Camping World Stadium ren­o­vation expected to bring bigger events to Central Florida

ORLANDO, Fla. — Spectrum News 13 is learning more about what Orlando’s $400 million renovation of Camping World Stadium could mean for Central Florida residents and for efforts to attract more tourists from around the world.

City officials say that the remodel will bring a modern facility with better seating that can attract bigger events in the future. It’s all paid for by the TDT tax tourists pay when they stay in Orlando hotels, motels and Airbnbs.

Drone video shows work underway at Camping World Stadium on a massive renovation. Orlando City officials say the facelift for 650,000 square feet of space will position the stadium to attract world-class events for years to come. Orlando’s Chief Venues Officer Allen Johnson says the renovations will help Orlando host larger concerts and top-name bands.

“We’re going to add a new stage pocket, which will allow us to expand our capacity for concerts, make us more competitive with some other venues in the state of Florida,” Johnson said.

Project designer DLR Group's renderings showcase highlights of the $400 million project. The stadium will have more than 65,000 seats with new seating in the upper deck terrace level, new concessions and restrooms, and a new North Tower with more private suites.

Glenn Closson is CEO of Ivanhoe Park Lager House, a few blocks from the stadium. He says sports events boost his business as fans grab brews and food after the game, and concerts also fill seats here.

“If we open special hours for a Tuesday when we’re not normally open, and there’s a concert that night, we actually see some of our best nights,” Closson said.

Orlando Commissioner Shan Rose says Camping World hosting the Jacksonville Jaguars’ home games for their 2027 season following the recent World Cup matches here shows how Orlando is becoming a sports tourism leader.

“The Olympics coming in 2028, we are continuing to be the world-class city that internationals want to come,” Rose said.

Closson hopes the massive makeover will help beer go hand in hand with sports and music for years to come.

“I think the economic drive impacts every shop that’s local, any business that’s local,” Closson said.

Johnson adds that the renovation will position Orlando to go after national championship games, pre-season pro sports games, NCAA kickoff classics, and any major concert tours. That’s an economic and entertainment boost for Central Florida residents.

The project is expected to be completed in the summer of 2027.

It’s also worth noting that Florida Citrus Sports has a pending TDT application requesting $54 million for a new parking structure.