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Demolition Begins on the Citrus Bowl  January 29, 2014 | Orlando, WMFE - Despite the cold, rainy weather, demolition began today on Orlando's Citrus Bowl. Officials watch as the scoreboard of the Citrus Bowl is demolished during a ceremony on January 29. Photo by Carmel Delshad | WMFE The 78-year-old stadium will be rebuilt into a state-of-the-art facility opening this November. It is one of many additions and renovations to the Citrus Bowl throughout the stadium's history. The stadium was supposed to be refurbished as part of a project including other venues in 2007, but plans stalled during the recession. In 2012, city and county officials hashed out a deal to fund the renovation. Now, those plans are back on—and officials hope this new and improved stadium will draw some big names in sports to the Orlando area. Florida Citrus Sport Chief Executive Officer Steve Hogan has his eyes set on college football’s biggest game. "The national championship, in my opinion, belongs in Orlando. We’ve got to have a share of that. When our residents experience what a national championship is like, I think it’ll be like no other event that we’ve had here,” Hogan says. Over the next 11 months, the lower bowl will be demolished and rebuilt. It will be able to hold 70,000 spectators and 4,000 club seats. The new stadium will feature an enhanced sound system and upgraded team locker rooms. Officials say it will provide a better experience for patrons and players. The project is expected to cost around $175 million dollars |
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