Where Is the Citrus Bowl Played? Venue & Details

By Sarah Miller · May 3, 2036

The Citrus Bowl is played at Camping World Stadium in Orlando, Florida, a venue with a seating capacity of over 60,000 and a long history of hosting major college football games, including the annual Citrus Bowl since 1983.

Overview of the Citrus Bowl

The Citrus Bowl is one of the most prominent postseason college football games in the NCAA bowl season. Traditionally held on January 1st or around New Year's Day, it features top teams from the Southeastern Conference (SEC) and the Big Ten Conference under a tie-in agreement that began in 2015.

This game is more than just a festive matchup—it carries significant weight in the College Football Playoff landscape and offers national exposure for participating programs.

History and Significance

Originally established in 1947 as the Tangerine Bowl
Renamed the Citrus Bowl in 1983 to reflect its sponsorship and regional citrus industry ties
Became a major bowl game after securing high-profile team matchups and television coverage
Hosted numerous ranked teams and Heisman Trophy winners over the decades

Location: Camping World Stadium, Orlando, Florida

Camping World Stadium has been the permanent home of the Citrus Bowl since 1983. Located in downtown Orlando, the stadium provides easy access for fans visiting from across the U.S., especially those combining the game with theme park vacations.

Stadium Features

Capacity: Over 60,000 spectators
Surface: Natural grass field
Opened: 1936 (extensively renovated in 2014)
Home to other major events such as NFL Pro Bowls, college football championships, and concerts

Year	Date	Winner	Score	Runner-up	Attendance
2023	Jan 2	Michigan	38–33	Alabama	68,512
2022	Jan 1	Kentucky	20–17	Iowa	63,808
2020	Jan 1	LSU	63–7	Clemson	60,834
2019	Jan 1	LSU	40–32	UCF	60,191
2018	Jan 1	Penn State	35–31	Kentucky	60,870

Table data source:1, 2

The attendance figures demonstrate strong fan engagement, often exceeding the stadium’s official capacity due to temporary seating and standing-room additions. High-stakes matchups, particularly between powerhouse programs like LSU and Clemson, have driven record viewership and ticket demand.

Recent years show consistent sell-outs, reflecting the Citrus Bowl’s status as a premier destination event during the holiday season.

Conference Tie-Ins and Selection Process

Since 2015, the Citrus Bowl has featured automatic bids for teams from the SEC and Big Ten, provided they are not selected for the College Football Playoff.

Selection Criteria Include:

Final ranking in the College Football Playoff poll
Overall win-loss record (minimum 6 wins required for bowl eligibility)
Geographic appeal and fan travel potential
Television ratings performance

The selection order is coordinated through the Citrus Bowl committee in partnership with conference officials and ESPN Events.

Why Orlando Is the Ideal Host City

Orlando offers a unique blend of sports infrastructure and tourism appeal, making it an ideal location for a marquee bowl game.

Tourism Hub: Millions visit Walt Disney World, Universal Studios, and other attractions annually.
Transportation Access: Orlando International Airport (MCO) ranks among the busiest in the U.S.
Hotel Capacity: Over 140,000 hotel rooms available across the metro area.
Climate: Mild winter weather ensures optimal outdoor game conditions.

Frequently Asked Questions About the Citrus Bowl

Where is the Citrus Bowl played?

The Citrus Bowl is played at Camping World Stadium in Orlando, Florida, which has hosted the game annually since 1983.

Has the Citrus Bowl always been in Orlando?

Yes, the game has always been held in Orlando, though it was originally played at the predecessor facility known as the Tangerine Bowl stadium before being renamed and renovated.

What time does the Citrus Bowl start?

The Citrus Bowl typically starts at 1:00 PM Eastern Time on January 1st or the first weekday after New Year’s Day, depending on scheduling by ESPN.

Which teams play in the Citrus Bowl?

The Citrus Bowl features a matchup between a team from the Southeastern Conference (SEC) and the Big Ten Conference, unless primary selections are unavailable due to playoff participation.

How can I get tickets to the Citrus Bowl?

Tickets can be purchased through the official Citrus Bowl website, authorized sellers like Ticketmaster, or via secondary markets such as StubHub and SeatGeek. Prices vary based on team popularity and seat location.