Who Plays at Camping World Stadium in Orlando?

By Sarah Miller · April 20, 2041

Camping World Stadium in Orlando hosts a variety of professional and collegiate teams, with the primary tenants being the Orlando City SC (MLS) for select high-profile matches, the Florida Classic’s FCS football game between Bethune-Cookman and Florida A&M, and the annual Citrus Bowl. The stadium also regularly features major soccer events like the International Champions Cup, college football bowl games such as the Cure Bowl, and large-scale concerts or international friendlies.

Major Teams and Events at Camping World Stadium

Camping World Stadium is one of Central Florida's premier outdoor sports venues, serving as a hub for college football classics, professional soccer exhibitions, and major national bowl games. While no full-time professional team calls it home year-round, several prominent teams play there annually.

Primary Annual Events and Teams

Florida Classic: The historic rivalry between Bethune-Cookman Wildcats and Florida A&M Rattlers.
Citrus Bowl: An annual NCAA-sanctioned bowl game typically featuring Power Five conference teams.
Cure Bowl: A postseason college football game supporting cancer research and awareness.
Orlando City SC: Major League Soccer club playing select marquee matches here instead of their regular venue, Interand Stadium.
International Champions Cup (ICC): Preseason exhibition matches featuring top European clubs.
CONCACAF Gold Cup: Regional championship matches hosted periodically.

College Football Showcases

Camping World Stadium has become synonymous with major college football events in Florida. Its central location and 65,000-seat capacity make it ideal for hosting neutral-site matchups and postseason bowl games that attract nationwide audiences.

Key College Football Events

The stadium anchors several signature college football weekends each year, drawing tens of thousands of fans from across the country.

Florida Classic (Weekend in November): One of the most attended HBCU football games in the U.S., drawing over 50,000 fans annually.
Cure Bowl (December): Features teams from the American Athletic Conference and Sun Belt Conference.
Citrus Bowl (January 1): Part of the New Year’s Six rotation and often includes teams ranked in the AP Top 25.

Event	Teams Involved	Avg Attendance (2024)	Venue Capacity Utilization	Frequency
Florida Classic	Bethune-Cookman vs Florida A&M	53,789	82.8%	Annual
Citrus Bowl	SEC vs Big Ten (rotational)	61,137	94.0%	Annual
Cure Bowl	AAC vs Sun Belt	27,451	42.2%	Annual
Orlando City SC Match (e.g., Derby vs Inter Miami)	Orlando City SC vs MLS Opponent	32,102	49.4%	Occasional
International Champions Cup (Soccer)	European Clubs (e.g., Real Madrid, Manchester United)	48,320	74.3%	Intermittent

Table data source:1, 2, 3, 4

The table shows that the Citrus Bowl consistently draws the highest attendance, nearing full stadium capacity, while the Florida Classic remains a cultural and athletic highlight with strong historical attendance. The Cure Bowl, though smaller in scale, continues to grow its national profile. Orlando City SC uses the venue strategically for high-demand fixtures, maximizing ticket revenue and fan engagement.

Professional and International Soccer Matches

While not a permanent MLS stadium, Camping World Stadium frequently hosts elite soccer matches, including international friendlies and tournaments involving world-renowned clubs and national teams.

Notable Past Soccer Events

Real Madrid vs. Juventus (ICC 2017) – Over 60,000 in attendance.
Manchester United vs. AC Milan (2022) – Drawn crowd of 46,897.
USA Men’s National Team vs Jamaica (2023 CONCACAF Nations League) – Key qualifier match.
Orlando City SC vs Inter Miami CF (2023) – Rivalry match with Messi’s debut in Florida.

These matches underscore the stadium’s role as a premier destination for global soccer in the southeastern United States.

About the Venue

Opened in 1936 and extensively renovated in 2014, Camping World Stadium has a current seating capacity of approximately 65,000. Located just west of downtown Orlando, it is managed by the Orlando Sports Foundation & Events Center Authority.

Stadium Highlights

Capacity: 65,000 (expandable for special events)
Surface: Tifway 419 Bermuda Grass
Location: 1 Citrus Bowl Place, Orlando, FL 32805
Ownership: City of Orlando
Naming Rights: Camping World (since 2016)
Public Transit Access: LYNX bus routes and shuttle services during major events

Frequently Asked Questions About Who Plays at Camping World Stadium in Orlando

Who plays at Camping World Stadium in Orlando?

The primary teams include Bethune-Cookman and Florida A&M for the Florida Classic, along with visiting NCAA teams for the Citrus Bowl and Cure Bowl. Occasionally, Orlando City SC (MLS) hosts major matches here, and international soccer clubs play during summer tours.

Does Orlando City SC play regular season games at Camping World Stadium?

No, Orlando City SC primarily plays at Interand Stadium near Exploria Stadium. However, they use Camping World Stadium for high-attendance matches such as derbies against Inter Miami CF, especially when Lionel Messi or other star players are involved.

What is the Florida Classic, and why is it held at Camping World Stadium?

The Florida Classic is an annual HBCU football rivalry between Bethune-Cookman and Florida A&M. It has been held at Camping World Stadium since 1978 due to its large capacity and central location, making it accessible for alumni and fans traveling from across the Southeast.

What college bowl games are played at Camping World Stadium?

The stadium hosts two major college bowl games annually: the Cure Bowl (in December) and the Citrus Bowl (on January 1). The Citrus Bowl often features top-tier teams from the SEC and Big Ten conferences and is part of the New Year’s Six bowl series.

Can international soccer teams play at Camping World Stadium?

Yes, Camping World Stadium regularly hosts international soccer matches, including games in the International Champions Cup, CONCACAF Gold Cup, and friendly matches involving top European clubs or the U.S. Men’s National Team.