This bowl season, Florida Citrus Sports is opening the doors to a one-of-a-kind college football experience in the heart of downtown Orlando, as it converts the popular Reindeer Room pop-up bar into the Citrus Bowl Lodge, the country’s first bowl-themed bar, to celebrate a milestone moment in college football and Orlando history.
Debuting Friday, Dec. 26, at 4 p.m. ET, the Citrus Bowl Lodge is the latest activation in FCS’ yearlong celebration of the 80th playing of the Cheez-It Citrus Bowl, honoring eight decades of tradition, impact and unforgettable moments in Central Florida.
The Reindeer Room will operate in its traditional holiday format through Dec. 24, before reopening on Dec. 26 as a transformed Citrus Bowl destination for bowl week. The 80th edition of the game, featuring No. 13 Texas and No. 18 Michigan, is set for Dec. 31 at 3 p.m. at Camping World Stadium.
Designed as an immersive tribute to one of college football’s most enduring events, the Citrus Bowl Lodge will convert the Thornton Park venue into a bowl-themed destination celebrating the Citrus Bowl’s rich history and deep roots in Central Florida. The space will showcase:
- Historic Citrus Bowl artifacts and memorabilia
- Vintage program covers, news clippings and archival imagery spanning generations
- Custom Citrus Bowl–branded décor and immersive design elements
- Special giveaways and interactive activations throughout bowl week
- A custom food and beverage menu inspired by the history of the game and both competing teams
The Citrus Bowl Lodge will be open daily from December 26 to 31, serving as a gathering place throughout Bowl Week and leading into New Year’s Eve.
Additionally, FCS will sponsor the iconic Tangerine Drop at midnight as part of Thornton Park’s New Year’s Eve Block Party, offering fans a uniquely local way to ring in 2026 after the conclusion of the Citrus Bowl game and the postgame Jordan Davis concert, presented by Geico.
Additional details on Citrus Bowl Lodge programming, menu offerings and featured activations will be announced in due course. For more information regarding the 80th Cheez-It Citrus Bowl and other events throughout town, visit CheezItCitrusBowl.com/events.