Where Is the Citrus Bowl Played? Venue & Details

By Sarah Miller · December 29, 2035

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 Cheez-It Citrus Bowl.

Overview of the Citrus Bowl

The Citrus Bowl is one of the most prominent postseason college football bowl games in the NCAA. Officially known as the Cheez-It Citrus Bowl due to title sponsorship, it features top teams from the Big Ten and Southeastern Conference (SEC). The game has been a staple of the New Year’s Six bowl lineup, drawing national attention each January.

History and Significance

First played in 1947, the Citrus Bowl was originally designed to showcase smaller college programs but evolved into a premier matchup between Power Five conference teams. Over time, its prestige grew alongside its television exposure and strategic placement on the college football calendar—typically held on or around New Year's Day.

Originally named the Tangerine Bowl until 1983
Renamed the Citrus Bowl to reflect broader citrus industry support in Florida
Became part of the New Year’s Six rotation starting in 2014
Hosts a major matchup between the Big Ten and SEC through the 2025 season

Venue: Camping World Stadium

Camping World Stadium, located in downtown Orlando, Florida, has been the permanent home of the Citrus Bowl since 1983. The stadium underwent significant renovations in 2014, increasing comfort and modernizing facilities while preserving its role as a key sports and entertainment hub in Central Florida.

Stadium Features

The venue offers state-of-the-art amenities, including high-definition video boards, premium seating options, and improved accessibility. Its central location makes it easily accessible for fans traveling from across the U.S., especially during the holiday bowl season.

Location: 755 S. South Street, Orlando, FL 32805
Opened: 1936 (rebuilt and expanded multiple times)
Current Capacity: 60,219
Surface: FieldTurf Revolution
Hosts other major events such as the Pop-Tarts Bowl, NFL Pro Bowl, and concerts

Year	Date	Winner	Score	Runner-Up	Attendance
2021	Jan 1	Iowa	27–20	Kentucky	43,584
2022	Jan 1	Penn State	30–12	Kentucky	49,210
2023	Jan 2	Tennessee	35–38	Santa Clara*	63,113
2024	Jan 1	Not Played	N/A	N/A	N/A
2025	Jan 1	Michigan	38–33	Alabama	61,619

Table data source:1, 2

The attendance figures show strong fan engagement, particularly in 2023 when the Tennessee vs. Alabama matchup drew over 63,000 spectators, surpassing stadium capacity due to temporary seating. The 2025 game also saw robust turnout, reaffirming the Citrus Bowl’s appeal as a marquee event in the college football postseason.

Why Orlando Hosts the Citrus Bowl

Orlando’s warm winter climate, extensive tourism infrastructure, and central Florida location make it ideal for hosting large-scale sporting events during the holiday season. The city provides ample hotel accommodations, dining, and entertainment options, enhancing the overall experience for players and fans alike.

Consistently favorable January weather
Proximity to major airports and highways
Support from local tourism boards and sponsors
Established logistics from decades of hosting the event

Frequently Asked Questions About the Citrus Bowl

Where is the Citrus Bowl played?

The Citrus Bowl is played annually at Camping World Stadium in Orlando, Florida.

What date is the Citrus Bowl usually played?

The Citrus Bowl is typically played on or around January 1st each year, often serving as a New Year’s Day football tradition.

Which teams play in the Citrus Bowl?

The Citrus Bowl features a matchup between selected teams from the Big Ten Conference and the Southeastern Conference (SEC), usually among the highest-ranked available teams after College Football Playoff selections.

Is the Citrus Bowl a New Year’s Six bowl?

Yes, the Citrus Bowl is part of the New Year’s Six, a group of elite bowl games that rotate hosting the College Football Playoff semifinals every three years.

How can I get tickets to the Citrus Bowl?

Tickets for the Citrus Bowl can be purchased through the official website citrusbowl.org, via authorized ticketing partners like Ticketmaster, or through university athletic departments of participating schools.