There’s no doubt about it, WWE is the largest and most famous pro-wrestling company on the planet. After rocketing to fame in the 1980s, the organization brought wrestling to the masses, and now broadcasts its shows to more than one billion households worldwide.
Every week, WWE shows take place in packed arenas across the United States and abroad, as fans flock to see the promotion's trademark blend of hard-hitting combat, death-defying acrobatics, and live theater. Throw in lights, music, electrifying atmosphere, and larger-than-life stars in the ring, and you have a WWE event – one of the most unique experiences in all of sport.
From entry gates to food and drink, this guide will cover all you need to know for your trip to see the likes of Roman Reigns, CM Punk, Cody Rhodes, and Bianca Belair in action. For more specific information on tickets, including where to buy them and how much they might cost, check out our Buying WWE Tickets Guide.
- What to Bring and Wear
- When to Arrive
- Venue Parking and Transport
- Entry Gates
- Finding Your Seat
- WWE Format and Schedule
- Crowds and Other Fans
- Taking Photographs and Videos
- Autographs
- Merchandise
- Food and Drink
- Toilets/Restrooms
- Leaving and Exiting the Venue
- Make the Most of It
What to Bring and Wear
The most important thing to bring to any WWE event is your ticket. Official suppliers like Ticketmaster are likely to supply e-tickets that can be scanned through an app. Other suppliers or resellers may provide tickets digitally or send them via email. Always remember to check information from the supplier regarding whether your ticket needs to be presented on a mobile device, or printed out at home.
WWE events are relaxed affairs, and there is no official dress code. Casual attire is the most popular choice for fans, with many choosing to wear standard items like t-shirts and jeans. All WWE stars have a wide range of merchandise to choose from, so wrestling-related t-shirts are common, and many spectators will wear items that show support for their favorite wrestlers, or even dress as their favorite stars. Wrestling masks, made popular by Mexico’s legendary luchadores, are permitted at WWE events, but not while moving through arena or stadium. For more information or inspiration, check out the Merchandise section of this guide.
Most WWE shows are held at indoor arenas, meaning weather is not usually a consideration for fans in attendance. However, WWE’s biggest Premium Live Events (PLEs), such as WrestleMania and SummerSlam, often take place in stadiums, so it’s important to check whether the venue has a roof, and what the weather is set to be like on the day of the event. To help, Koobit lists current and average weather information on its event pages. Light raincoats, and/or warm weather gear might be required as necessary.
Like almost all live sports events, WWE has a strict security policy. Fans are permitted to bring bags, as long as they are clear plastic, vinyl or PVC and do not exceed 12”x12”x6”. One gallon plastic zip lock bags and clutch-style purses smaller than 4.6” x 6.6” are also allowed.
Among the unique items permitted at WWE events are crowd signs, which provide a quirky way for WWE fans to air their thoughts, though they must be made from paper materials (not wood or metal) and wording will be monitored by staff. Similarly, replica title belts can also be brought into the arena, but Money in the Bank briefcases can only be purchased once you are inside.
There is a long list of prohibited items for WWE events, and these can be checked in full on the WWE website. The list includes country flags, selfie sticks, cameras with detachable lenses, and laser pointers. While it is sometimes at the discretion of the venue, food and drink is also not generally allowed to be taken into WWE events, but there are usually plenty of options for purchase once inside.
When to Arrive
Doors typically open 1.5 hours before the listed start time for most WWE events. The only exception to this may be major Premium Live Events, especially stadium shows like WrestleMania and SummerSlam, where gates are likely to open 2 hours ahead of the show.
Security measures in place at WWE shows can slow down your entry significantly, so it’s best to arrive as early as possible. Arriving early also gives you a chance to shop for merchandise when stalls are less busy, as well as ensuring you catch any dark (non-televised) matches that may take place to warm up the crowd. Pre-show dark matches are most likely to happen in the 30 minutes leading up to the event start time.
Venue Parking and Transport
WWE events take place at major arenas and stadiums, and almost all venues will have some parking available onsite. Purchasing parking in advance is the best way to guarantee yourself a space, and so Koobit recommends you visit the venue’s website directly, where prepaid parking may be available to buy.
Even if there is no onsite parking available, the venue is likely to be close to a range of public lots and parking facilities. Reseller sites like Stubhub and Vivid Seats often list parking for sale, while dedicated parking sites like Spot Hero are also a helpful resource when trying to secure yourself a space. See Koobit’s Buying WWE Tickets Guide for more on this subject.
Driving is generally the most popular way to get to a WWE event, especially at venues outside busy city areas, so be prepared for traffic congestion and leave plenty of time for your journey. For stadiums and arenas in Downtown areas or in cities with strong public transport links, it’s probably best to take the train, bus, or streetcar to the event as it can make for quicker journeys both to and from the show. Remember to double-check the latest travel info when using public transport to ensure there are no delays or closures on your planned route.
For more information on traveling to a WWE event, visit the relevant venue’s Travel & Parking section on Koobit.
Entry Gates
Venues holding WWE events can boast capacities from 1,000 – 90,000 depending on the show, which means there can be anywhere between 1–15 gates. Your ticket will typically specify which entrance you should use. Bear in mind, for arena shows, you may need to enter the venue through a main outside entrance before finding your specific gate for the seating bowl.
Always expect security checks upon entering a WWE show; you may need to pass through a metal detector or volunteer your bag to be searched. Staff will generally be on hand to scan your ticket before you enter. Long queues are possible at gates, especially when doors open or just before the show begins, so try to arrive in plenty of time to avoid missing any of the action.
Finding Your Seat
The arena layout for WWE events is relatively simple, and always the same. The stage where wrestlers enter from is located at one end of the arena and is connected, by a ramp or walkway, to the ring. The ring is where all the main action takes place, and it can be found in the center of the arena floor. Seats, on various levels, surround the ring, beginning with Ringside Floor seats (located on the arena floor, closest to the action), and generally finishing with Upper Level seats (2, 3, or 4 levels high, furthest from the action).
To find your seat at a WWE event, you will need a section number (102, 205, 312), a row (usually letters, like B, F, GG), and a seat number (04, 12, 98). Generally, the first digit of the section number indicates the level on which you’ll be sitting (for example, numbers in the 100s are usually quite low down, while numbers in the 300s are probably quite high up). Sections with Floor in their name, or with letters instead of numbers, are generally Ringside Floor seats. If you have any trouble finding your seat, don’t hesitate to ask an usher or member of staff, of which there should be plenty on hand.
To ensure that you don’t miss any dark matches or pre-show action, it’s best to be in your seat at least 30 minutes before the event start time. You are free to leave the seating bowl at any time, but it will be easiest to do so in between matches when people are not focusing on the ring.
For more in-depth information on specific ticket types for WWE events, visit Koobit’s Buying WWE Tickets Guide.
WWE Format and Schedule
WWE events are organized around a card of matches, with various promos, performances, interview segments, and appearances taking place in the gaps between each bout. Depending on the event, shows can have vastly different numbers of matches and total runtimes. For instance, standard weekly TV shows like Monday Night Raw and Friday Night SmackDown run for 2 hours at present, while Premium Live Events, like the Royal Rumble, can last over 3 hours. WrestleMania, which now takes place over 2 nights, is usually WWE’s longest show and has been known to last for up to 4 hours on each night. It’s common for weekly shows to have no less than 5 matches, and for PLE’s to have no more than 10.
Crowds and Other Fans
WWE crowds are known for creating an electric atmosphere at events as they respond to their favorite stars in the ring, but shows are also famously family friendly. With WWE fans of all ages in the crowd, everyone can enjoy cheering for their favorites, booing the wrestlers they dislike, and chanting along with the action. If you ever need a break, the concourse is a great place to escape the noise (shows can have loud music and pyrotechnics), and many arenas now have quiet rooms for those who need them.
Fans who want to take their experience to the next level might want to explore one of WWE’s official experience packages, which include exclusive activities, such as meet & greets with your favorite wrestlers, and the chance to walk the aisle like a true WWE Superstar.
Taking Photographs and Videos
You are allowed to take photographs and videos at WWE events, provided they are for personal use only. Please note that cameras with detachable lenses, video cameras, recording devices, and selfie sticks are prohibited at all shows.
Autographs
Trying to grab an autograph at a wrestling show is a popular activity, but with WWE being such a major organization, it’s not as easy as it once was. The days of waiting for hours outside venues have mostly passed, but there are still options available for fans on the lookout for an autograph.
While you won’t get to meet your favorite star in person, one of the easiest ways to snag an autograph is at merchandise tables. Many stalls at WWE events, especially smaller shows, will offer autographed items for you to buy without the long lines or expense associated with other methods.
Another way to secure a signature is by purchasing an official WWE experience package that includes a meet & greet or signing. You won’t always be able to choose which wrestlers you meet, but you’ll be sure to come away with an autograph from one, or some, of the company’s top stars.
Finally, the most popular way to get autographs from WWE stars is by attending an official signing. WWE regularly advertises signings in stores around the USA, and wrestlers will also be available for signings at fan fest events like World at WrestleMania. Keep an eye on WWE’s event page and social media pages to see who will be attending their next autograph sessions.
Merchandise
You’ll never be short of merchandise at a WWE event. Most shows have numerous stalls, stands, and tables where you can purchase official wrestler merchandise, as well as WWE title belts, posters, and more.
While it can be fun to browse merchandise at the event, it is generally cheaper to buy your favorite WWE gear online in advance. To get ready for an upcoming WWE show, visit Fanatics' official WWE store and check out the wide range of merchandise on offer.
Food and Drink
WWE visits so many venues each year that it’s hard to nail down exactly what food and drink will be on offer when you go to a show, but in general – aside from WWE’s smallest local NXT events, where food and drink may be very limited – venues will have a significant selection available. Among the most popular food and drink items for fans at WWE events are hot dogs, burgers, popcorn, chicken fingers, fries, and soda, as well as alcoholic beverages like beer. Ultimately, what you will be able to enjoy at the event depends on the venue – stadiums like Lincoln Financial Field or the Superdome will have a huge range of options, whereas small civic centers may only have a few.
Like most US sports events, spectators can take food and drink to their seats at a WWE show, and you’re free to visit concession stands whenever you like, though they may close up to an hour before the event is due to end. Remember, buying in the venue can be expensive, so if you’re on a budget, it might be best to eat beforehand and stick to water or soda in the venue. Outside food and drink is not generally permitted at WWE events, but feel free to check with the relevant arena or stadium before you visit. Many modern venues are now cashless, so you are likely to need a credit or debit card for your purchases, though brining both cash and card will ensure you have all bases covered.
Toilets/Restrooms
WWE venues will have plenty of restrooms available for fans on all levels. Newer venues are likely to have more facilities, but in general, you’re never likely to be more than 2 sections from a bathroom. Rocket Mortgage Fieldhouse in Cleveland, for example, is a regular stop for WWE and has around 50 public restrooms, including family restrooms, spread across its 3 seating levels. All restrooms at the arena are wheelchair accessible.
The best time to visit the restroom at a WWE event is well before the event begins so that you do not miss any of the action. If you do need to make a trip during the show, try and do so during a segment between matches, or, if you want to avoid any lines, visit the restroom during a match featuring wrestlers you are less interested in.
Leaving and Exiting the Venue
Fans wanting to beat the traffic may start to leave WWE events as the final match appears to be nearing an end, or as soon as the ref counts the final pin. While there is no harm in doing this, especially if you are short on time, you may be missing out on surprises or extra matches. For instance, at Premium Live Events, the final match is sometimes followed by a surprise appearance or victory speech from the winner of the main event. Similarly, televised shows like Raw and SmackDown are often followed by an extra dark match or a promo from one of the company’s top stars. Consequently, it’s best not to rush off after the main event if your schedule allows. Crowds at modern arenas tend to disperse fairly quickly once the show is over, and post-show can also be a good time for one last look at the merchandise stand while you wait for any congestion to clear.
Make the Most of It
WWE is the very best the pro-wrestling world has to offer, and attending a show is all about escapism and enjoyment. To ensure your day runs smoothly, plan ahead and consider researching anything you’re not sure about, but once you arrive, just immerse yourself in the crazy world of WWE and you’re sure to have a great time!