"Hosting big international soccer matches over the years has played a role in Orlando becoming the top sports event destination in the country. It's wonderful that the FC Series is growing to add friendlies in January...The matches will be another great opportunity to showcase our city's vibrancy, diversity and commitment to inclusion."

-Orlando Mayor Buddy Dyer

Around The Horn.

• The final match of the 2025 FC Series January matches will take place this Saturday, Jan. 25 at Inter&Co Stadium when your hometown Orlando City SC takes on Brazilian club Atletico Mineiro at 3:00pm. The winner of this matchup will take home the inaugural Inter&Co Trophy, which will be contested annually during the FC Series at Inter&Co Stadium, the home of Orlando City.
• The U.S. Men's National Team concluded its two-match Florida swing with a 3-0 victory over Concacaf rival Costa Rica in Orlando Wednesday night. New head coach Mauricio Pochettino's domestic-based squad overcame rainy conditions at Inter&Co Stadium to earn its second win in as many games to start 2025.
• Orlando Magic rising star forward Franz Wagner was upgraded to questionable on Wednesday ahead of tonight's home matchup against the Portland Trailblazers. Wagner suffered a torn right abdominal muscle in Philadelphia on Dec. 6, and has since missed a total of 20 games. The Magic (23-22) should announce the status of Wagner and other key players ahead of tonight's tipoff at 7:00pm.
• UCF Men's Basketball will look to bounce back from its loss to Iowa State Tuesday night as the team now travels back to host TCU on Saturday, Jan. 25 at 4:00pm in Addition Financial Arena. The Knights (12-6, 3-4 Big 12) are currently averaging 79.2 points per game on 42.2% shooting and will need a strong win to move up in the Big 12 Conference rankings.
• Aaron Luchuk is now the Orlando Solar Bears' all-time leading points scorer after recording his 202nd point in Monday's 8-5 victory over Atlanta. The Solar Bears (21-17-5) took three out of four games last week and have won eight of their last nine games. The team is off until this Saturday, Jan. 25 when they begin a home-and-home series against the Jacksonville Icemen.
• Major League Fishing's Bass Pro Tour Fan Experience will be held on Feb. 15-16 at Ski Beach Park in Leesburg. Guests can enjoy food trucks, kid's fishing derby, live music, giveaway prizes, autographs from Bass Pro finalists and more! The event is free to attend and will run from 1:00pm - 5:30pm each day.
• Join the Osceola Magic at Silver Spurs Arena on Thursday, Jan. 30 as they host the Westchester Knicks at 7:00pm for Osceola Ranchers Night presented by AdventHealth. The Magic (3-6) will be giving out replica Ranchers jerseys to the first 1,000 fans in attendance.
• The Orlando Valkyries have announced “Decades Night" where fans are invited to dress from their favorite decade this Sunday, Jan. 26 against the Vegas Thrill. Whether it’s the 70s, 80s, 90s or the early 2000s, dress up from your favorite decade for the chance to win four VIP Club Seats to a future 2025 match of your choice. The first 500 fans in attendance will receive a Valhalla glow stick.

The NFL Pro Bowl Games return to Camping World Stadium on Sunday, Feb. 2 from 3:00pm - 6:00pm and promises fans a day filled with thrilling AFC vs. NFC action. Ticketholders will experience the league's biggest stars go head-to-head in fan-favorite competitions, face-off in an epic flag football game, and enjoy a variety of family friendly activities, giveaways, and interactive experiences.

Join the USTA National Campus on Saturday, Feb. 15 at the for its Military Appreciation Kids Day presented by OUC - The Reliable One. Children can enjoy on-court games, giveaways and family activities, all led by USTA Campus professionals. The event will conclude with an aircraft flyover and the Air Force vs. Navy dual match. Click the link below to register today!

In The News.

• The Southern Group, a premier government relations and influence network, has announced the expansion of its operations to Washington, D.C., with the launch of TSG Advocates, a new federal lobbying practice. This milestone is the next chapter in the firm’s 25-year legacy, as it extends its influence from the Sunshine State to our nation’s capital.
• As temperatures continue to remain below-average across Central Florida, cold weather shelters will remain open to help combat the frigid conditions. Orange County government will support the Homeless Service Network in welcoming residents and people without stable housing to two area warming centers tonight, Jan. 23 and tomorrow, Jan. 24.
• The City of Orlando has decided to extend its Park DTO program through 2025 in an effort to support local business and increase foot traffic downtown. The program offers free two-hour parking at all metered and non-metered parking spaces downtown through the city's ParkMobile application. Once you've downloaded the application, enter "ParkDTO" to claim free parking at your preferred parking space.
• Local businesses Freehand Goods and Impress Ink have teamed up to raise funds for the California Wildfire Fund following the out-of-control fires in the Pacific Palisades of Los Angeles. The two entities have launched a fundraiser called "Coast to Coast" featuring a t-shirt design of a bear and a gator; representing California and Florida respectively.
• The Michelin Guide recently added four new Orlando restaurants to its growing list of Florida venues, including Coro Restaurant in Audubon Park, Sorekara in Baldwin Park, UniGirl in Mills Market, and OMO by JONT in Winter Park. Visit Florida launched a partnership with the French tire manufacturer turned restaurant guide back in 2021 to highlight Florida's highest-rated restaurants.
• A historic winter storm has dropped record-breaking levels of snow across the Gulf Coast, including the State of Florida. The previous greatest snowfall ever recorded in Florida was 4 inches, which fell in Milton, FL in 1954. That record was shattered after Milton received 8.8 inches of snow in the span of 24 hours. Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis declared a state of emergency and issued an executive order that said “all modes of hazardous winter weather will be likely, including snow, sleet, and freezing rain.”

The NWSL Champion Orlando Pride will host the Washington Spirit in the NWSL Challenge Cup on March 7, 2025 at Inter&Co Stadium! Due to the Orlando Pride claiming both the regular season and playoff titles in 2024, the 2025 NWSL Challenge Cup will serve as a rematch of the 2024 NWSL Championship between the Pride and the Washington Spirit. Information regarding general public on sale will be available at a later date.

Tickets are now on sale for the FIFA Club World Cup 2025 group stage matches coming to Orlando next summer! Both Inter&Co Stadium and Camping World Stadium will host two group stage matches, beginning on June 17 with the last match on June 26. Don't miss this incredible opportunity to see soccer's biggest stars right here in town, click the link below to purchase tickets today!

Stay Engaged.

• The Epcot International Festival of the Arts continues at Walt Disney World as the festival showcases visual, theatrical and culinary arts for theme park visitors. New this year, the "Once Upon A Stage: Celebrating 30 Years of Disney on Broadway" walk-through exhibit features costumes, set models and behind-the-scenes items from their stage productions. The festival runs daily through Feb. 24 and the exhibit is located in the new CommuniCore Hall.
• Universal Orlando has released dates for the 2025 edition of Halloween Horror Nights along with other festivities at Universal Studios and Islands of Adventure theme parks. HHN will begin on Aug. 29, the earliest start in its history, and run through Nov. 2. Themes for the haunted houses along with how many nights the event will be held are to be announced at a later date.
• SeaWorld Orlando is preparing two kids-driven events centered on its Sesame Street Land in upcoming days. Just for Kids Weekend will take place this Saturday and Sunday, Jan. 25-26, and features several character interactions. On Feb. 3, SeaWorld will observe Elmo's birthday and have different festivities including photo ops, making birthday cards, Storytime, and singing Happy Birthday. Both events are included with regular SeaWorld admission.
• The Orange County Regional History Center is hosting its Orange County Heritage Day this Saturday, Jan. 25 from 10:00am - 3:00pm. This annual tradition will highlight the special stories, traditions, and contributions of these communities through dance, spoken word, and other performances, including a showcase from Native Insights, a panel discussion featuring Puzzled Peace, and Peruvian dance styles from Raymi Dance School.
• The Downtown Orlando Partnership hosts a quarterly Downtown Business Forum where they delve into the latest developments and opportunities shaping our vibrant city center. DOP’s upcoming Downtown Business Forum will focus exclusively on the City of Orlando’s DTO Action Plan, which aims to make downtown Orlando an even more vibrant, welcoming place for everyone. The event will take place next week on Wednesday, Jan. 29 from 11:30am - 1:00pm at UCF’s Downtown Campus.
• Join Orlando Main Streets for a week-long celebration of Orlando’s incredible craft beer scene with the Orlando Beer Week Main Street ALE-Liance, running from Jan. 25th to Feb. 2nd. This cross-district promotion unites Orlando’s Main Streets to showcase locally brewed beers, offering exclusive specials, prizes, and more.
• 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.

The GO Sports team attended the USMNT vs. Costa Rica international friendly match at Inter&Co Stadium, pictured with Chairman Caesar Lopez (Orlando City SC, Orlando Pride) and Stan Rubins (Visit Orlando).

GO Sports Chairman Caesar Lopez (Orlando City SC, Orlando Pride) attended the USMNT vs. Costa Rica international friendly match at Inter&Co Stadium, pictured with Oguchi Onyewu (U.S. Soccer Federation).

GO Sports Coordinator Jordan Henderson attended the EA Sports Madden Championship Series Playoffs at Full Sail University, pictured with Ben Frey (EA Sports).

GO Sports Associate VP Chase DeMayo and Director Jordan Lyda attended the HSMAI Central Florida Chapter meeting, pictured with Tyler Weyant (Experience Kissimmee) and Hal Fickett (HSMAI).

Corporate Partner Spotlight.

GO Sports is proud to welcome our newest corporate partners, Empire Coach Line and Portillo's! For more information, click the logos above.

Thank you for supporting sports tourism in Greater Orlando!

Fun & Games.

• What's Happening: Orange County Things To Do
• What's Happening: Seminole County Things To Do
• What's Happening: Osceola County Things To Do
• What's Happening: Lake County Things To Do