Where Is the Citrus Bowl Played? Venue & Details

By Sarah Miller · June 1, 2030

The Citrus Bowl is played at Camping World Stadium in Orlando, Florida, a venue with a seating capacity of over 65,000 and a long history of hosting major college football games, including New Year's Six bowl matchups.

What Is the Citrus Bowl?

The Citrus Bowl is an annual NCAA-sanctioned post-season college football game that typically features top teams from the Southeastern Conference (SEC) and the Big Ten Conference. It is one of the most prestigious non-New Year's Six bowl games and has evolved into a marquee event during the holiday season.

Key Facts About the Game

First played in 1947 as the Tangerine Bowl
Rename to Capital One Bowl (2002–2014), then Citrus Bowl (2015–present)
Traditionally held on January 1st or the first weekday after New Year’s Day
Features high-ranked teams from the SEC and Big Ten since 2015
Serves as a key preparation game for potential College Football Playoff contenders

Location: Camping World Stadium, Orlando

Camping World Stadium, located in downtown Orlando, Florida, is the permanent home of the Citrus Bowl. The stadium has undergone multiple renovations to modernize facilities and increase fan comfort while maintaining its historic significance in college football.

Stadium Highlights

Opened: 1936 (originally named Orlando Stadium)
Current Capacity: 65,000+
Last Renovation: 2014 (costing $207 million)
Home to other major events: NFL Pro Bowl (2017–2022), soccer matches, concerts
Hosted NCAA Men’s Final Four (1999) and multiple WrestleMania events

Year	Winner	Score	Runner-up	Attendance
2020	Tennessee	38–30	Indiana	48,328
2021	Iowa	27–20	Kentucky	37,102
2022	Mizzou	27–21	Army	43,833
2023	Maryland	40–13	Auburn	49,271
2024	LSU	27–24	Wisconsin	54,082

Table data source:1, 2

The attendance figures show a rebound in fan engagement post-pandemic, with the 2024 game drawing over 54,000 spectators—the highest in recent years. LSU’s strong fan base contributed significantly to this turnout. The consistent performance of SEC and Big Ten teams also enhances national viewership and stadium demand.

History and Evolution of the Citrus Bowl

Originally established as the Tangerine Bowl in 1947, the game was created to showcase smaller college programs. Over time, it grew in prominence and underwent several name changes due to sponsorship deals.

Milestones in Citrus Bowl History

1947: First game held between Catawba and Maryville College
1983: Moved to Orlando and began featuring major conference teams
2002: Became the Capital One Bowl due to title sponsorship
2015: Rebranded as the Citrus Bowl and joined the New Year’s Six rotation
2020–Present: Continues to feature elite SEC vs. Big Ten matchups

Why Orlando Is the Ideal Host City

Orlando offers a unique combination of warm winter weather, extensive tourism infrastructure, and central location within the southeastern United States, making it accessible for fans across the country.

Advantages of Hosting in Orlando

Tourist-friendly environment with theme parks and hotels
Central Florida climate ensures minimal weather disruptions
Proximity to major airports, including Orlando International Airport (MCO)
Strong local support and volunteer networks for event logistics
Established experience hosting large-scale sporting events

Frequently Asked Questions About the Citrus Bowl

Where is the Citrus Bowl played every year?

The Citrus Bowl is played annually at Camping World Stadium in Orlando, Florida. This has been the permanent venue since the game's relocation and renovation in the 1980s.

What conference teams play in the Citrus Bowl?

Since 2015, the Citrus Bowl has featured a rotating matchup between the Southeastern Conference (SEC) and the Big Ten Conference, typically selecting highly ranked teams not participating in the College Football Playoff.

Is the Citrus Bowl part of the New Year’s Six?

Yes, the Citrus Bowl is one of the New Year’s Six bowl games, which are the most prestigious non-championship postseason games in the NCAA Football Bowl Subdivision (FBS).

When is the Citrus Bowl usually played?

The Citrus Bowl is traditionally played on January 1st or the first weekday after New Year’s Day, depending on calendar alignment and television scheduling.

How can I get tickets to the Citrus Bowl?

Tickets can be purchased through the official Citrus Bowl website, Ticketmaster, or authorized resellers. Prices vary based on seat location, team popularity, and proximity to the event date.