The City is currently monitoring the spread of coronavirus and will work with venues as needed.
— City of Tampa (@CityofTampa) March 11, 2020
However, Jane Castor, the Mayor of Tampa, told Drew Garabo on 102.5 The Bone (via PW Insider) that a meeting will take place tomorrow to determine what will be done regarding the status of any large scale event in the city. Obviously that includes WrestleMania. Castor made clear that health takes precedent over any sort of economic considerations but there are economic considerations at play here.
She also said WWE will get to have a say in the matter but the final decision would come down to those in Tampa. That decision will be made at the meeting tomorrow.
The rumor mill is already bustling and the outlook is grim:
Update: It’s not looking good now.
— WrestleVotes (@WrestleVotes) March 11, 2020
Stay tuned.