Florida Citrus Sports unveiled concept renderings of a fully renovated Camping World Stadium Monday as the organization continues its push to update the downtown venue.
The drawings are part of FCS’s push to the Orange County Board of Commissioners for consideration for possible funding the Tourist Development Tax (TDT) provides. A board is meeting on Tuesday and while TDT isn’t on the agenda, the issue could be discussed off-agenda.
Orange County reported over $300 million in reserve accounts funded by TDT, a 6% tax on hotel stays and short-term rentals. The money is earmarked to promote area tourism.
Steve Hogan, CEO of Florida Citrus Sports, presented the original proposal in June and the renderings are just the latest updates.
Camping World Stadium underwent a $60 million upgrade in 2021, the latest phase of a renovation project started in 2006.
The rendering showcases plans to finish off those initial renovations by replacing the upper deck with 18,000 seats that would be redistributed to allow for wider aisles and more legroom for spectators. It would connect all levels of the building with a 360-degree concourse.
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The original plans also called for 100,000 square feet of flexible space, which was supposed to be in the structure under the club space.
During its presentation to the commissioners, FCS officials also proposed adding an open-air canopy over the stadium — similar to the one used at Hard Rock Stadium — which would help take the venue to new heights when competing for sporting and music events.
The total request was $800 million, and the canopy proposal cost $400 million.
The project was expected to be completed by 2026.
Orange County mayor Jerry L. Demings created an advisory task force earlier this year to review 55 proposals requesting $1.33 million of funding. The group whittled its recommendations to five projects: expansion of the Orange County Convention Center, enhancements to the Dr. Phillips Performing Arts Center, renovations to the Amway Center and Camping World Stadium, and funding for arts and cultural events.
While the proposal was one of five projects accepted by the Board of Commissioners, only the expansion of the Convention Center, a pledge of $90 million to pay for a football tower at UCF’s FBC Mortgage Stadium and $69.4 million for arts and cultural events were approved.
Late last month, Orlando mayor Buddy Dyer proposed a plan to use $700 million of tourist-tax revenue to upgrade the stadium ($400 million) and Amway Center ($256 million). The bill would require the city to issue bonds paid off by future revenue for the tourism development tax.
Email Matt Murschel at mmurschel@orlandosentinel.com or follow him on Twitter at @osmattmurschel.
