University of Miami supporter buys title Sponsor naming rights to Orlando Citrus Bowl
Camping World new title sponsor for Orlando Citrus Bowl - Orlando Sentinel
Camping World new title sponsor for Orlando Citrus Bowl - Orlando Sentinel
Camping World new title sponsor for Orlando Citrus Bowl
by Matt Murschel April 26,2016
The Citrus Bowl is getting a new name. Camping World, a Kentucky-based company that specializes in recreational vehicles, has reached a long-term agreement for the naming rights to the venue, which will now be called the Camping World Stadium.
The deal was first announced by the company’s CEO, Marcus Lemonis, on social media Tuesday.
“We’re proud to partner with Florida Citrus Sports and the Central Florida community to help build memories for the next generation of residents and visitors,” said Marcus Lemonis, Chairman and CEO of Camping World and Good Sam Enterprises. “Florida is a key market for us as we have 14 Camping World SuperCenters in this state, more than any other. Having a stadium naming rights deal in place was extremely important for us as we look toward the future. With 60 million-plus visitors to the Orlando area each year, we look forward to strengthening our brand and supporting the growing RV and camping community that has allowed us to be successful in this market.”
Lemonis has been featured on various television shows including Celebrity Apprentice and The Profit.
“We’re proud to integrate Camping World, a brand that is the leader in its industry, with all that we continue to do at Camping World Stadium to grow economic impact and improve the quality of life for Central Floridians,” said Steve Hogan, CEO of FCSports. “The commitment to both the stadium and the Camping World Kickoff series will ensure that together we deliver on our promises to this community for years to come, and build on the rich heritage of this venue.”
The Camping World name and brand will be displayed inside and outside the facility.
The agreement also includes naming rights for the four neutral-site college football games hosted by the stadium. The Camping World Kickoff will debut with Florida State and Ole Miss on Sept. 5, 2016. Alabama and Louisville will face off in 2018, with 2017 still being worked out.
Lemonis announced rivals Florida and Miami will face off in the Orlando kickoff series in 2019.
Camping World also sponsors the NASCAR truck series.
The Citrus Bowl has been a mainstay of Central Florida since it first opened in 1936, with the stadium hosting elite sporting and entertainment events, including 1994 FIFA World Cup matches; WrestleMania XXIV; concerts by the Rolling Stones, Paul McCartney and The Who; and college and pro football games.
The stadium currently hosts Orlando City and Orlando Pride soccer games, the Florida Classic and the Cure, Russell Athletic and Buffalo Wild Wings bowls.
The venue has gone through many changes, most recently in 2014 when the facility went through a $207.7 million upgrade. It included the reconstruction of the lower bowl and upgrades to concessions, restrooms and seating along with the addition of a new video board.
Over the years, the venue has gone by many names, including Orlando Stadium, Tangerine Bowl, Florida Citrus Bowl and most recently Orlando Citrus Bowl – many with a nod to the state’s citrus industry. However, this new deal breaks with that tradition.
No financial details of the deal were immediately released, but the new naming rights could inject a good amount of capital into the area. In 2014, EverBank Financial Corp. reached a new 10-year deal with the city of Jacksonville worth a reported $43 million to retain naming rights for EverBank Field.
Last edited:
