City and County Put Official Stamp on Venues

City of Orlando Mayor Buddy Dyer and Orange County Mayor Richard Crotty made it official yesterday, signing the agreement to officially approve the venues as voted on in late July.  On hand was Florida Citrus Sports Executive Director Steve Hogan and several of the organization’s members and dignitaries.

Monday’s signing put a ceremonial “stamp” on the agreement reached through voting on July 23, 24 and 26th with the critical approval coming from the county on the 26th.  The plan, three years in the making, approved a $175 million renovation of Florida Citrus Bowl Stadium, a new $480 million arena for the Orlando Magic and a new $425 million performing arts center.

“Coming together is a beginning, keeping together is progress, and working together is success and every person in this room has been part of working together for one of the most successful events that we’ve ever had in the history of this community,” said Orlando Mayor Buddy Dyer.

The Florida Citrus Bowl was built in 1936 and the renovation will be the first significant improvement since 1989. Plans call for transforming the 70-year-old stadium by replacing its concrete bench-style bleachers with individual seats and adding 4,000 upscale club seats, 80 luxury boxes, and new bathrooms and concession stands.