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As Orlando celebrates being named the No. 1 sports business destination by Sports Business Journal, one of its older venues is getting ready for a new renovation.
The Orange County Commission recently approved spending $400 million in tourism development tax funds for renovations and upgrades to Camping World Stadium that began in 2014.
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These funds will be used to replace the upper deck with 18,000 seats and will be reallocated to provide wider aisles and more legroom for spectators. It will also connect the east and west sides of the stadium.
Plans also include construction of a 100,000-square-foot fieldhouse that will be used to host medium-sized events.
Final details of the project are still being worked out. Still, Florida Citrus Sports CEO Steve Hogan said if the design and planning stages are completed this year, construction could begin in 2025 and be completed in time for the 2027 college football season. I have an optimistic view.
“That’s what we’re all working towards and we hope that happens,” Hogan said. You don’t want it to be postponed until the 2027 football season or the end of the season, but we’ll do what you have to do to get the job done. ”
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The 60,000-seat stadium has hosted a variety of events during its 88-year history, including the NFL Pro Bowl, college football bowl games, WrestleMania, World Cup soccer events and concerts. FCS recently announced that the same venue will host a soccer match between Manchester City and Barcelona in July.
Hogan doesn’t think the project will prevent the stadium from hosting events, although capacity may be limited.
“We don’t want to displace businesses, but again, please note that we’re going to do what’s best for the community,” he said. “If there is a compelling reason to cancel an event or two because it takes weeks or months to meet the schedule, everyone will try hard not to do so.
“We’re trying to build something that will last 20, 30 years. We’re not trying to build for one or two or three events in the next two or three years.”
Another potential business could be temporary housing for the NFL’s Jacksonville Jaguars.
The Jaguars are planning multibillion-dollar upgrades to TIAA Bank Field that will require the team to play its home games away from Jacksonville for two seasons (2026-27). Some options include Ben Hill Griffin Stadium and Camping World Stadium in Florida.
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It’s no secret that the FCS is interested in bringing the Jaguars to Central Florida, at least temporarily.
“We have had discussions with the Jags and will continue to have discussions,” Hogan said. “Orlando would enjoy seeing regular season NFL football played here. I still believe it will be. Whether we have the opportunity to host it or not. [a team] We always talk about it and work on it while someone is in construction or any other opportunity.
“But this seems like probably the most obvious opportunity now that the Jags have to get out of the building.”
Camping World Stadium has hosted teams from the semi-professional football leagues (WFL, USFL, UFL). Most recently, his stadium became the home of the XFL’s Orlando Guardians.
Before anything is worked out, there remains the challenge of figuring out the construction schedule.
“That must be the main driver right now: What does our schedule look like? How can we do it cost-effectively and maximize TDT funding to be the most competitive Can we build a strong stadium?” Hogan said. “If we want something and we take this opportunity, we have to get this campus done in the most cost-effective way possible.”
Hogan said FCS continues to actively book more college football events beyond the Cheez-It Citrus and Pop Tarts bowls, including last season’s neutral-field opener between LSU and Florida State. He said he is doing so.
“Our postseason history is very important, but I think there are a lot more opportunities in college football,” he said. I love the spring game and the kickoff game, and I look forward to being active financially in the organization, the community, and as a leader in those areas. ”
Email Matt Murschel at mmurschel@orlandosentinel.com or follow him on X. @osmattmurschel.
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