According to a new report published by the StarTribune, Minneapolis had been a finalist to host WrestleMania 41, following the city’s pitch by the Minnesota Sports and Events (MNSE), which is a nonprofit that works to bring major attractions to the Twin Cities. The city’s bid was to hold WrestleMania 41 at U.S. Bank Stadium, home to the NFL’s Minnesota Vikings.
WWE announced on Saturday that WrestleMania 41 will take place on April 19-20, 2025 at Allegiant Stadium in Paradise, which is a suburb of Las Vegas. The venue is the home to the NFL’s Las Vegas Raiders.
Wendy Blackshaw, MNSE’s president and chief executive told the StarTribune the MNSE was “informed by WWE that Minnesota would not host WrestleMania in 2025 due to a change in direction by new ownership.” Blackshaw further said although the MNSE is disappointed, they are in discussions with WWE about future events in Minnesota, and are optimistic that Minnesota will host WWE events in the future. Endeavor acquired majority ownership of WWE last year, which brought a merger between WWE and the UFC.
The report notes that the MNSE is funded by convention bureaus in Minneapolis, St. Paul and Bloomington, along with corporations and Minnesota’s pro sports teams.