WWE Niagara Falls
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| Former type | Private |
|---|---|
| Industry | Retail |
| Fate | Closed |
| Founded | 2002 |
| Defunct | 2011 |
| Headquarters | Niagara Falls, Ontario, Canada |
| Area served | United States Canada |
| Key people | Vince McMahon (Owner) |
| Employees | 20 |
WWE Niagara Falls is a now-defunct wrestling-related retail establishment that was part of the Falls Avenue Entertainment Complex, which is located in Niagara Falls, Ontario, Canada and owned by World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE). It was the second WWE Retail Store to open up after The World (WWE), though it was the first WWE Retail Store to opearate in Canada and the first to open out of the United States. After The World (WWE)'s closure it became the only WWE Retail Store in the world.[1]
History [edit]
The facility opened on August 1, 2002 as part of the Clifton Hill strip in Niagara Falls. It was partly owned by Canadian Niagara Hotels and World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE). It was designed by Forrec of Toronto, Ontario, Canada. Fans began arriving to the grand opening the day before.[2] Several wrestlers arrived for the opening to sign autographs for fans, including Trish Stratus, Chris Benoit, and Val Venis.[2] The building featured a gift shop with WWE memorabilia and exhibitions on display, selling everything from action figures and t-shirts to books, DVDs, and autographs.[1] WWE Niagara Falls also featured video games and pay-per-views playing to entertain the visitors.[3]
WWE Niagara Falls ceased operations as of March 31, 2011.[4] The WWE decided that it was not making as much profit anymore. The retail store and ride were closed until September of the same year when the Falls Avenue Entertainment Complex opened the former complex into a general gift store. Historically, this is a second WWE retail store to be historically closed (the other being The World in New York, which opened in 1999 and closed in 2003. Hard Rock Cafe eventually took the building in 2005).
Rides [edit]
It also featured a drop tower attraction called The Pile Driver spanning 220 feet (67 m).[1] The attraction was named after a professional wrestling move known as the piledriver. This particular attraction was open from mid-May to mid-November due to seasonal demand and climate reasons. It closed at the end of the 2010 season. The ride is still waiting to pass the safety checks as of early 2013.
References [edit]
- ^ a b c "WWE Retail Store and Attraction Coming to Niagara Falls, Canada in Spring 2002". WWE Corporate. March 20, 2002. Retrieved 2008-05-23.
- ^ a b "WWE opens store in Niagara Falls". CBC Arts. August 1, 2002. Retrieved 2008-05-23.
- ^ "WWE Niagara Falls". Brock Plaza Hotel. Retrieved 2008-05-23.
- ^ http://www.411mania.com/wrestling/news/179135/WWE-News:-WWE-Niagara-Falls-Closing-Down,-Bill-DeMott-Interview,-WWE-Signs-New-Video-Content-Deal,-More.htm
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Coordinates: 43°05′29″N 79°04′27″W / 43.09129°N 79.074193°W
