How a downtown Orlando soccer stadium became a hub for international investment and community
In short: Inter.co Stadium is more than a home for professional soccer. Built through a complex mix of private funding, foreign investment programs, and local tax support, this downtown Orlando venue has hosted everything from national team matches to college football bowls, all while memorializing a tragic moment in city history.
The development of the stadium, located in the Parramore neighborhood, was a multi-year effort that shifted significantly in scope and funding. Initially projected to cost $110 million, the project eventually reached $155 million. While the city initially considered state funding, the project ultimately relied on a combination of private capital and $20 million in tourist development tax funds approved by the Orange County Board of Commissioners in October 2013. A unique aspect of this financing involved the EB-5 investment program, which allowed at least 30 foreign investors from countries like Brazil and China to contribute $15 million toward the project in exchange for American visas.
Design and construction faced several hurdles, including a location shift to avoid eminent-domain delays and a four-month construction delay that kept the team at Camping World Stadium for the 2016 season. When it finally opened on March 5, 2017, the venue featured a capacity of 25,500, including a 3,811-capacity standing section known as The Wall. The stadium was designed with an open plaza and a field set 8 feet below street level, allowing passersby to view the pitch. It also serves as a site of remembrance, featuring 49 rainbow-colored seats in Section 12 to honor the victims of the 2016 Pulse nightclub shooting.
Beyond its role as the home for Orlando City SC and the Orlando Pride, the stadium has become a versatile host for major events. It has welcomed the U.S. men's and women's national teams, the 2019 MLS All-Star Game, and the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup. Its utility extends to non-soccer events as well, having hosted the Cure Bowl and the 2022 Special Olympics USA Games opening ceremony. The naming rights have also evolved, transitioning from Exploria Resorts to the Brazilian digital bank Inter&Co, reflecting the stadium's ongoing integration into both the local community and the broader international sports landscape.
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- Summary by Intellect · source: Inter.co Stadium
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