Color-changing LEDs are the latest new feature in the $400 million upgrade
Orlando’s redesigned Camping World Stadium is about to make a major visual statement across the downtown skyline. The $400 million project, designed by DLR Group, will add color-changing LED lighting to the stadium’s metallic exterior one of the latest upgrades approved by the city’s Appearance Review Board this month.
Lead architect Ryan Freeland unveiled updated renderings showing ribbons of aluminum that wrap around the stadium structure, paired with a dynamic LED lighting package designed to illuminate the bowl with programmable colors that can change based on the event.
Construction is expected to begin in early 2026, with completion slated for August 2027.
✨ New Design, Modern Experience
According to Freeland, the lighting system will be capable of creating different moods and lighting effects depending on the occasion whether it’s a football game, a festival like Electric Daisy Carnival, or another citywide event.
“We know there’s an ambition to bring colored light throughout the city,” Freeland said, explaining that the lighting will reflect and enhance the energy of the event while creating a unique nighttime identity for the venue.
Architectural samples presented to the board showed a matte anodized aluminum finish for the stadium’s exterior, chosen to minimize glare for drivers traveling along S.R. 408 and I-4. Concerns had been raised during earlier design reviews about potential reflectivity, which DLR Group addressed by selecting a non-glossy finish.
🏗️ Structural Improvements and Accessibility
The expansion includes the addition of new upper-bowl seating, premium suites, and updated amenities that bring the stadium up to current building and fire-safety standards. A retractable stage pocket is also planned, which will help the stadium attract larger concerts and entertainment events.
Structural beams supporting the new upper bowl will reduce the sidewalk width along Church Street to around five to six feet. However, city officials noted this shouldn’t affect pedestrian traffic since the street will be closed to vehicles during stadium events.
Additional upgrades include improved wayfinding signage, LED “ribbon boards” for clearer navigation, and redesigned entry gates to reduce congestion. Structural adjustments will also raise cross-bracing under the gates, improving clearance for guests walking into the stadium.
ARB members noted that these changes will provide a better visitor experience and a more modern streetscape design.
🎟️ Capacity and Timeline
When the project is completed, the upgraded stadium will seat approximately 65,000 guests, excluding luxury suites. Bench seating in the upper levels will be replaced with individual seats for greater comfort.
Construction is expected to begin early next year and continue through 2027, with completion targeted before the start of the 2027–28 football season — a timeline that allows for potential hosting of the Jacksonville Jaguars while their home stadium undergoes renovations.
The modernization is being funded through the Tourist Development Tax, a six percent surcharge on Orange County hotel rooms and short-term rentals including many of the vacation homes popular with Orlando visitors.
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