Port Canaveral Expansion Could Rival Orlando Nightlife Centers
By Matt O'Hern // May 13, 2013
ABOVE VIDEO: In recent years, Port Canaveral has expanded its appeal beyond cruise passengers to locals and tourists from the central Florida region. Following the addition of a $21 million, 22,000 square-foot convention center, the Port is attracting developers who see the potential to attract more tourists for nightlife entertainment.
UPDATE:
BREVARD COUNTY • PORT CANAVERAL, FLORIDA – With additional cruises arriving and a $21 million, 22,000-square-foot Center visitor welcome center near completion, Port Canaveral’s commission reports a dozen developers are considering the Cove for development.
Port Canaveral’s expansion plans include an amphitheater, indoor entertainment venue and a marketplace to rival popular tourist destinations in Orlando such as Downtown Disney and Universal Citywalk. An excerpt from PortCanaveral.com reads:
“The Welcome Center is planned as a destination with its own drawing power, but it also is the beginning of an extensive Canaveral Port Authority project to redevelop The Cove Harborside Market area. The complete redevelopment plan for The Cove will be implemented in multiple phases and when complete, will be comparable in scale and concept to projects like Celebration Center and Downtown Disney.” – PortCanaveral.com
Port Canaveral Visitors Up 21% During the Past Year
Last year, Port Canaveral saw a 21 percent increase in cruise passengers, which was topped only by the Port of Miami. Port Canaveral has become one of the most profitable parts of Brevard County. Last fiscal year they generated $20 million and had a $2 billion impact on the surrounding area.
If Port Canaveral added nightclubs, upscale restaurants and live entertainment venues, would you spend more leisure time in Brevard County on the weekend, or would Orlando remain your first choice for entertainment? Leave your answer in our poll and leave comments below.
