ORLANDO, Fla. — Kicking off with the Pop-Tarts Bowl at Camping World Stadium Saturday, Orlando is gearing up to host a pair bowl games this holiday season. 

Orlando will also play host to the Cheez-It Citrus Bowl on Dec. 31. A third bowl, the StaffDNA Cure Bowl, was played at Camping World Stadium on Dec. 17.

What You Need To Know

The Pop-Tarts bowl kicks off Saturday at Camping World Stadium where the Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets will be playing the BYU Cougars
According to the Florida Citrus Sports, the city’s bowl games and the Florida Classic bring in over $100 million yearly to the local economy

The Pop-Tarts Bowl kick-off is set for 3:30 p.m. on Saturday, Dec. 27. A second bowl, the Cheez-It Citrus Bowl, will take place at 3 p.m. on Dec. 31

The game is not only a big deal for fans who come from all over the country, but also for businesses in Orlando, which see an increase in revenue with more people in town. According to the Florida Citrus Sports, the city’s bowl games and the Florida Classic bring in over $100 million yearly to the local economy.

“Great economic impact from our bowl games every year,” Orlando Mayor Buddy Dyer said. “But we have, well really, we had six good teams, but we are down to four now, so the Pop-Tarts Bowl is tomorrow, really excited about that one.” 

Business owners in the area around Camping World Stadium said the bowl games provide a boost for their sales every year.

“We look forward to these kind of events,” Orlando City Deli owner Eric Claudio said. “Without these events, (it) would probably be a little bit rough on us and on certain months out of the year. But when these events do come, especially when the Pop-Tart does come, it helps us out tremendously.”

His business is located just two blocks away from Camping World Stadium. 

Business owner Eric Claudio says every year they see an increase in sales thanks to the influx of fans coming to Orlando for the bowl games. (Spectrum News)

“We get a tremendous amount of fans coming in, a lot of people patronizing our business and helping us here,” Claudio said. “It’s pretty busy in here. So, if you’re here a day of an event, be ready and it will be fully packed in here.”

Every year he takes extra steps to be ready for the game and the influx of customers they expect to serve.

“I have a full staff coming in tomorrow,” Claudio said. “We’re preparing today. Later on today, all the food and stuff that we’re going to be serving for tomorrow, just to be ahead of the game a little bit.”

District 5 City Commissioner Shan Rose said with people traveling from all over the country to see their favorite sports team, the City Beautiful sees a significant economic boost.

“The epitome of return on investment is where we put in something we’re going to get back,” Rose said. “And so, we continue to have millions of dollars of investment come back into our community from flights to hotels to food, to travel, to gas.”

Claudio said that for businesses like his, the bowl games are a big reason why they can keep their doors open.

“It brings us about 60% to 70% of good revenue that you’re not expecting in this slow time, especially after the holidays,” Claudio said. “So, having these events coming throughout the year and especially after these holidays, it’s a big help for us.”

The Pop-Tarts Bowl kickoff is set for 3:30 p.m. on Saturday, Dec. 27.