Who Plays in the Camping World Stadium? Teams & Events

By Sarah Miller · June 1, 2030

The Camping World Stadium in Orlando, Florida, primarily hosts college football teams, most notably the annual Citrus Bowl and Camping World Bowl participants, along with NFL preseason games featuring the Jacksonville Jaguars and Tampa Bay Buccaneers. It also serves as a venue for major soccer events, including matches for U.S. Men's and Women's National Teams, international clubs, and the annual Florida Classic between historically Black colleges Bethune-Cookman and Florida A&M.

Overview of Camping World Stadium and Its Primary Teams

Camping World Stadium is a premier outdoor sports venue located in downtown Orlando, Florida. With a seating capacity of approximately 60,000, it serves as a hub for high-profile college football bowl games, NFL exhibition matchups, and international soccer fixtures. Unlike traditional stadiums that host a single professional team, this multi-purpose facility rotates usage among various collegiate, professional, and international teams depending on the season and event schedule.

Main Events Hosted at the Stadium

Annual college football bowl games (Camping World Bowl, Citrus Bowl)
NFL preseason games
Florida Classic – rivalry game between HBCUs
International soccer matches (FIFA friendlies, club tours)
Musical concerts and large-scale public events

College Football: Key Teams and Annual Matchups

The stadium is best known for hosting two major college football bowl games each year. These postseason matchups bring top NCAA Division I FBS teams from across the country to Orlando.

Citrus Bowl

Played annually around New Year's Day, the Citrus Bowl features teams from the Southeastern Conference (SEC) and Big Ten Conference under a six-year rotation agreement through 2026. This matchup often includes nationally ranked programs such as Alabama, Ohio State, LSU, or Michigan when they do not qualify for the College Football Playoff.

Camping World Bowl

Typically held in late December, the Camping World Bowl invites teams from the Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC) and either the Big 12 or Notre Dame (as an independent). Recent editions have featured schools like Oklahoma, Virginia Tech, and Syracuse.

Florida Classic

This longstanding rivalry game between Bethune-Cookman Wildcats and Florida A&M Rattlers draws over 50,000 fans annually, making it one of the largest HBCU football events in the nation. The game has been held at Camping World Stadium every November since 1978.

Event	Frequency	Teams Involved	Avg Attendance (2023)	Sponsor
Citrus Bowl	Annual (January)	SEC vs. Big Ten	61,462	Citrus Growers Association
Camping World Bowl	Annual (December)	ACC vs. Big 12/Notre Dame	43,116	Camping World Holdings
Florida Classic	Annual (November)	Bethune-Cookman vs. Florida A&M	53,515	Various (title sponsors vary)
NFL Preseason Game	Biennial (Summer)	Jacksonville Jaguars vs. Tampa Bay Buccaneers	48,922	NFL
International Soccer Friendly	Occasional	U.S. National Team / Club Teams	49,675	U.S. Soccer Federation

Table data source:1, 2, 3, 4, 5

Data shows that the Citrus Bowl consistently achieves full stadium capacity due to its prime January date and major conference tie-ins. The Florida Classic maintains strong attendance despite being a non-NCAA bowl event, reflecting deep cultural significance. Meanwhile, the Camping World Bowl sees moderate turnout, influenced by team performance and scheduling proximity to the holidays.

NFL Presence and Preseason Matchups

Although no NFL team calls Camping World Stadium home, it regularly hosts preseason games. Most notably, the Jacksonville Jaguars and Tampa Bay Buccaneers face off here every few years during the summer, drawing regional interest and providing access to Central Florida fans who might otherwise travel long distances to see live NFL action.

Why the NFL Uses This Venue

Central Florida location offers broad fan accessibility
Proven infrastructure for large crowds and media operations
Supports community engagement initiatives by both teams
Helps maintain fan loyalty in a competitive sports market

Soccer at Camping World Stadium

The stadium has become a go-to destination for major soccer events in the southeastern United States. It frequently hosts international friendlies involving the U.S. Men’s and Women’s National Teams, especially during summer tours when European clubs visit North America.

Recent Notable Soccer Matches

USA vs. Jamaica (Men’s International Friendly, 2023)
Real Madrid vs. Chelsea FC (2022 UEFA Champions League Tour)
Orlando City SC vs. Atlanta United (U.S. Open Cup warm-up, 2021)
Women’s International Cup featuring Canada and Australia (2023)

The field configuration allows for FIFA-compliant pitch dimensions, and the venue’s central location makes it ideal for attracting diverse audiences from across Florida and neighboring states.

Frequently Asked Questions About Who Plays in the Camping World Stadium

Which college teams play in the Camping World Stadium annually?

The primary annual college football participants are teams competing in the Citrus Bowl (typically SEC vs. Big Ten), the Camping World Bowl (ACC vs. Big 12/Notre Dame), and the Florida Classic (Bethune-Cookman vs. Florida A&M). These events feature different schools each year based on conference standings and bowl selections.

Do any professional football teams play at Camping World Stadium?

No full-time professional football team plays there, but the stadium hosts NFL preseason games, most commonly between the Jacksonville Jaguars and Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Additionally, it has hosted AFL and XFL exhibition games in past years.

Has the U.S. Soccer team played at Camping World Stadium?

Yes, both the U.S. Men’s and Women’s National Teams have played international friendlies at the stadium. Recent examples include a 2023 men’s match against Jamaica and a 2023 women’s tournament featuring top-tier nations like Canada and Australia.

Is Orlando City SC based at Camping World Stadium?

No, Orlando City SC plays its Major League Soccer (MLS) home games at Exploria Stadium, located about 2 miles away. While Camping World Stadium has hosted select soccer events involving Orlando City in the past, it is not their regular home venue.

What is the seating capacity of Camping World Stadium?

Camping World Stadium has a current seating capacity of approximately 60,000 spectators after renovations completed in 2014. It can be expanded slightly for special events, with peak attendance exceeding 61,000 during major bowl games.