Orlando's largest stadium, just west of downtown and about 23 miles from Lake Nona, home to college bowl games, stadium concerts and some of the city's biggest events.
Camping World Stadium is Orlando's largest stadium, in the West Lakes neighborhood just west of downtown, about 23 driving miles from Lake Nona Town Center. It opened in 1936 as Orlando Stadium and was long known as the Citrus Bowl. It seats more than 60,000 and hosts the Citrus Bowl, the Pop-Tarts Bowl and the Cure Bowl, along with the annual Florida Classic. It also hosts stadium concerts, international soccer and events such as WrestleMania. Parking is in numbered and lettered lots around the stadium, with pre-paid parking sold for many events and a free shuttle from downtown for some.
Camping World Stadium is where Orlando's biggest crowds gather: college bowl games over the holidays, the Florida Classic every fall, stadium tours by the world's biggest music acts, and international soccer. For Lake Nona residents it is about 23 miles away, on the west side of downtown.
This guide is written for people weighing a move to Lake Nona. It covers how far the stadium is, what is held there and how to handle parking and traffic on a big event day.
How far is Camping World Stadium from Lake Nona?
Camping World Stadium is about 23 driving miles from Lake Nona Town Center, just west of downtown Orlando.
The usual route takes SR 417 north to the East-West Expressway (SR 408) west, both toll roads, then exits toward the stadium. On big event days, allow much more time than usual: traffic around the stadium builds hours before kickoff.
| Distance from Lake Nona Town Center | About 23 miles |
|---|---|
| Address | 1 Citrus Bowl Place, Orlando |
| Opened | 1936, as Orlando Stadium |
| Capacity | More than 60,000 |
| Annual games | Citrus Bowl, Pop-Tarts Bowl, Cure Bowl, Florida Classic |
What events are held at Camping World Stadium?
College football is the core of the calendar, with three bowl games and the Florida Classic, plus stadium concerts, soccer and other large events.
- Citrus Bowl: one of college football's oldest bowl games, played here since 1947, usually around New Year's Day.
- Pop-Tarts Bowl and Cure Bowl: two more bowl games during the college bowl season in December.
- Florida Classic: the annual game between Florida A&M and Bethune-Cookman, usually in November, and one of the stadium's biggest crowds of the year.
- Concerts and major events: stadium concert tours, international soccer and events such as WrestleMania, which has been held here twice.
How does parking work at Camping World Stadium?
Parking is in lettered lots next to the stadium and numbered overflow lots nearby, and pre-paid parking is sold for many events through the ticketing site.
Not every lot opens for every event, so check the event page before you go. Tailgating is part of the day for football games, within the stadium's rules. For some events, a free shuttle runs from downtown Orlando to the stadium and back until an hour after the event, which lets you park in a downtown garage and skip the stadium traffic. Check the stadium's directions and parking page for the current lots and shuttle details.
How can Lake Nona residents make a stadium day easier?
Buy parking in advance, arrive early, and expect a slow exit: with 60,000 people leaving at once, patience is part of the plan.
For football, many fans arrive early to tailgate, which avoids the worst of the inbound traffic. For concerts, the downtown shuttle, when it runs, can make leaving much easier than driving out of the stadium lots. Once you reach SR 408 and SR 417, the drive back to Lake Nona is usually straightforward.
Has Camping World Stadium been renovated?
Yes, several times: the stadium's lower bowl was rebuilt in 2014, and the city has planned further major renovations to modernize the stands, add amenities and increase capacity.
Renovation work can affect which gates, lots and seating areas are open for a given event, so check the stadium's event guide before you go. The goal of the upgrades is to keep the stadium competitive for bowl games, concerts and international events.
How does Camping World Stadium fit alongside Lake Nona's other nearby venues?
Camping World Stadium is Orlando's largest venue, alongside the Kia Center and Inter&Co Stadium downtown.
The Kia Center hosts the Orlando Magic and arena concerts, and the Dr. Phillips Center hosts Broadway and the arts. For sports closer to home, see the Nona Sports hub, and for more of Orlando, the Explore Orlando hub.
Pros, Cons and Our Take
Pros
- Bowl games, the Florida Classic and stadium concerts about 23 miles from Lake Nona.
- Pre-paid parking is available for many events.
- A free downtown shuttle runs for some events.
- Tailgating makes football days a full outing.
Cons
- Heavy traffic before and after big events.
- Not every parking lot opens for every event.
- Tolls on SR 417 and SR 408.
- Renovation work can change gates, lots and seating.
Our Take
Camping World Stadium is an occasional destination for Lake Nona residents: a bowl game over the holidays, the Florida Classic, or a stadium concert a couple of times a year. The events are worth it, but the traffic is real. Buy parking ahead, arrive early and plan for a slow exit.
What the Neighbors Know
Lake Nona football fans often make bowl season a tradition, and visiting family in town over the holidays makes the Citrus Bowl an easy group outing. If regular trips to downtown venues are part of your plans, compare Lake Nona neighborhoods by how quickly they reach SR 417.
Official Sources
- Camping World Stadium
- Camping World Stadium: directions and parking
- Florida Citrus Sports
- Central Florida Expressway Authority (SR 417 and SR 408 tolls)
Buying or selling in Lake Nona? Call/Text David Myers at 407.801.3286 or use the contact form.
Frequently Asked Questions
How far is Camping World Stadium from Lake Nona?
About 23 driving miles from Lake Nona Town Center. The usual route uses SR 417 and SR 408, both toll roads.
What bowl games are played at Camping World Stadium?
Camping World Stadium hosts the Citrus Bowl, the Pop-Tarts Bowl and the Cure Bowl during the college bowl season.
What is the Florida Classic?
The Florida Classic is the annual college football game between Florida A&M and Bethune-Cookman, usually played at Camping World Stadium in November.
Where do you park for Camping World Stadium?
Parking is in lettered lots next to the stadium and numbered overflow lots nearby. Pre-paid parking is sold for many events, and a free shuttle from downtown Orlando runs for some events.
