LEFT TO RIGHT - COMMISSIONER ROSE, CITY OF ORLANDO; ALLEN JOHNSON, CITY OF ORLANDO; STEVE HOGAN, FLORIDA CITRUS SPORTS, PHOTO VIA CAMPING WORLD STADIUM
Orlando has officially broken ground on a $400 million renovation of Camping World Stadium, a project city and county leaders say will modernize the venue, boost its competitiveness for major sports and entertainment events, and help position Central Florida as a top destination on the national stage.
Construction crews began work in early February, but officially kicked off the work early Wednesday morning, clearing sections of the site and preparing for a multi-year overhaul funded largely by Orange County’s Tourist Development Tax, a surcharge on hotel and short-term rental stays.
The renovation will touch nearly every part of the stadium, with expanded seating capacity increasing to about 65,000 and significant upgrades to internal systems, premium spaces, and fan amenities. Among the major improvements planned are rebuilt upper seating bowls, wider concourses and concessions, upgraded ADA access, premium suites, storm-resilient structural enhancements and a retractable stage pocket designed to accommodate large concerts and festivals.
City and stadium officials say the project is not just about cosmetic upgrades but about keeping the 90-year-old venue competitive for the biggest events, including bowl games and international soccer matches, as well as larger concerts and potentially NFL games (looking at you, Jacksonville). Renderings released in 2025 show a sleek, modern exterior with hurricane-resistant design features that will blend structural safety with visual appeal.
One high-profile possibility tied to the timing of the project is a temporary home for the Jacksonville Jaguars during the 2027 NFL season, as their own EverBank Stadium in Jacksonville undergoes renovation. While nothing is finalized (despite earlier reports), officials have said the upgrades could make Camping World Stadium a viable option if the NFL approves.
Work is being phased so that many events can continue at the venue during construction, and officials say the project is designed to wrap by late 2027. And they were adamant during Wednesday’s media event that they would meet that goal.
