The renovations could be done by '20, with funding coming from the Orange County hotel taxgetty images
Camping World Stadium will get $60M in "upgrades, which could help bolster Orlando's push" to host '26 FIFA World Cup matches, according to Iliana Limon Romero of the ORLANDO SENTINEL. The last "wave of funding" comes five years after a $207M "renovation on what was then known as the Citrus Bowl." Florida Citrus Sports CEO Steve Hogan said that the new upgrades, including "more premium seating, were trimmed from the original renovation because of cost concerns." The next round of $60M upgrades will "help strengthen the venue's World Cup application and put it in better position to apply for other events." The renovations "could be completed as early" as '20. The money will come from the Orange County "tourist-development tax, also known as the hotel tax." Hogan said that the stadium proposal would "improve surrounding parking areas, modernize upper-level restrooms and concession areas" and connect the east and west concourses. The plan also is "intended to diversify seating options and prices and improve the experience for club-level patrons" (ORLANDO SENTINEL, 8/8).
BRINGING IT BACK: The SENTINEL's Romero notes Orlando will "host the Pro Bowl for the fourth consecutive year, with the NFL announcing it will play" the '20 game at Camping World Stadium. While Florida Citrus Sports and Orlando officials had "hoped to bring the game back, the NFL was rumored to be exploring hosting it in warm weather Super Bowl cities." In '20, the league "could have moved to Miami" ahead of Super Bowl LIV being "scheduled to be played at Hard Rock Stadium." The '19 Pro Bowl at Camping World Stadium was "hampered by heavy rain and did not sell out" (ORLANDO SENTINEL, 8/8).
