Central Florida Leaders Announce Deal For Citrus Bowl Renovations

Orlando Mayor Buddy Dyer and Orange County Mayor Teresa Jacobs announced an agreement to start a planned $175 million renovation of the Florida Citrus Bowl Stadium following the 2014 Capital One Bowl. It’s a great day for a facility that has hosted all but one game in the history of our bowl — without any previous renovations along the way.

Today, there is some joy in Mudville, home of the 2010 Capital One Bowl (I’ve been dying to use that line). The Citrus Bowl, which was originally constructed in 1936, has seen several additions but no full renovations. This new agreement will deliver a completely new lower bowl, essentially giving Orlando a brand new facility. The changes are set to begin no later than January 2014, which means they will be completed during the next contract cycle. It’s great timing for us as we’re about to begin negotiations with our various partners among the changing landscape of college football’s postseason.

More details about the announcement and the deal are available at FloridaCitrusSports.com. Here’s some coverage from local and national media:

Orlando Sentinel article by Mark Sclueb & David Damron
Orlando Sentinel commentary by George Diaz
Orlando Sentinel commentary by Matt Murschel 
Associated Press article by Kyle Hightower (via Tampa Bay Times)
ESPN.com Big Ten Blog post by Adam Rittenberg

It’s a great day for Orlando, a great day for FCSports and a great day for college football fans. We work hard to make the Capital One Bowl one of the best fan experiences in the country and a new Citrus Bowl is going to be like a brand new toy for us to play in.