ORANGE BOWL DELIVERS $286 MILLION ECONOMIC BOOST TO SOUTH FLORIDA
College Football Playoff Semifinal at the Capital One Orange Bowl is Key Driver of Local Impact
Miami Lakes, Fla. (www.orangebowl.org) – The 2024-25 Orange Bowl Festival, including the 2025 College Football Playoff Semifinal at the Capital Orange Bowl, generated a total of $286.3 million in new economic impact and media exposure value for South Florida, according to a study by Rockport Analytics.
Overall it is estimated from the study that Orange Bowl events drew approximately 64,215 visitors to the area, including 79% of the game attendees from outside of South Florida. Additionally, the events generated an estimated 72,886 incremental hotel room nights throughout the region.
“For more than 90 years, the Orange Bowl has been more than just a game — it’s been a gateway to showcasing the very best of South Florida,” said Henri Crockett, President & Chair of the Orange Bowl Committee. “Our mission has always been clear: bring people here, drive our economy, and give back to the community that makes this place so special. The support of our fans, partners, and volunteers allows us to create moments that live far beyond the football field — from record tourism and economic impact to life-changing opportunities through Orange Bowl Cares. As we prepare to host another marquee College Football Playoff Quarterfinal at the Capital One Orange Bowl, we’re not just putting on a game — we’re putting South Florida on the national stage. That’s the power of the Orange Bowl.”
Beyond the direct economic benefits, it is estimated that Orange Bowl events generated more than $28.6 million in taxes and supported 1,233 full and part-time jobs that generated $60.1 million in personal earnings, according to the study. The total economic impact figure contains $110.7 million in media exposure value for South Florida, including 17.8 million viewers for the game on ESPN and pre-game coverage live from South Florida.
“The Capital One Orange Bowl has long been one of the country’s signature sport traditions, and its impact continues to be felt well beyond the field,” said David Whitaker, President & CEO of the Greater Miami Convention & Visitors Bureau. “From generating millions in economic activity to showcasing Greater Miami and Miami Beach on a global stage, the Orange Bowl is an extraordinary example of how sports tourism fuels our economy, creates jobs, and highlights Miami as one of the world’s premier event destinations. We are proud to partner with the Orange Bowl Committee and look forward to welcoming future College Football Playoff games and, ultimately, National Championships.”
“The Orange Bowl has consistently proven to be a powerful driver of economic activity in Greater Fort Lauderdale,” said Stacy Ritter, president and CEO of Visit Lauderdale. “From the tens of thousands of visitors filling our hotels and restaurants to the global media exposure showcasing our destination, the impact extends well beyond game day.”
2024-25 Orange Bowl Events, including College Football Playoff Semifinal at the Capital One Orange Bowl,
By the Numbers:
$286.3 million Total Economic Impact and added Media Value
$175.6 million Total New Economic Output
$110.7 million Added Media Exposure Value
$28.6 million Taxes Generated
1,233 Full and Part-Time Jobs Supporting Orange Bowl Events
$60.1 million Personal Earnings from those 1,233 Jobs
64,215 Visitors from outside South Florida
72,886 Incremental Hotel Room Nights
79% Percentage of those in Attendance during 2025 College Football Playoff Semifinal at the Capital One Orange Bowl from outside South Florida
(Source for above numbers is Rockport Analytics, which was commissioned by the Orange Bowl to develop an independent estimate of the quantifiable benefits of Orange Bowl events from May 2024-April 2025).
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About the Orange Bowl
Orange Bowl is a primarily volunteer non-profit sports organization with more than 410 members that promotes and serves the South Florida community. With its primary mission since being created in 1935 to bring tourism to South Florida through an annual football game and events, it has also maintained a legacy of charitable contributions and community outreach. Orange Bowl’s community outreach is embodied by the four pillars of its Orange Bowl Cares program: Youth Sports, Education, Community Engagement, and Legacy Programs. Orange Bowl features a year-round schedule of events culminating with the 2026 College Football Playoff Quarterfinal at the Capital One Orange Bowl on Jan. 1, 2026. For more information about Orange Bowl events, including promotional inquiries and volunteer opportunities through the Ambassador Program, log on to orangebowl.org or follow @OrangeBowl and @OrangeBowlCares on social media.
