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WWE crews are working on completing setup for the ThunderDome, which will debut this Friday on SmackDown. The company is advertised an enhanced viewing experience, with the use pyrotechnics, led boards, drones, and lazers.
WWE has yet to open their website to accept virtual fan applications, the site currently has a splash page, but no clickable buttons.
Fightful Select (subscription required) reported additional details on the ThunderDome setup, indicating the entire lower bowl area of the Amway Center will feature video screens and virtual fans. There is also “some sort of flooring being laid down with well over 100 lights placed on it”.
Video boards, which would normally obstruct views are also being added, but due to the using virtual fans that will not be an issue. Those working inside the venue are “very optimistic about the the presentation will come across Friday”.
The majority of of the construction has been completed, and the configuration of the set was intended for something bigger, but has been scaled down due to the absence of fans.
Jon Alba of Spectrum Sports recently revealed, WWE is paying $450,000 in leasing fees to use the venue. WWE has access to the arena until October 30.
It appears Amway Center will make about $450,000 off the residency for two months. #WWE #Thunderdome https://t.co/24uFQAZfHZ
— Jon Alba (@JonAlba) August 17, 2020
Fightful Select has also obtained photos, which shows how virtual fans are presented, if you wish to see those photos, subscribe to their Patreon.