Move over Hawaii! With this year's NFL Pro Bowl being held in Orlando's Camping World Stadium, let's take a moment to get to know the iconic sporting powerhouse with five interesting facts.
1. Camping World Stadium started as a Works Progress Administration Project by F.D.R.
As part of his New Deal, President Franklin D. Roosevelt aimed to create jobs for millions of unemployed Americans during the Great Depression. The project for crafting the stadium began in 1936. The facility was built for $115,000.
2. The Stadium has seen six name changes.
Originally, the facility was named Orlando Stadium (1936-1946). Since then, the stadium has changed its name more times than the Rollings Stones "retired". The other official titles include: Tangerine Bowl (1947-1975), Citrus Bowl (1976), Orlando Stadium (once again; 1977-1982), Florida Citrus Bowl (1983-2013), Orlando Citrus (2014-2016), and Camping World Stadium (2016-present).
3. Camping World Stadium hosted the first College Bowl game.
On January 1, 1947, under the name "Tangerine Bowl," the first college bowl game was played. Catawba College defeated Maryville College 31-6. At that time, the stadium could only occupy 10,000 spectators.
4. Sporting events aren't the only things that the stadium hosts.
Camping World Stadium has a rich history in music as well. The facility has hosted concerts from numerous bands and artists including: The Rolling Stones, The Who, Pink Floyd, George Michael, Paul McCartney, Guns n' Roses, Billy Joel/Elton John, and the Eagles. The stadium also hosted WrestleMania XXIV in 2008 and set an attendance record of 74,635 fans. The facility is also in preparation for hosting WrestleMania XXXIII this year in April.
5. In 2014, nearly 90% of the entire stadium was renovated.
With a new name came a new stadium. After a tremendous $207.7 million reconstruction, the facility became known as the Orlando Citrus Bowl, and featured many new amenities and enhancements. Among those additions were 41,000 lower bowl seats with armrests, multiple giant video displays, and a 20,000-square-foot plaza deck.
The 2017 NFL Pro Bowl will be aired on ESPN at 8:00 PM. Tickets are sold out, but a select number of "standing-only" seating is available.
