Driving on the East West Expressway to work, I’ve often glanced over to see the Citrus Bowl being stripped down to it’s cement skeleton. I finally decided I needed to get off at the next exit to sketch the work in progress. I know that Orlando plans to host another Bowl game this year, so I’m assuming the reconstruction needs to be done by then. About 90% of the stadium will be torn down and replaced, including
portions that have stood since its original construction in 1937. Only
the upper decks, which were added in 1990 and remain viable as part of a
modern facility, will remain.
The new Citrus Bowl will offer an enhanced fan experience at every
level, with wider, chair-back seating, new concessions areas and
restrooms, and new club and premium spaces throughout the building.
When the stadium reopens in fall 2014, it will continue to host
signature events including the Capital One Bowl, Russell Athletic Bowl,
Florida Blue Florida Classic and Monster Jam. In addition, the new venue
will allow Orlando to pursue more high-profile sports tourism events
such as neutral-site college football games, NFL preseason games,
international soccer matches, big-name concerts and more.
November 2013
Pre-construction mobilization began.
January 2014
Demolition of lower seating levels began.
March 2014
New seating bowl construction began.
Construction of new concessions, restrooms, team locker rooms and operation/support areas began.
November 2014
Substantial completion achieved (95%) in time to be operational for fall events.
April 2015
Target for 100% completion.