WrestleMoney-ia

By Kevin Hunsperger
@kevinhunsperger & @my123cents on Twitter

For years now, Chad and I have ventured to Wrestlemania.  It all started in 2006 with a trip to Chicago for Wrestlemania 22.  Since we were both living in Illinois at the time, we didn't have to worry about airfare and made the five hour drive.  We opted for the platinum package plan, which cost us around $1,500 each (there were actually three of us that year).   For our money, we each got a ticket to the Hall of Fame, a ticket to Wrestlemania (4th row and the souvenir chair), an autograph/photo session, a ticket to the Bacon, Bagels, and Biceps brunch, three nights in the hotel, and various little gifts like a stuffed bear and a backpack.

I felt like this was a very good deal.  We didn't have to mess around buying individual tickets and hotel was very nice.  I still use the chair I got and drink from the coffee cup from the brunch.  Our next trip to Mania was two years later and we ventured to Orlando.  This time it was just Chad and I.  An extra incentive for Orlando was two, two day passes to Universal Studios.  Again, this was a great bargain and the hotel was within walking distance to the theme park.  It was a great time, and again I still enjoy that chair.

WWE Headquarters
Photo from: Wikipedia

After that, we decided to go for cheaper route and sit a bit further back than in the first few rows.  Again, it's worked out just fine and we've ended up in some pretty decent hotels thanks to the efforts of Chad.  But for Wrestlemania 29 we decided to explore the package option again. We had talked about taking a side trip to WWE Headquarters since Mania is in New Jersey this year.  Here's a look at the package prices (which go on sale today, August 13)

VIP Package – 3-Night Hotel Accommodations

1 Person - $7,275

2 People - $6,700 per person

3 People - $6,500 per person

4 People - $6,450 per person

VIP Package – 4-Night Hotel Accommodations Includes Raw Ticket – 100 Level (lower bowl raised seating)

1-Person - $7,875

2-People - $7,125 per person

3-People - $6,900 per person

4-People - $6,800 per person

VIP Package – 4-Night Hotel Accommodations - Includes Raw Ticket – Ringside Rows seating

1-Person - $7,900

2-People - $7,150 per person

3-People - $6,925 per person

4-People - $6,825 per person

If you don’t want to sit ringside there are Gold and Silver packages available as well. 

The pricing for the cheapest packages is

Silver Package – 3-Night Hotel Accommodations

1 Person - $1,700

2 People - $1,115 per person

3 People - $950 per person

4 People - $875 per person

Silver Package – 4-Night Hotel Accommodations Includes Raw Ticket – 100 Level (lower bowl raised seating)

1-Person - $2,185

2-People - $1,415 per person

3-People - $1,185 per person

4-People - $1,085 per person

Wrestlemania 28

Keep in mind this year the deal includes an extra night in the hotel and a ticket to Raw the night after Mania.  VIPs can get that tour of WWE HQ.  Since three of us are going again this year, the VIP would cost us each $6,900.  That's about $5,400 more (per person) than we paid seven years ago.  This really blew my mind.  Is a ticket to Raw, a hotel room, and a trip to WWE HQ worth THAT much???

My next thought was the families who buy tickets to Wrestlemania.  We do see families as part of the package plan.  Even if they did the bare bones cheapest one it would cost a family of four $3,500 (that's just for three nights in a hotel, the Mania, HOF, and Axxess tickets.)  

I shouldn't be complaining, but this blog is a chance for me to voice my opinion.  I think with the economy the way it is (still) that the cost for a weekend of wrestling is way too expensive.  I'm remind of our recent trip to Chicago and Lafayette, Indiana for Chikara Pro and Ring of Honor.  We saw three shows for $55.  We were able to interact with the wrestlers and get all the autographs we wanted.  I know Chikara doesn't have the huge payroll that WWE has, but most of the men and women of Chikara (and most indy companies I've seen) work just as hard as the stars in WWE or TNA.

So while we've settled on not doing the package deal, we are still making plans to be in New Jersey next year.  Are you going?  Let us know here or at Facebook.