Florida Citrus Sports is a not-for-profit membership organization dedicated to increasing community spirit and pride, promoting tourism, stimulating economic development and ultimately benefiting charities, educational institutions and the quality of life in Central Florida through its four signature events: The Capital One Bowl, the Champs Sports Bowl, the Orlando Citrus Parade and the OUC Half Marathon and 5K.
Florida Citrus Sports’ (FCSports) roots date back to 1947 with the establishment of the Tangerine Bowl. The original purpose of the game was to benefit the Harry Anna Children’s Hospital for disabled children and was organized by the Elk’s Club, a volunteer-driven fraternal organization.
Control of the game was transferred with the creation of the Tangerine Sports Association in 1972. This group of volunteers reflected the community at large and set the groundwork for the organization that would become today’s Florida Citrus Sports.
FCSports is committed to developing the best bowl games in America, while using the games to increase community spirit and pride, promote tourism, stimulate economic development, foster world-class athletic competition and improve athletic facilities while benefiting charities, educational institutions, and improving the quality of life in Florida.
FCSports strives to accomplish its goals through its four signature events, one of which is the Capital One Bowl. The New Year’s Day classic began as the Tangerine Bowl and has had several names during its storied history. The game currently matches top teams from the Big Ten and SEC and will continue to do so for the next two years. With a total payout in excess of $9.35 million, the Capital One Bowl is the highest-paying bowl outside the Bowl Championship Series and is also one of the most-watched bowl games in America.
The Champs Sports Bowl is the second college bowl game hosted by Florida Citrus Sports. The fastest-growing bowl game in America, the Champs Sports Bowl continues its upward climb as the game took on a new look in 2010. The Bowl's ACC pick has been elevated one slot and will now be the third pick. On the other side of the field will be the second pick from the Big East Conference. In addition, as part of the agreement with the Big East, the Champs Sports Bowl has the option to select Notre Dame in at least one of the four years.
FCSports’ third signature event, the OUC Half Marathon and 5K, brings close to 3,500 runners to Downtown Orlando each year, while the Orlando Citrus Parade -- its fourth -- is one of Orlando’s most anticipated holiday events and draws 65,000 spectators to the city’s streets as well as millions of viewers on an internationally-syndicated broadcast.
FCSports also presents one of the premiere black college football games in the nation, the Florida Classic presented by State Farm. A week-long celebration in November culminates with the Bethune-Cookman University vs. Florida A&M University football game that annually attracts crowds 60,000-70,000 range.
Over the years, the organization has hosted many other events -- like Florida Hospital Gator Jam and this year's Florida Citrus Sports Shootout -- on a non-annual basis. World class soccer, NFL exhibition games, regular season college football games, college baseball tournaments, college basketball tournaments and sailing regattas are examples.
Two years ago, FCSports added neutral site games featuring Florida State (2012 or 2013) and Notre Dame (2011 and 2014), with those games being played in a newly-renovated Florida Citrus Bowl Stadium.
Charity plays a major role in the mission of FCSports, and the Florida Citrus Sports Foundation is the charitable arm of the organization. The cornerstone program of the Foundation is the Florida Citrus Sports Summer Camp. More than 450 disadvantaged youth from Orange and Seminole counties participate in the three, four-week camps which stress academics, athletics, attitude and achievement – building confidence and teamwork among its participants while teaching valuable life skills.