Construction crews are already tearing into Camping World Stadium near downtown Orlando, kicking off a $400 million modernization project that will reshape one of Florida's most storied sports venues. The fully Tourism Development Tax-funded effort will expand seating from 60,000 to 65,000, rebuild the upper bowl, add new luxury suites, put a fresh metallic exterior on the building, and construct a new 140,000-square-foot multi-purpose event center right next door.
Florida Citrus Sports CEO Steve Hogan says the goal is completion by September 2027 — just in time for the Jacksonville Jaguars to play what's expected to be one preseason game and six or seven regular-season games at the stadium while EverBank Stadium undergoes its own renovation. It would mark the first regular-season NFL games in Camping World Stadium's 90-year history.
But the Jaguars are only the headline act on a longer wish list. Hogan confirmed that WWE is already set to return, and FCS is actively pursuing the Army-Navy Game — potentially in the 2030–2032 window — which has never been held in the South. Orlando is also making a push to extend the Florida Classic (the annual FAMU vs. Bethune-Cookman matchup) for another five-year run, and Hogan has expressed interest in landing the FCS National Championship Game and positioning the city for a College Football Playoff host bid.
Meanwhile, pedestrian access around the stadium will also improve, thanks to a parallel Central Florida Expressway Authority project to widen State Road 408 near I-4, including streetscape upgrades along Tampa Avenue, Carter Street, Long Street, and Rio Grande Avenue.
The Citrus Bowl and Pop-Tarts Bowl are expected to remain at the venue as well, keeping Orlando's postseason college football presence intact throughout the renovation period. This story was originally reported by the Orlando Sentinel.
