What Team Plays At Camping World Stadium: Game Day Guide

The question “What team plays at Camping World Stadium?” has several answers. Camping World Stadium is a multi-purpose stadium in Orlando, Florida, meaning different teams and events call it home throughout the year. While it doesn’t have a single primary tenant in the traditional sense, it hosts a variety of sporting events, including college football games, bowl games, and soccer matches. This guide will give you all the details about the different teams and events that take place at this iconic stadium, making it your go-to resource for planning your game day experience.

Image Source: www.campingworldstadium.com

A Look at Camping World Stadium

Camping World Stadium is more than just a venue; it’s a landmark in Orlando, Florida. Originally opened in 1936, it has gone through several renovations and name changes over the years, transforming into the modern facility we know today. It is owned and operated by the City of Orlando.

History and Renovations

The stadium’s rich history includes hosting numerous significant events, from college bowl games to concerts and even FIFA World Cup matches. Key renovations have modernized the stadium, improving the fan experience with better seating, concessions, and technology.

Stadium Capacity and Seating

The stadium has a seating capacity of around 60,219, making it a sizable venue for large-scale events. The seating arrangement provides good views from most areas, and recent upgrades have enhanced comfort and accessibility.

Key Events and Teams

Camping World Stadium is a hub for various sporting events, most notably college football.

Orlando Bowl Games

Camping World Stadium is famous for hosting several high-profile Orlando bowl games each year. These games bring top college football programs to Orlando, attracting fans from across the country.

• Citrus Bowl: One of the oldest and most prestigious bowl games, the Citrus Bowl traditionally features teams from the Southeastern Conference (SEC) and the Big Ten Conference.
• Cheez-It Bowl: Formerly known as the Russell Athletic Bowl and the Camping World Bowl, the Cheez-It Bowl typically hosts teams from the Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC) and Big 12 Conference.

Citrus Bowl Teams

The Citrus Bowl showcases powerhouse programs, ensuring an exciting matchup every year. Some of the notable Citrus Bowl teams that have played at Camping World Stadium include:

• Alabama Crimson Tide
• Michigan Wolverines
• LSU Tigers
• Georgia Bulldogs
• Penn State Nittany Lions

Cheez-It Bowl Participants

The Cheez-It Bowl often features up-and-coming teams and provides a platform for exciting, high-scoring games. Past Cheez-It Bowl participants include:

• Clemson Tigers
• Oklahoma State Cowboys
• Notre Dame Fighting Irish
• Iowa State Cyclones
• Florida State Seminoles

Orlando College Football

Besides bowl games, Camping World Stadium hosts other neutral site college football games. These games can feature teams from any conference and are often scheduled as season openers or special rivalry games.

Neutral Site College Football Games

These neutral site games are a big draw, offering fans a chance to see top teams in a unique setting. Some notable neutral site games hosted at Camping World Stadium include:

• Florida vs. Miami
• Florida State vs. Notre Dame
• Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCU) Classics

Florida Blue Florida Classic

The Florida Blue Florida Classic is an annual rivalry game between Florida A&M University Rattlers and Bethune-Cookman University Wildcats. This game is a significant event for the HBCU community and is one of the largest football games in the Football Championship Subdivision (FCS). This electrifying game features spirited competition, halftime shows, and a vibrant atmosphere.

Orlando City SC Stadium Considerations

While Camping World Stadium isn’t the primary home for Orlando City SC, Orlando’s Major League Soccer team, it has hosted the team for certain matches, especially during the construction of their dedicated stadium. The team now plays at Exploria Stadium, which is specifically designed for soccer.

Other Camping World Stadium Events

Beyond football and soccer, Camping World Stadium hosts a variety of other events, including:

• Concerts: Major artists across genres have performed at the stadium.
• Monster Jam: A popular motorsports event featuring monster trucks.
• Corporate Events: The stadium offers facilities for large-scale meetings and gatherings.
• Drum Corps International (DCI): The stadium hosts DCI’s Eastern Championship competition.

Planning Your Visit: A Game Day Guide

Attending an event at Camping World Stadium requires some planning to make the most of your experience.

Getting There: Transportation and Parking

• Driving: The stadium is accessible via major highways, but traffic can be heavy on game days. Plan to arrive early.
• Parking: Stadium parking is available, but it can be expensive and fill up quickly. Consider alternative parking options nearby.
• Public Transportation: The LYNX bus system provides service to the stadium, offering a convenient alternative to driving.
• Rideshare: Services like Uber and Lyft are popular options, but be prepared for surge pricing on game days.

Tailgating Tips

Tailgating is a big part of the game day experience at Camping World Stadium.

• Designated Areas: Tailgating is allowed in designated areas around the stadium. Check the stadium’s website for specific rules and regulations.
• Food and Drinks: Bring your own food and drinks, or purchase them from vendors in the tailgating areas.
• Grilling: Grilling is permitted in designated areas, but be sure to follow safety guidelines.
• Respectful Conduct: Be respectful of other tailgaters and clean up your area before heading into the stadium.

Inside the Stadium: Seating, Concessions, and Amenities

• Seating: Familiarize yourself with the stadium’s seating chart to find the best seats for your budget.
• Concessions: A wide variety of food and beverage options are available inside the stadium, from classic stadium fare to local specialties.
• Restrooms: Restrooms are located throughout the stadium, but lines can be long during peak times.
• Accessibility: Camping World Stadium is accessible to fans with disabilities, with designated seating areas and accessible restrooms.

Where to Stay: Hotels Near Camping World Stadium

Numerous hotels are located near Camping World Stadium, catering to different budgets and preferences.

• Downtown Orlando Hotels: Hotels in downtown Orlando offer easy access to the stadium and other attractions.
• International Drive Hotels: Hotels on International Drive are a bit further from the stadium but offer a wide range of amenities and dining options.

Things to Do in Orlando

Make the most of your trip to Orlando by exploring the city’s many attractions.

• Theme Parks: Visit world-famous theme parks like Walt Disney World, Universal Orlando Resort, and SeaWorld.
• Shopping and Dining: Explore the shops and restaurants in downtown Orlando, International Drive, and other popular areas.
• Cultural Attractions: Visit museums, art galleries, and performing arts venues.
• Outdoor Activities: Enjoy the natural beauty of Orlando by visiting parks, lakes, and gardens.

Fathoming the Economic Impact

Camping World Stadium plays a vital role in Orlando’s economy, drawing tourists and generating revenue for local businesses. The stadium contributes to job creation, hotel occupancy, and spending at restaurants, shops, and attractions. The economic impact of major events like bowl games can be significant, boosting the local economy.

The Future of Camping World Stadium

Camping World Stadium continues to evolve, with ongoing improvements and upgrades aimed at enhancing the fan experience. Future plans may include further renovations, new events, and partnerships with local organizations.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

• What is the seating capacity of Camping World Stadium?
  • Camping World Stadium has a seating capacity of around 60,219.
• Can I tailgate at Camping World Stadium?
  • Yes, tailgating is allowed in designated areas around the stadium. Check the stadium’s website for specific rules and regulations.
• Who is the primary tenant of Camping World Stadium?
  • Camping World Stadium doesn’t have a single primary tenant, but it hosts a variety of events, including college football games, bowl games, and concerts.
• What bowl games are played at Camping World Stadium?
  • The Citrus Bowl and the Cheez-It Bowl are the main bowl games played at the stadium.
• Is Camping World Stadium accessible to fans with disabilities?
  • Yes, the stadium is accessible, with designated seating areas and accessible restrooms.
• Can I take public transportation to Camping World Stadium?
  • Yes, the LYNX bus system provides service to the stadium.
• What kind of events does Camping World Stadium host besides football?
  • The stadium hosts concerts, Monster Jam, corporate events, and other large-scale gatherings.
• Is Camping World Stadium the same as Exploria Stadium?
  • No, Camping World Stadium and Exploria Stadium are different venues in Orlando. Exploria Stadium is primarily for Orlando City SC soccer games.
• Who are some famous Citrus Bowl teams?
  • Some famous Citrus Bowl teams include Alabama, Michigan, and LSU.
• What is the Florida Blue Florida Classic?
  • The Florida Blue Florida Classic is an annual rivalry game between Florida A&M University and Bethune-Cookman University, a significant event for the HBCU community.