It was a bright day for future of Central Florida’s future when on July 26, Orange County Commissioners passed the Interlocal agreement to fund three downtown Orlando community venues; a new events center, a new performing art center and major transformation of the Citrus Bowl. The agreement provides funding from a mix of tourist taxes, downtown property taxes, private contributions and other sources.
The Community Venues will have significant economic impact on the community by attracting and retaining high events, improving the quality of life of Central Florida citizens. While we are a highly recognized tourist destination, it is equally important that residents of this region enjoy and benefit from living in a world-class community.
All three facilities will be located in the downtown Orlando area and within a short distance from each other. While there was talk of building the arena close to the Convention Center on I-Drive, building the venues in close proximity will strengthen the downtown core.
The new performing arts center will bring world-class events to Central Florida and will host the Orlando Philharmonic Orchestra, the Orlando Ballet and other touring Broadway shows benefiting the economy. A recent study conducted in partnership with Americans for the Arts and myregion.org, revealed that Arts and Culture are a $165.31 million industry in the Central Florida Region, demonstrating that communities that support the arts also support jobs, generate government revenue and forma strong foundation for the tourism market.
The new event center, which will serve the Orlando Magic, the Orlando Predators and a multitude of concerts and other activities, will almost double in square footage, a much needed increase since the Amway Arena is now comparatively smaller than other new facilities across the state and the nation. This new center will not only have an economic impact on Orlando and Orange County, but will also promote the rest of the region tremendously. Over 58% of season tickets holders to the Orlando Magic travel from outside Orange County to attend games, indicating that Central Florida residents enjoy the benefit of entertainment across the region. The new center will also attract high profile event and touring concerts that we are currently losing to Tampa, Jacksonville, and Miami.
As for the Citrus Bowl, its much-needed renovation is crucial to the future development of our sports community. Without these upgrades the region’s three major sporting events: the Capital One and the Champs Sports Bowl Game and the annual football contest between Bethune-Cookman College and Florida A&M University could move elsewhere. An upscale Citrus Bowl will bring in more major sports events, tourists and revenue for the region. It will also create national and global marketing opportunities for Central Florida.
The three Community Venues will create a new look for Central Florida; not only will the region be known for its world class theme parks but as a regional community that supports great arts, sports and entertainment options for tourists and residents alike. This focus on “place-making” at a grand scale will ensure that the quality of life for all who visit or call Central Florida home will be enhanced for generations to come!
