The WWE’s record-breaking Royal Rumble event drew a crowd of 70,347 fans to Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis on Saturday night. The event shattered all previous records for attendance and revenue, cementing the city’s status as a top destination for professional wrestling.
Pat McAfee, an Indy native and popular sports personality, played a significant role in the event’s success. WWE’s chief content officer Paul Levesque credited McAfee with helping to turn Indianapolis into “his city” during the event.
“We took over the city,” Levesque said at a post-Rumble press conference. “It was everywhere we went – when you flew in, when you landed, even walking through the airport. The people here were gracious hosts, and I want to thank everybody for being such wonderful partners.”
McAfee’s promotion of the event on his podcast, “The Pat McAfee Show,” and his appearances with WWE wrestlers helped generate buzz around the Royal Rumble. Levesque praised McAfee as an integral part of the WWE family, saying he was a “complete original” who brings a unique energy to the brand.
The event also saw significant economic impact, with more than $40 million in expected revenue from merchandise sales, sponsorships, and ticket sales. The Royal Rumble has become a major draw for Indianapolis, with WWE promising three events – including Summer Slam and WrestleMania – that will bring an estimated $350 million to the city over the next few years.
Source: https://eu.indystar.com/story/sports/2025/02/03/wwe-pat-mcafee-indy-record-breaking-royal-rumble/78188353007