WrestleMania III Ticket Stubs: 93,000 Strong

93,173 Strong

WrestleMania III at the Pontiac Silverdome on March 29, 1987, set the all-time indoor attendance record for a live event with 93,173 fans (a record that stood for decades). The card featured Hulk Hogan body-slamming the 520-pound Andre the Giant and Randy Savage battling Ricky Steamboat in what many consider the greatest wrestling match of all time.

Despite the massive attendance, WrestleMania III stubs are collectible because of the event's legendary status. The Silverdome was demolished in 2018, adding venue scarcity to the mix. Stubs from this event typically command $100-$400 depending on condition and seat location. The emotional resonance of the Hogan-Andre showdown ensures lasting collector demand.

The Making of Wrestling History

WrestleMania III wasn't just another wrestling show—it was the event that transformed professional wrestling into mainstream entertainment. The World Wrestling Federation (WWF) pulled out all the stops, with Aretha Franklin singing "America the Beautiful" and a celebrity-packed crowd that included Chuck Norris, Alice Cooper, and Mary Hart. The event was broadcast live on pay-per-view and closed-circuit television to millions more worldwide.

The main event between Hulk Hogan and Andre the Giant was billed as "The Body Slam Heard 'Round the World," and for good reason. Andre had been undefeated for 15 years, and many fans genuinely believed Hogan couldn't lift the massive Frenchman. When Hogan successfully body-slammed Andre and dropped the leg drop for the victory, it created one of wrestling's most iconic moments.

The undercard was equally stellar, featuring the Intercontinental Championship match between Randy "Macho Man" Savage and Ricky "The Dragon" Steamboat—a technical masterpiece that many wrestling historians still consider the greatest match ever performed at a WrestleMania event.

Pontiac Silverdome: Wrestling's Grandest Stage

The Pontiac Silverdome in Michigan provided the perfect venue for this historic spectacle. Originally built in 1975 as the home of the Detroit Lions, the dome had hosted Super Bowl XVI and numerous other major sporting events. For WrestleMania III, the venue was configured specifically for wrestling, with the ring positioned to maximize sightlines for the record-breaking crowd.

The venue's demolition in 2018 has added significant historical value to WrestleMania III ticket stubs. Unlike venues that still host events today, the Silverdome exists only in memory and memorabilia. This "venue scarcity" factor has become increasingly important in sports memorabilia collecting, similar to how tickets from demolished ballparks like the original Yankee Stadium command premium prices.

Ticket Design and Variations

WrestleMania III tickets featured the classic WWF logo and distinctive graphics that captured the event's epic scale. Tickets were printed in multiple price tiers, ranging from general admission to premium ringside seats. The color coding varied by section, with ringside tickets typically featuring gold or silver accents, while upper-level seats used more basic designs.

Some tickets also featured special promotional text highlighting the Hogan vs. Andre main event. These promotional variations are particularly sought after by collectors who focus on wrestling memorabilia from the 1980s golden era.

Current Market Values for WrestleMania III Stubs

The collectible ticket stub market for WrestleMania III has remained remarkably strong over the decades. Current values depend heavily on several key factors:

Condition and Grading

Like all vintage ticket stubs, condition is paramount. A pristine, unused WrestleMania III ticket stub in mint condition can command $300-$500, while heavily creased or torn stubs might only bring $75-$150. Professional grading through companies like PSA (Professional Sports Authenticator) can significantly increase value for high-grade specimens.

PSA 9 and PSA 10 graded WrestleMania III stubs have sold for $400-$800, with the premium reflecting both the rarity of high-grade examples and the increased confidence buyers have in authenticated items.

Seat Location Premium

Ringside and floor-level ticket stubs carry substantial premiums over upper-deck examples. A ringside WrestleMania III stub in good condition typically sells for $400-$700, while general admission or upper-level stubs might bring $100-$250. The logic is simple: closer seats meant better views of Hogan's historic body slam.

VIP and hospitality tickets, which were relatively rare in 1987, can command even higher premiums when they surface in the market.

Why WrestleMania III Stubs Continue to Appreciate

Several factors contribute to the sustained collector interest in these Pontiac Silverdome ticket stubs. First, the event represents a generational touchstone for wrestling fans who grew up during the 1980s wrestling boom. As these fans reach peak earning years, they're increasingly willing to pay premium prices for tangible connections to their childhood memories.

Second, WrestleMania III is widely regarded as the event that established WrestleMania as wrestling's equivalent to the Super Bowl. While WrestleMania I tickets may have started the tradition, WrestleMania III proved the concept could work on a massive scale.

Third, the broader appreciation for 1980s pop culture has lifted all boats in the vintage wrestling memorabilia market. Just as WCW Monday Nitro stubs have gained value due to renewed interest in the Monday Night Wars, WrestleMania III benefits from nostalgia for wrestling's golden age.

Authentication and Storage Tips

Given the values involved, proper authentication and storage are crucial for WrestleMania III ticket stubs. Original tickets should show appropriate aging for a 35+ year old piece of paper, with period-correct printing techniques and paper stock. Be wary of reproduction tickets that occasionally surface on auction sites.

For storage, keep stubs in acid-free holders away from direct sunlight and moisture. Temperature fluctuations can cause paper to expand and contract, leading to creasing and deterioration. Many collectors use penny sleeves and top-loaders similar to trading card storage systems.

If you're considering professional grading, ensure the stub is complete with all perforated sections intact. Missing tear-off portions or excessive handling damage will significantly impact grades and values.

The Broader Wrestling Ticket Collecting Market

WrestleMania III ticket stubs represent just one segment of the thriving wrestling memorabilia market. Other high-value categories include ECW ticket stubs from the promotion's cult-favorite ECW Arena shows and Royal Rumble tickets from memorable events featuring surprise returns and debuts.

What sets WrestleMania III apart is its mainstream crossover appeal. While hardcore wrestling fans drive demand for more niche promotions, WrestleMania III attracts collectors from the broader sports memorabilia market who recognize its cultural significance.

Selling Your WrestleMania III Ticket Stub

If you've discovered a WrestleMania III ticket stub among your memorabilia, you're holding a genuine piece of sports entertainment history. The combination of the event's legendary status, the demolished venue, and sustained collector demand makes these stubs among the most valuable wrestling tickets ever produced.

At StubHaul, we understand the significance of WrestleMania III and regularly purchase these historic ticket stubs from collectors and fans. Our team includes wrestling memorabilia specialists who can properly evaluate your stub's condition, rarity, and market value. We offer competitive pricing based on current market conditions and provide free, no-obligation cash offers for authentic WrestleMania III stubs.

Whether your ticket stub is from ringside seats or the upper deck, whether it's graded or ungraded, we're interested in making a fair offer. Contact StubHaul today to learn what your piece of WrestleMania history could be worth in today's robust collecting market.