Citrus Bowl

Citrus Bowl History

The Citrus Bowl, inaugurated in 1947, holds a storied history as one of the oldest non-College Football Playoff (CFP) bowls, alongside the Gator Bowl and Sun Bowl. Initially coined the "Little Bowl with the Big Heart" in 1952 for its charitable contributions, it showcased Southern school matchups before evolving into a College Division regional final from 1964 to 1967.

1968 the Tangerine Bowl transitioned into a major college bowl featuring University Division teams (later Division I). Renamed the Florida Citrus Bowl in 1983, it was pivotal in 1986 when considered for the national championship game. Notably, the 1990 edition had national championship implications, with Georgia Tech securing a perfect season.

Rebranded as the Capital One Bowl from 2003 to 2014, it sought BCS status in 2004. The stadium's upgrade in 2007 bolstered its standing. The January 1998 game set an attendance record at 72,940.

Post-Capital One sponsorship it became the Citrus Bowl in 2015, with Buffalo Wild Wings, Overton's, Vrbo, and Kellogg's subsequently sponsoring. The 2016 season marked a schedule shift, deviating from the traditional January 1st or 2nd date.

Conference tie-ins evolved, featuring MAC, SEC, ACC, and Big Ten teams. From 1992 to 2015, SEC vs. Big Ten matchups prevailed, adding intrigue to the bowl's legacy. In recent years, the Citrus Bowl has ties with the SEC and Big Ten, occasionally hosting ACC teams based on Orange Bowl dynamics.

The Citrus Bowl witnessed a significant moment in the fight for racial integration. In 1955, Hillsdale College rejected an invitation due to discriminatory policies, while the University at Buffalo's 1958 bid was declined when the stadium refused to allow integrated events. By 1966, integration took place with Morgan State participating.

The game also experienced an unusual move to Gainesville in 1973, hosting the Florida Gators at their home stadium. Despite the "Transplant Bowl" loss to Miami, the event catalyzed stadium renovations in Orlando.

Throughout history, the Citrus Bowl showcased football excellence and played a role in broader social and logistical developments, making it a resilient and dynamic fixture in college football.

Citrus Bowl Game Schedule 2023

The 2023 Citrus Bowl schedule, held on January 2 at Camping World Stadium, featured a clash between the LSU Tigers and Purdue Boilermakers, concluding the 77th annual Citrus Bowl. LSU dominated with a 63-7 victory, marking the game as one of the 2022–23 bowl season finales. Notably, Kellogg's sponsorship officially named it the Cheez-It Citrus Bowl. The Citrus Bowl schedule also unveiled Orlando's Pop-Tarts Bowl, rebranded from the Cheez-It Bowl, on December 28 at 5:45 p.m. ET and featuring teams from the Atlantic Coast and Big 12 Conferences. The 2024 Citrus Bowl is set for January 1 at 1 p.m. ET, airing on ABC.

Citrus Bowl Game Time

• Date: January 2, 2023,

• Kickoff Time: 1:08 p.m. EST

• Network: ABC

• Location: Camping World Stadium, Orlando, Florida

• Result: LSU won 63–7, tying the record for the most significant bowl game margin.

• Sponsorship: Kellogg's officially named it the Cheez-It Citrus Bowl.

• Pop-Tarts Bowl: Rebranded from the Cheez-It Bowl, scheduled for December 28 at 5:45 p.m. ET.

• 2024 Citrus Bowl: January 1 at 1 p.m. ET, featuring Big Ten vs. SEC, televised on ABC.

Citrus Bowl Teams Qualified for 2023

The 2023 Citrus Bowl featured an exciting matchup between the No. 21 Tennessee Volunteers, representing the SEC, and the No. 17 Iowa Hawkeyes from the Big Ten. With an 8-4 record, the Volunteers showcased their prowess against the Hawkeyes, who entered the bowl with a strong 10-3 season. The clash between these two competitive Citrus Bowl teams added anticipation to the 77th edition of the Citrus Bowl, held at Camping World Stadium in Orlando, Florida. The game culminated their respective seasons, providing fans with a thrilling encounter between top-tier programs from the SEC and Big Ten conferences.

Citrus Bowl Game Ticket

Citrus Bowl tickets offer a range of prices, starting as low as $65.00 and reaching up to $4568.00 for premium seating. On average, attendees can expect to pay around $242.00 for this highly anticipated game. Lower-level endzone Citrus Bowl tickets are $235, while premium locations like sections 108, 109, and 134 may cost over $400 each. TicketSmarter ensures access to the best available seats, allowing fans to sort options by price or location. With SeatGeek also providing affordable options starting at $110, securing tickets to witness the Citrus Bowl, a prominent New Year's Six bowl game, is accessible for varying budgets.

Citrus Bowl Location: Name of Stadium

The Citrus Bowl occurs at Camping World Stadium in Orlando, Florida. With a seating capacity of over 60,000, the Citrus Bowl stadium offers a vibrant atmosphere for college football enthusiasts. Initially opened in 1936, it underwent various renovations, the latest being in 2014. Beyond football, the Citrus Bowl stadium hosts multiple events, including concerts and major league soccer matches. As for its following schedule, specifics would depend on the events and teams booked.

Citrus Bowl Records

Citrus Bowl records include LSU's impressive 63-7 victory in 2023, setting benchmarks for points (63), total yards (594), and margin of victory (56). Notable moments contribute to the bowl's rich history.

Citrus Bowl Winner List

The Citrus Bowl has witnessed a diverse array of winners over the years, showcasing the competitive spirit of college football. Teams from prestigious conferences like the SEC and Big Ten have claimed victory. Past champions include notable programs like LSU, who triumphed in 2023 with a record-breaking 63-7 win over Purdue. The winner's list reflects the dynamic nature of the bowl, featuring thrilling matchups and memorable performances that contribute to the storied legacy of the Citrus Bowl, solidifying its status as a prestigious postseason destination for top-tier college football programs.