The newly renovated Citrus Bowl is finally game
Wednesday's ribbon-cutting came just days before the annual Florida Classic football game Saturday.
The renovated stadium now features a fan concourse above one end zone that will double as a stage for musical acts in the future.
"I felt a little bit like Rocky. We were on that stairwell; it was cold. 'Yo Adrianne, we did it!'" said Steve Hogan with Florida Citrus Sports.
Planning for the renovation started 10 years ago and the construction project took
Thomas Demps has lived near the Citrus Bowl for his entire life.
"I remember this as a kid, coming here watching football games and this is amazing. I'm shocked," said Demps.
About 90 percent of the stadium is new, including the lower bowl seating, video displays, a fan section, concessions, and bathrooms.
"I live across the street. I watched the construction day by day, hour by hour," said Demps.
The finishing touches are still being done on and off the field for Saturday's game between Florida A&M University and Bethune-Cookman University.
The Citrus Bowl will also host the annual Kickoff Classic every Labor Day. Next year's game will feature Florida State University and the University of Mississippi.
The game is expected to be a boon to the local economy.
"I expect this to be in the $40 million a year range annually," said Hogan.
Aside from sports, officials hope the stadium is a draw for concert performances.
For longtime residents like Demps, it is all welcome news for his neighborhood.
"It makes the neighborhood look tremendous," said Demps.
Lorna Doone Park, which sits in the shadow of the stadium, is going to get a makeover thanks to a $1 million donation.
Officials said there are still some areas of the stadium that are being worked on and won't be completed until December or January.
Wednesday's ribbon-cutting came just days before the annual Florida Classic football game Saturday.
The renovated stadium now features a fan concourse above one end zone that will double as a stage for musical acts in the future.
"I felt a little bit like Rocky. We were on that stairwell; it was cold. 'Yo Adrianne, we did it!'" said Steve Hogan with Florida Citrus Sports.
Planning for the renovation started 10 years ago and the construction project took
Thomas Demps has lived near the Citrus Bowl for his entire life.
"I remember this as a kid, coming here watching football games and this is amazing. I'm shocked," said Demps.
About 90 percent of the stadium is new, including the lower bowl seating, video displays, a fan section, concessions
"I live across the street. I watched the construction day by day, hour by hour," said Demps.
The finishing touches are still being done on and off the field for Saturday's game between Florida A&M University and Bethune-Cookman University.
The Citrus Bowl will also host the annual Kickoff Classic every Labor Day. Next year's game will feature Florida State University and the University of Mississippi.
The game is expected to be a boon to the local economy.
"I expect this to be in the $40 million a year range annually," said Hogan.
Aside from sports, officials hope the stadium is a draw for concert performances.
For longtime residents like Demps, it is all welcome news for his neighborhood.
"It makes the neighborhood look tremendous," said Demps.
Lorna Doone Park, which sits in the shadow of the stadium, is going to get a makeover thanks to a $1 million donation.
Officials said there are still some areas of the stadium that are being worked on and won't be completed until December or January.
WFTV
