By Luis Monteagudo Jr.
Updated at 5 p.m. Nov. 21, 2017
One of World Wrestling Entertainment‘s most popular events is coming to San Diego in two weeks.
The WWE announced Monday that its 15th annual “Tribute to the Troops” show will be held Tuesday, Dec. 5, at Naval Base San Diego. That will be followed by a two-hour broadcast of the show on Dec. 14 on the USA Network.
“It is a privilege to honor our servicemen and women for their commitment and sacrifice to our nation,” WWE Chairman & CEO Vince McMahon said, in a statement. “Tribute to the Troops is our most meaningful show of the year, and we are proud to continue the tradition at Naval Base San Diego
“Tribute to the Troops” was started in 2003 by the WWE as a way to honor U.S. service men and women, and their families. The show has featured wrestling matches but also visits by WWE wrestlers and performers at military bases around the world, including combat zones in the Middle East. It has also included celebrities and musical performances.
“We are thrilled to welcome WWE for their 15th annual Tribute to the Troops celebration, continuing what has become a great tradition during the holiday season,” said Capt. Roy Love,* Naval Base San Diego commanding officer. “The servicemen and women of San Diego could not be more excited, and look forward to participating in this inspirational event.”
The lineup for the San Diego show has not been announced yet. But the WWE said scheduled aactivities will include a Be a STAR bullying prevention rally, as well as hospital visits and military outreach initiatives at various installations, including Naval Base San Diego, Naval Air Station North Island and San Diego Naval Medical Center.
The shows on the military bases are usually only for service men and women who can get on the base, and their families. But the WWE is scheduled to hold a taping of its “Smackdown” television show later that same day at the Valley View Casino Center on Sports Arena Boulevard. Tickets for that show are still available.
*An earlier version of this story incorrectly attributed quote to Charles Womack.
Luis Monteagudo Jr. is a freelance writer and pop culture enthusiast who has attended Comic-Con for more than 20 years. He has written for The San Diego Union-Tribune, USA Today and numerous other publications.