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Minneapolis named a finalist to host WrestleMania in 2025
Minnesota Sports and Events, which bid for the event, expects a decision from WWE in the next few weeks.
MINNEAPOLIS — Whether or not you consider professional wrestling a sport or scripted entertainment, there is no denying that WrestleMania is an economic heavyweight for any city that hosts it.
“It is on par with a Super Bowl or Final Four,” said Kevin Kurtr, communications manager for Meet Minneapolis. “It’s the type of event that makes a huge impact on a city.”
Though WrestleMania has been a pay-per-view behemoth for decades, selling out stadiums across the United States, World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE) has grown its marquee event that now fills NFL stadiums over two consecutive nights, while also drawing fans to other events and activations that fill convention centers and arenas over several days.
“It’s truly a city-wide event,” Kurtt said. “Bringing those sorts of events here, that’s huge, that sort of economic impact, it extends beyond the borders of the venue, out into the city at large.”
While Meet Minneapolis would love to see what that impact could mean for the local economy in 2025, Minnesota Sports and Events is the group that bid to host and so far all that is known is that Minneapolis is on the shortlist.
The official announcement is expected in the next few weeks because the WWE typically unveils host information during WrestleMania events, which are held in Philadelphia during the first week of April this year.
“I’m really excited,” said Lorna Beard, a long-time professional wrestling fan from Minneapolis. “I’m ready for it. It’s got to hurry up and get here. I want to get front-row tickets.”
Ticket prices and accessibility to all of those events are a hallmark of the event that has helped drive the popularity of WrestleMania.
According to Minnesota Sports and Events, the economic impact of last year’s WrestleMania in Los Angeles was roughly $235 million. In comparison, the Men’s final four here was $145 Million.
“I do believe that,” said Brenda Nolen, of Minneapolis, who considers herself a former wrestling fan but would consider checking out the event. “You’ve got little ones, middle (aged) ones, old ones. Everybody loves it, you know what, and they go back.”
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Police are investigating after three men were shot early on Saturday morning.
MINNEAPOLIS — Minneapolis police are investigating after three men were shot in the Ventura Village neighborhood early Saturday morning.
According to Minneapolis police, officers were called to the area around East 21st Street and South 15th Avenue around 5 a.m. Saturday.
Officers found three men had been shot. One of the men died and the two others were taken to the hospital with what police described as life-threatening injuries.
Officials said the shooting happened at a small homeless encampment.
Police have not announced any arrests as of Saturday morning.
KARE 11 will update this story as more information is made available.
This Halloween the chocolate shop is getting very festive.
MARINE ON SAINT CROIX, Minn. — A small sweet shop in a Minnesota river town has won some BIG awards for its chocolates.
St. Croix Chocolate Company in Marine on St. Croix has won national and international awards including Best of Show in this year’s America’s Division of the International Chocolate Awards.
Their chocolates are available at the St. Croix Chocolate Company kitchen or online.
This Halloween they are selling a Halloween Countdown Calendar that features 14 prize-winning recipes made into ghosts, bats, skulls and other spooky configurations. They also have a Boo Bag-handled tote that comes with their “best of” Halloween assortment.
Owner and Chocolatier, Robyn Dochterman, joined KARE 11 Saturday to share what St. Croix Chocolate Company has to offer.
MINNEAPOLIS — Making pasta at home is relatively simple, as long as you have the right tools.
October is National Pasta Month and Red Rabbit‘s Corporate Chef, Adam Lerner, joined KARE 11 Saturday to show us how to make homemade noodles in the confines of your own kitchen.
