The Orlando Citrus Bowl has a new name now. Admittedly, it is tough to see the traditional name go.
The Orlando Citrus Bowl will now be known as Camping World Stadium, Camping World CEO and MSNBC television personality Marcus Lemonis said on Twitter:
Very proud to announce the @CampingWorld stadium in @orlandosentinel #orlando #florida @espn @USATODAY @UniversalORL pic.twitter.com/xIbNH75bwD
— Marcus Lemonis (@marcuslemonis) April 26, 2016
Camping World will also become the presenting sponsor for Orlando’s new kickoff game which will have its inaugural game this Labor Day when Ole Miss takes on Florida State. Florida Citrus Sports also announced officially that Florida will take on Miami in the 2019 edition of the Camping World Kickoff, as has been previously reported.
“We’re proud to integrate Camping World, a brand that is the leader in its industry, with all that we continue to do at Camping World Stadium to grow economic impact and improve the quality of life for Central Floridians,” Steve Hogan, CEO of FCSports, told the Orlando Sentinel. “The commitment to both the stadium and the Camping World Kickoff series will ensure that together we deliver on our promises to this community for years to come, and build on the rich heritage of this venue.”
It is a bit disappointing to see the official Citrus Bowl moniker go.
The stadium has been in Orlando since 1936 when it was known as the Tangerine Bowl. It has had Citrus Bowl in the name since 1983. And the Citrus Bowl has been the name of the marquee bowl event since virtually that time (it was originally the Tangerine Bowl until 1983 and then spent some time as the Capital One Bowl from 2003-2014).
The Citrus Bowl will live on with the name of the Buffalo Wild Wings Citrus Bowl.
The stadium underwent massive renovations in 2014 thanks to the venues deal that built the Amway Center and Dr. Phillips Performing Arts Center. It has created an entirely new stadium experience. That has helped the Citrus Bowl host some major events it would not have gotten before — including some big outdoor concerts.
Camping World is jumping in at a good time with the stadium. There is obviously Orlando City playing its second season in MLS in the stadium right now (it will be the last before moving to its new stadium) and the three big bowl games — the Buffalo Wild Wings Citrus Bowl, the Russell Athletic Bowl and the AutoNation Cure Bowl — plus the kickoff game. WrestleMania is also headed to the now Camping World Stadium in April 2017.
And now Orlando is trying to get the NFL Pro Bowl and possibly a preseason or regular season game in the stadium.
It is an exciting time for Orlando and Orlando’s football stadium. Camping World is certainly jumping in at a good time. It will take some getting used to with the new name though.
