Wide shot of WWE’s Royal Rumble (1997) held inside San Antonio’s Alamodome.
The Royal Rumble is returning to Texas. 2017 marks the 20th anniversary the event was held in San Antonio, and the WWE is commemorating the milestone by having its second-biggest event of the year (right behind WrestleMania) inside the Alamodome.
Forgoing a traditional arena in favor of a venue that seats more than 60,000 signals that WWE is looking to set a new Royal Rumble attendance record. Back in 1997, the event drew an estimated 65,000, though there are reports that indicate the figure was closer to 60,500.
The 1997 Royal Rumble is one of the few times where the rumble match itself was not the main event. Breaking tradition, the card had Sycho Sid defending his WWE Championship against San Antonio native Shawn Michaels. The Heartbreak Kid was victorious, winning his second world championship in the process.
Considering WWE’s growing popularity with rising stars (Dean Ambrose, Sami Zayan, Finn Balor) and amazing athleticism (the cruiserweights), the company could easily sell the building out and set a new record.
Regarding the Royal Rumble coming back to San Antonio, Triple H (who wrestled as Hunter Hearst Helmsley at the 1997 PPV) took to Twitter.
A return 20 years in the making…
January 29, 2017 the #RoyalRumble returns to San Antonio @Alamodome. You never know who will show up… pic.twitter.com/eKFai1pXtB— Triple H (@TripleH) September 30, 2016
The Royal Rumble will be held on January 29, 2017. Tickets go on sale Friday, October 14 at 10 a.m. Central through all Ticketmaster outlets, Ticketmaster.com, or by calling 1-800-745-3000.