Orlando Releases Renderings For $400 Million Refresh At Camping World Stadium

The City of Orlando released renderings this week for a $400 million upgrade to Camping World Stadium that will modernize the facility and provide a competitive advantage when attracting major events to Central Florida.

The venue is owned and operated by the city and the proposed project will be funded by Orange County’s Tourism Development Tax. Plans include new premium suites, updated safety systems and a retractable stage pocket for large concerts and events. The Municipal Planning Board will review the project on Aug. 19. 

“While Camping World Stadium is coming off its busiest month in its decades-long history, we’re genuinely excited for the many upgrades and enhancements that will benefit artists, athletes, promoters and fans well into the future.,” says Allen Johnson, Orlando Venues Chief Venues Officer. “The project scope includes increasing overall seating capacity, rebuilding the upper bowl, creating a retractable stage pocket to yield more sellable inventory, improving vertical transportation, providing all new amenities and elevating the back-of-house experience, among other areas. As Orlando continues to grow and thrive, the continued modernization of the stadium will keep us competitive and attract in-demand events year round.”

Created by DLR Group, the designs include a complete rebuild of the east and west upper seating sections and a new upper bowl section on the north end. The renovations will return stadium capacity 65,000. A $207 million overhaul in 2014 had reduced the number of seats to 60,000; other renovations were made in 1999-2002 and 2021. 

According to the DLR Group design narrative: “Upon completion the Stadium will stand tall as a competitive venue of its scale to host the largest and best events in its class and increase revenue to the City of Orlando.”

The stadium was initially constructed as a Works Progress Administration under President Franklin D. Roosevelt during the Great Depression. When it opened as Orlando Stadium in 1936, it had a capacity of 8,900.

Designed for football, the stadium was used as a film location for the 1998 Adam Sandler move “The Waterboy.” Today Camping World Stadium is home to high-profile college football events including the Cheez-It Citrus Bowl, the Pop-Tarts Bowl and the Florida Classic between Florida A&M and Bethune-Cookman. The stadium upgrades could make the venue a viable option for the NFL Jacksonville Jaguars in 2027 during their home field renovations at EverBank Stadium. 

In addition to football, the stadium has hosted events like WrestleMania and a variety of major concerts including Billy Joel, Garth Brooks, Paul McCartney, Metallica, Eagles, Jimmy Buffett and Guns N’ Roses. Coming up, The Weeknd performs Aug. 24, followed by Chris Brown on Sept. 30 and Vans Warped Tour Nov. 15-16.

The renovations are designed to improve amenities aimed at enhancing the fan experience including all-new seating throughout the stadium, premium suites and elevated hospitality. A new exterior façade and entry gate canopies are planned along with hurricane bracing incorporated as an aesthetic and structural feature.

It is unclear if Camping World will retain its title sponsorship following the renovation and a construction timeline has not yet been announced, but completion is anticipated by late 2027.