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Orlando Dreamers Unveil $2 Billion Domed Stadium Plan and Seek $975 Million in Tourism Tax

County approval could redirect scarce Orange County tourism-tax funds to a private stadium request.

Overview

  • The Orlando Dreamers presented updated Populous renderings Wednesday for a domed, 45,000-seat stadium and a mixed-use district that includes hotels, retail, offices, and event space.
  • The group formally renewed a request for $975 million in Orange County tourism-development tax funding and has asked the county advisory task force to review the application before the county commissioners make the final decision.
  • Dreamers officials told the advisory board they have secured more than $2 billion in private financing on the baseball side and cited an economic-impact study that projects roughly $72 billion in activity over 30 years and tens of thousands of jobs.
  • The preferred site is in the I-4/International Drive corridor near SeaWorld, with plans for a covered roof to enable year-round concerts and games and a pedestrian link to a planned SunRail station to support visitor access.
  • The Dreamers are positioning Orlando for MLB expansion review expected in 2027 and face competition from other cities, while the large tourism-tax request raises questions about how limited public tourism dollars should be allocated.