The Orange County Board of County Commissioners (BCC) approved
an ordinance today for a $94.5 million venues package that supports
performing arts, sports, recreation,
tourism and commerce. The 5-to-2
vote came after four hours of public comment and discussion with
more than 100 speakers.
The BCC vote included approval of
the Third Amendment to the Orlando/Orange County Interlocal
Agreement between the County,
City or Orlando, and the Downtown Community Redevelopment
OC Mayor Teresa Jacobs
Agency to provide funding for the
various community venues. This allows the use of Tourist Development Tax funds, better known as resort or bed tax, for Phase II construction of the Dr. Phillips Center
(DPC), upgrades to the Citrus Bowl, and the construction of a soccer
stadium. Commissioners also agreed to approve the Third addendum
to the 2007 Tourism Promotion Agreement between Orange County
and Visit Orlando providing additional marketing and advertising
funding in connection with the Central Florida Sports Commission
that will help create a full roster of events targeting the non-peak
tourism season.
sary to complete the project being committed and available to the
city.
An additional $12 million for the competitive scope improvements
to the Citrus Bowl based on Florida Citrus Sports contributing $6
million.
A $20 million contribution for the new Major League Soccer Stadium
contingent upon the certification of Orlando City Soccer as a Major
League Soccer team, Orlando hosting at least one “All-Star” game,
the team providing $40 million towards the cost of the stadium, a
25-year lease agreement, and the team must cover any construction
cost overruns.
“We are very excited about today’s approval of funds for the stadium,” said Orlando City Soccer President Phil Rawlins.
“We’ve been working towards this for a very long time and look forward to entering final negotiations with Major League Soccer.”
"We are very thankful for the leadership provided by the City and
County in approving funding for the second phase of the Performing
Arts Center, MLS soccer stadium, tourism promotion, and Florida
Citrus Bowl Stadium. We are excited about the future of our community and the ability to grow our portfolio as a major stadium sports
tourism destination," said Steve Hogan chief executive officer of
Florida Citrus Sports.
Today’s public hearing was a follow-up to the August 9th Tourist Development Council workshop were funding was unanimously recommended. Earlier this month, the City of Orlando also approved
the venues package.
“Each of these projects makes fiscal and strategic sense,” said Mayor
Teresa Jacobs. “Each will propel diversified streams of visitors, and "Today’s vote is valued at $25 million, but the decision to help deliver
each will add to our reputation as an international mecca of diver- on this promise to our community is priceless. We are about to build
sity, sports, culture and entertainment.”
a new legacy for Central Florida, thanks to the vote of confidence
from our county commissioners and the continued support of Mayor
“This Interlocal Amendment is about providing jobs for our resi- Jacobs and Orange County,” said Dr. Phillips Center President Kathy
dents. It’s about creating unparalleled sports and entertainment op- Ramsberger. “Our county and city elected officials, along with the
tions for our residents and visitors,” said Orlando Mayor Buddy Dyer. tourism and artistic community, have reinforced the commitment
“It’s about strengthening the backbone of our region’s economy, tour- to get this entire project done. We still have more work to do, but it’s
ism, by attracting national and international events to Orlando and now time for us to go and do it!”
it’s about bringing Major League Soccer to Orlando.”
"We are grateful for the confidence our elected officials have placed
The funding plan includes:
in Visit Orlando and our 1,200 tourism-related companies," said Visit Orlando President and CEO George Aguel.” "Additional tourism
Additional Convention Center Renovations
$10 Million
promotion will enhance efforts to drive future visitation and ensure
Visit Orlando Sports Promotion
that Orlando remains the leading leisure and convention destination
(Central Florida Sports Commission) $2.5 Million
that it is today."
Visit Orlando $25 Million
Dr. Phillips Center $25 Million
“We are delighted to be a part of bringing
Multi-Use Soccer Stadium $20 Million
new sports events to Central Florida. We
Citrus Bowl Renovations $12 Million
look forward to working with Visit Orlan$94.5 Million
do and all our partners to ensure success,”
Commissioners also agreed to several conditions:
added Central Florida Sports Commission President and CEO John Bisignano”
An additional $25 million for the new Performing Arts Center contingent upon construction of the final stage of the Performing Arts
Center commencing prior to January 31, 2015 and all funds neces-