Wrestlemania 36 At Raymond James Stadium Canceled: Coronavirus

TAMPA, FL — After promising last week that the April 5 Wrestlemania at Raymond James Stadium will take place despite the coronavirus outbreak, WWE officials did a turnabout Monday, announcing that the event is canceled.

The popular Wrestlemania event, which attracts visitors from around the world, was scheduled to take place for the first time in Tampa.

Graphic courtesy WWE

WWE officials said Wrestlemania will still take place at the WWE's training facility in Orlando but the event will be closed to the public.

Instead, the WWE will livestream Wrestlemania on the WWE Network April 5 starting at 7 p.m.

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Last week country music star Kenny Chesney announced he is postponing his upcoming concert at the stadium due to the coronavirus threat. Chesney's 2020 Chillaxification Tour was scheduled to come to Raymond James Stadium May 9.

"You can't take risks without really understanding the consequences," said Chesney in a press release. "In times of uncertainty, I won't take chances with those I love. I can't imagine, as much as we love being out there playing for the fans, being able to do that through the worry our nation is experiencing.

"So, while we wait to see how this terrible virus is going to impact our country, I think it's only fair to move these first several dates now," said Chesney. "We are figuring some of this out as we go, but I know people buy airline tickets, book hotel rooms - and I wanted to try to give everyone as much time to sort that out as possible."

Chesney said his touring company hopes to have alternate dates within six weeks. Those unable to attend will have their tickets refunded.

"This is all uncharted," said Chesney. "I'm like everyone else:watching the news, wondering when we may know something concrete, not sure how this gets transmitted, worried someone I know will catch it. I want to believe this will all be OK in the end; but right now, I don't feel like this risk to No Shoes Nation is worth it."

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