The Rolling Stones rock Orlando

ORLANDO, Fla. — For the first time in nearly 20 years, The Rolling Stones were back in Orlando for their only Florida stop on the Zip Code tour.

The hype for the big show has been building for months, and thousands of fans have been preparing for the big night.

Photos: Fans pack Citrus Bowl for Rolling Stones concert

Many started tailgating outside the stadium early in the afternoon Friday.

The Rolling Stones have not been to Orlando in 18 years, and it’s the first concert of this large a magnitude since the redesign of the Citrus Bowl.

“It’s just seeing an old band we grew up to,” said fan Jim Reynders.

It was a sentiment shared with a packed house embracing Orlando’s moment in rock history.

“You don’t know how long they’re going to be around and I love them to death. They’re part of my upbringing,” said fan Diana Pfeifer.

Patti Susko took a picture from Orlando’s first Stones concert in 1981 at what was then the Tangerine Bowl.

“It’s a lot different but it’s very exciting just to see the changes and also the crowd; a great mix of older and younger people,” she said.

Fans agreed it was the experience of a lifetime.

“They’re not called the world’s greatest rock and roll band for no reason,” said fan Tom Brady.

The show sold out, causing parking headaches for many fans.

Barricades and detours surrounded the area.

It’s the third time the Stones have played at the Citrus Bowl.

The last time they performed at the stadium was 1997.

WFTV