The reconstruction of the Orlando Citrus Bowl has reached a major milestone and today, Mayor Buddy Dyer, Orange County Mayor Teresa Jacobs, Florida Citrus Sports representatives, construction workers and attendees will celebrate the half way mark of precast concrete bowl construction.
As part of the Forward Progress to the 50 ceremony, attendees will sign their names on the precast concrete structure before it is hoisted into place and installed.
To date, more than 36 million pounds, nearly half of the precast concrete has been put into place on the project. As well, 35,000 pounds of steel has been erected, about 50% of the total steel structure.
The 78-year-old historic stadium is being partially demolished to make way for a $200 million reconstructed venue which will entail a seating capacity of more than 65,000, multiple LED digital video boards, a 10,000 square-foot party deck, among other amenities.
The reconstructed stadium is expected to reopen in November 2014, continuing to host signature events including the Capital One Bowl and the Russell Athletic Bowl. In April, the city announced that the Cure Bowl will also be played at the renovated Citrus Bowl on December 19, 2015. The renovated Citrus Bowl will also host teams from the American Athletic Conference and the Sun Belt Conference.
Historic Tinker Field, adjacent to the Citrus Bowl, was also to be demolished as part of the Orlando Citrus Bowl stadium renovation. An outcry from local residents resulted in the city putting a hold on this plan. However, the fate of the historic sports venue remains uncertain.
