ORLANDO, Fla. — Orlando is preparing to host the largest sporting event in its history since the FIFA World Cup in 1994.
The 100-year-old COPA America Centenario tournament will feature 16 different countries, some of whom will play at Camping World Stadium, formerly known as the Citrus Bowl, in early June. The tournament is similar to the World Cup, but only for the Western Hemisphere.
A record 66 million tourists visited Orlando in 2015, and events like the COPA America are another way to attract visitors to the area, officials said. It's expected to have a $30 million economic impact for Central Florida.
Camping World Stadium will host three games: Costa Rica vs. Paraguay on June 4, Panama vs. Bolivia on June 6 and Brazil vs. Haiti on June 8. Officials said they're hoping for more than 40,000 spectators at each match.
Orlando is the only host city in the region, with the next closest games being played in Houston and Philadelphia.
The USAU.S. is interested in hosting the 2026 World Cup, so a good showing from Orlando could bring the world's largest sporting event back to the area in 10 years.
Orlando prepares for COPA America tournament in June
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