WrestleMania Draws Big Crowds, Money
Link: http://www.wesh.com/entertainment/15719730/detail.html

ORLANDO, Fla. -- The biggest crowd in the history of the Citrus Bowl will pack the stands for WrestleMania 24 on Sunday.

About 70,000 people are expected to attend the event that has drawn in fans from all 50 states and 24 counties, and it will mean big money for Central Florida.

The event will bring in between $25 million to $35 million.

"It's an opportunity to showcase the Orlando brand to a worldwide audience," said John Saboor of the Central Florida Sports Commission.

Leila and C.M. Punk visited an Orlando Wal-Mart, signing autographs and posing for pictures.

"This is the first appearance of, like, 12 I'm doing in the next couple of days," said Punk.

Veteran professional wresting manager Jimmy Hart said he's just glad to still be a part of the action.

"Can you believe it, at my age?" said Hart. "This is great. I pinch myself all the time and say, 'Man, am I the luckiest guy in the world."

WrestleMania has evolved into something more than a Sunday night show. The event will also serve as a way for wrestlers to showcase their other talents and to give back to the community.

For the first time, the World Wrestling Entertainment will auction off some the wrestlers' original artwork to benefit local charities.

"Ninety-nine percent of these guys have other talents, other abilities," said WWE wrestler Jerry Lawler. "There's a lot more that they bring to the table then just what people see on television."

After WrestleMania on Sunday, organizers will begin working to bring the event back in 2012.

"This is a week that I don't think Orlando will soon forget," Saboor said.

Credit: A1 Wrestling Newsletter

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