Florida Citrus Sports marks 80 years, emphasizes philanthropy and community impact

Steve Hogan, chief executive officer of Florida Citrus Sports, told Orlando City Commissioner Robert Stewart that the organization founded as the Tangerine Bowl in 1947 has spent eight decades positioning a postseason football game as a vehicle for local philanthropy and economic development. "It's a philanthropic mission," Hogan said. "The game is a means to an end."

Hogan said the stadium was built in 1947 as part of a Works Progress Administration project and that early community leaders — including service organizations such as the Elks Lodge — created the bowl to raise money for local causes. He noted the event's role in civic life, from hosting early powerhouse college teams to welcoming Morgan State as an early integrated participant, describing the player visits as first‑class during an era when segregation limited opportunities elsewhere.

The organization evolved as stadium expansions and leadership changes allowed Orlando to compete for larger events. Hogan recounted upper‑deck expansions in 1990–91 and later investments that enabled the venue to host major events, including World Cup matches in 1994 and NFL Pro Bowls. He described a notorious, rain‑soaked 2010 game that accelerated the move to artificial turf to improve playability.

Beyond the games, Hogan emphasized Florida Citrus Sports’ community programs. He described the founding of LIFT Orlando and said the broader set of investments tied to the organization’s mission — in health and wellness facilities, early‑education spaces, affordable housing and youth programs — totals about $120,000,000. Hogan cited partnerships with private and nonprofit leaders and with venue operators to direct philanthropic resources into west‑downtown neighborhoods.

Hogan also discussed the group's strategy to attract international events. He recounted pandemic‑era efforts to recruit European clubs for the Florida Cup and wider tournament play, acknowledging initial losses on the first Florida Cup year (about $1,000,000 reported in the interview) but saying subsequent editions drew major clubs and strong audiences. The guest said the work to land global soccer and concert touring dates is part of a broader effort to bring more than 1,000,000 annual visitors to the sports‑entertainment campus.

On legacy, Hogan urged community leaders to use their success to help others: "You have a responsibility ... Share your success," he said. Stewart closed the episode by thanking Hogan and directing listeners to Florida Citrus Sports' online resources for more on the 80th anniversary. The interview is available on the Orlando History Makers podcast and further information is posted at floridacitrussports.com.