"We're thrilled to launch the 2023-2024 season with this event, this event isn't just a showcase of world-class fencing talent; it's an opportunity for families to come together in Orlando, a city that offers something for everyone."

- Phil Andrews

 CEO, USA Fencing

Another thank you to everyone who attended our 5th annual Celebrating Women in Sports Luncheon presented by Orlando Health Jewett Orthopedic Institute last week. Check out the highlights below...

Around The Horn.

• Ready, set, fence! The 2023-24 fencing season is kicking off with a bang, as USA Fencing brings the October North American Cup to Orlando. From Oct. 26–29, 2023, the Orange County Convention Center will be buzzing with the electrifying sounds of blades meeting blades. And for fencers in Division I, the highest tournament classification, the stakes are even higher: This tournament offers valuable points toward qualification for the 2024 Olympic Games.
• UCF wrapped up the nonconference part of its schedule, with backup quarterback Timmy McClain earning his first start with the Knights after transferring last season from USF. McClain settled down to complete 71% of his pass attempts (20 of 28) for 321 yards and two touchdowns.
• The Orlando Magic are turning back the clock to celebrate their 35th season of basketball. Orlando unveiled a fresh ‘Classic Edition’ uniform and court design Friday during a special tip-off event at Amway Center. The uniform, which features a retro wordmark splashed across the front and the team’s iconic star throughout the design, is a replica of the style worn by the team from 1998-2003.
• It was an absolute thriller as Orlando City fought back to earn a 4-3 win against the Columbus Crew on Saturday night, and the franchise’s 100th win, to climb into second place in the East. The Lions drew even at the start of the second half with forward Martin Ojeda’s goal in the 48th minute.
• The G-League Winter Showcase previously took place in South Padre Island, Texas, Columbus, Ga., Fayetteville, N.C., Sioux Falls, S.D., Orem, Utah, and Boise, Idaoho. A recent announcement told the public that the showcase will be staged at Hyatt Regeny Orlando and Orange County Convention Center for the next four years indicates how significantly it has grown since the G League — then called the National Basketball Developmental League at its 2001 inception — held the event in Las Vegas since 2019.
• The Bassmaster Elite Series will make a stop at the Harris Chain of Lakes in Leesburg, Florida on April 11-14, 2024. B.A.S.S. has made 42 combined visits to fisheries for major tournaments, but the timing of these events should make different strategies and techniques viable beyond the tried-and-true sight-fishing methods that have ruled earlier events in years past.
• The playoff push for the Orlando Pride got a much-needed boost after they took down North Carolina Courage 2-1 at Exploria Stadium on Sunday night. Orlando sits only one point back from the sixth and final playoff spot.
• From the inaugural Solheim Cup to the HGV Tournament of Champions, Lake Nona Golf & Country Club has long supported the LPGA and women of all ranks in golf. Spectrum News 13 spoke with LPGA rookie Ana Belac and Hall of Famer Annika Sörenstam to talk about why they chose Lake Nona.
• Major League Fishing announced the 2024 Toyota Series schedule, which kicks off its regular season in early February. On March 19-21, 2024, the fishermen stop at Harris Chain of Lakes, in Leeseburg, FL.
• The Tampa Bay Rays have reached a deal with St. Petersburg and Pinellas County to build a $1.3 billion stadium in St. Pete’s Historic Gas Plant District, which is currently home to Tropicana Field.

In The News.

• The Walt Disney Co. has shed more light on its plans to invest billions of dollars into its division that oversees theme parks, cruise lines and more — which is significant to Orlando. The Burbank, California-based entertainment giant said it will accelerate and expand capital spending in its Disney Parks, Experiences & Products division to $60 billion in the next 10 years, nearly double that of the past decade.
• Travel + Leisure Co., the world’s leading membership and leisure travel company, and Sports Hospitality Ventures, LLC, hotel and resorts licensee for the Sports Illustrated brand across North America and the Caribbean, introduced a new concept for a network of future sports-themed resort and lifestyle complexes located in popular college towns near universities with devoted fan bases.
• Country superstar Kane Brown is hitting the road on his In the Air Tour, making stops in 29 cities including Orlando next year. The five-time American Music Award-winning entertainer will visit Amway Center on May 30 with special guests Tyler Hubbard and Parmalee.
• UCF Lake Nona Hospital is piloting Google's Vertex AI software to enhance the patient-caregiver relationship. This innovative approach reflects Lake Nona's dedication to healthcare sector growth. Learn more about the innovation taking place in Lake Nona's Medical City. 
• The recent merger of amusement center owner Ft. Lauderdale-based PrimeTime Amusements with Itasca, Illinois-based Family Entertainment Group, the operator of several International Drive attractions, could lead to more growth in Orlando.
• After months behind Walt Disney World construction walls, the Journey of Water attraction, inspired by Moana, will open to the public at Epcot soon. Journey of Water has old-school Epcot elements – education, science – and modern park sensibilities, including the incorporation of themes and characters from “Moana,” the 2016 animated film set on and around a Polynesian island.
• In an effort to help ease the burden of full-time scholarship, Valencia College officials just unveiled a newly expanded pantry and holistic support center on its West Campus, thanks to a major donation from Florida Blue Foundation. VCentials now offers essential items like food, community and social services, counseling, financial literacy, and more.
• The Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts has just announced a new six-part concert series that will feature a stacked week of performances mashing big-name stars with the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra, London. The new Residency Festival will launch on Tuesday, October 3, with a performance by the Birmingham Royal Ballet.
• Berman Hopkins CPAs & Associates has been recognized as one of The Top 50 Construction Accounting Firms in the United States. At #39 in the nation, they are the highest-ranked firm based in Florida.
• Passengers got sweeping views of Central Florida onboard the Subway in the Sky blimp, on Tuesday, September 19, after launching from Orlando Executive Airport. The 180-foot airship, decked out as a giant sub sandwich, is based out of Smyrna, Tenn., and is on a national tour promoting the restaurant chain with stops in Kansas City, Atlanta, Orlando and Miami.

Stay Engaged.

• Beginning Sept. 23 at Clermont’s Showcase of Citrus, join in some fall fun during the fifth annual Pumpkin Ponderosa. Families can pick pumpkins, feed farm animals, enjoy fall-themed arts and crafts, play outdoor games and indulge in autumn bites and beverages.
• Visit Orlando’s annual celebration of Central Florida restaurants, Magical Dining is back now through October 1 with the most restaurants yet. The event features three-course prix-fixe meals for either $40 or $60 per person at more than 130 participating restaurants this year. This year sees the addition of 22 new restaurants including eight restaurants that were recently recognized by the Michelin Guide. Local nonprofit The Lifeboat Project was selected as the charitable beneficiary of this year's event.
• Country star Blake Shelton will be performing at Ole Red on Friday, September 29. The Voice star opened his Ole Red Orlando location back in June 2020, featuring some of his favorite selection of Southern-inspired cooking, cold drinks, and live music. The two-story restaurant features a large central stage that can be seen from every seat in the building, including the second-story balcony.
• The Creative City Project  is bringing two new immersive installations to Leu Gardens fall, from the end of September. The group responsible for the past few years of “Dazzling Nights” at the city-run botanical garden will be hosting “Happy Frights” and “Haunting Nights” from September 29-October 31 this year featuring fall-inspired encounters and scares.
• The Orange County Regional History Center will present a special series inspired by legendary Jazz icon, Sam Rivers, on Saturday, October 7, 2023, Sam Rivers 100, is being billed as a celebration of the 100th birthday of the jazz icon who spent the latter part of his life and career in Central Florida.
• Country Thunder is coming back on October 20-22, 2023! Keith Urban, Hardy and Cody Johnson headline three days of non-stop music and fun! Check out the full lineup here!
• In partnership with AdventHealth, the City District Main Street is launching Orlando’s first adult Downtown Orlando Field Day on Thursday, Nov. 2, 2023. This classic event will feature old school competitions with an intentional local flair. The City District Main Street, alongside title sponsor AdventHealth, Red Lobster, City Beverage, Orlando Utilities Commission and community partners including, the Downtown Development Board.
• SeaWorld Orlando is again offering an extended Fun Card deal. Buyers now get unlimited visits to the theme park for the rest of 2023 and all of 2024. The price is $131.99. A version also includes admission to the Aquatica water park through the end of 2024, and it sells for $189.99.
• Florida Residents can save up to $65 on select multi-day tickets at Universal Orlando theme parks when buying online. Click here for current offers.
• Florida residents can save big while visiting Walt Disney World Resort theme parks. Click here to view the current list of special offers.

In The Community.

GO Sports President & CEO Jason Siegel attended last weekend's UCF Football game, pictured here with Carlos Carrasco (Orlando Health Jewett Orthopedic Institute).

GO Sports Executive VP Jennifer Lastik attended an Athena Orlando Women's Leadership Event, pictured here with Shelly Wilkes and Keshia Woodie from the Orlando Magic, and Kimberly Devitt Brown.

GO Sports President & CEO Jason Siegel attended last weekend's UCF Football Game, pictured here with UCF President Alexander Cartwright and his wife Melinda.

GO Sports Executive VP Jennifer Lastik attended an Athena Orlando Women's Leadership Event with Melissa Stiles (Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts), Anne-Marie Hayward (Orlando Business Journal) and Dawn Ofodile (VyStar Credit Union).

The GO Sports team enjoyed a staff outing together at the new Primrose Lanes Restaurant & Bowling Club.

GO Sports President & CEO Jason Siegel joined board members Craig Borkon (Orlando Venues) and Caesar Lopez (Orlando City SC/Orlando Pride) for a photo with featured speaker Joan Benoit Samuelson at last week's 5th annual Celebrating Women in Sports Luncheon.

New Corporate Partner.

For more information, visit

https://www.cesmechanical.com

Thank you for supporting sports tourism in Greater Orlando!

Fun & Games.



• Pictures: Orlando Magic 35th Anniversary Uniforms