Minneapolis, MN
WrestleMania in Minneapolis? City still waiting on WWE announcement
While WWE’s WrestleMania XL was a smashing success this past weekend in Philadelphia, officials in Minneapolis and a decorated Minnesota Olympian “anxiously awaited” word Tuesday about whether the city has pinned down next year’s crown jewel of theatrics inside the square-shaped ring.
The nonprofit Minnesota Sports and Events (MNSE), the lead organization that lobbies to bring major attractions to the Twin Cities, told the Star Tribune nearly four weeks ago that it expected an announcement from World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE) by now about its pitch for U.S. Bank Stadium to host the popular extravaganza.
Typically, WWE officials announce next year’s event location toward the end of the the current year’s event. However, WrestleMania XL at the Philadelphia Eagles’ home stadium came and went without a peep.
Wendy Blackshaw, MNSE’s president and chief executive officer, said last month that Minneapolis was one of several cities that WWE invited to participate in a “very competitive” battle for WrestleMania in 2025. Minneapolis has never played host to a WrestleMania, despite the state’s history as a hotbed of pro wrestling.
Late Tuesday afternoon, Blackshaw said she is still “anxiously awaiting … We really hope to hear something soon.”
The Philadelphia Inquirer said this week that Las Vegas could be a front-runner for 2025, given that Vegas-based Endeavor Sports and Entertainment took majority ownership of WWE about a year ago.
Gable Steveson, the former University of Minnesota heavyweight national champion and gold medal Olympian, is among WWE’s roster of wrestlers and is waiting like everyone else for a WrestleMania XLI announcement.
“I have no clue” whether Minneapolis will get the nod, Steveson told the Star Tribune on Tuesday. If Minneapolis does land the grand grappling prize, “it could be the best they’ve ever had and be a big show with the right people” in the ring, he added.
Blackshaw said WrestleMania is within hollering distance of the Super Bowl when it comes to generating revenue for a host community, with the two stagings — 2022 in Dallas and 2023 in Los Angeles — estimated to have created more than $200 million in economic churn.
Preliminary numbers out of Philadelphia this week point to record success based on various measures.
According to Sports Business Journal (SBJ), attendance topped 145,000 at Lincoln Financial Field over the two nights, breaking the previous record set by WrestleMania XXXIX in 2023 in Los Angeles.
Viewership was up 41% across both nights vs. last year’s record-setting audience, and merchandise sales were up more than 20% compared to the previous record set at LA’s WrestleMania, the SBJ reported. This WrestleMania also became the most viewed of all-time on social media, with more than 660 million views, the industry publication added.
Minneapolis, MN
Motorcyclist seriously injured in north Minneapolis hit-and-run
Minneapolis police are investigating a hit-and-run that left a man seriously injured Tuesday afternoon.
The crash happened near Oliver Avenue North and Lowry Avenue North just before 2 p.m., according to the Minneapolis Police Department.
Investigators say an SUV struck another vehicle, which then collided with a motorcyclist. The driver of the SUV then fled the scene.
The motorcyclist was taken to the hospital with potentially life-threatening injuries. Police say the driver of the other vehicle was not injured.
No arrests have been made as of Tuesday night.
Minneapolis, MN
Medicaid fraudster still owes $1.7M in restitution
A recent FOX 9 investigation found that Medicaid fraudsters owe millions but pay back little with several other defendants discharged from probation after making either minimal or no payments towards their court-imposed debts.
Minneapolis, MN
Person found fatally shot inside car in Mill Ruins Park in Minneapolis, police say
A homicide investigation is underway after a person was found shot to death inside a car parked along the Mississippi River, the Minneapolis Park Police Department said.
Around 6:40 a.m. Sunday, officers from Minneapolis Park police and the city’s police department responded to a report of a body in a car at Mill Ruins Park. They found an adult with a fatal gunshot wound at the scene, as well as a firearm.
The Minneapolis Police Department’s Homicide Unit is investigating.
Police said the Hennepin County medical examiner will determine the manner and cause of death, as well as the person’s identity.
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