"The energy he [Paolo Banchero] brings to this group; the confidence he gives this group in so many ways as well. Just him being on the floor, the spacing changes in so many ways. His basketball feel and his read for situations, it’s just good to have him on the floor...The more we can start piecing guys back together with this group is what we’re looking forward to."

-Jamahl Mosely

Orlando Magic Head Coach

Around The Horn.

• The Orlando Magic officially upgraded All-Star forward Paolo Banchero to questionable on the team's injury report ahead of tonight's home game against the Timberwolves. Banchero was a full participant in Wednesday’s practice inside the AdventHealth Training Center after missing 33 games from a torn right abdominal muscle he suffered on Oct. 30 at Chicago. The Magic (22-16) will factor in the upcoming back-to-back in determining when Banchero will return to action as the Magic also host the Bucks this Friday, Jan. 10.
• The U.S. Men’s National Team will complete a two-match Florida swing with a friendly against Costa Rica on Jan. 22 at Inter&Co Stadium in Orlando! The team will open its 2025 schedule against 2024 Copa America quarterfinalists Venezuela on Jan. 18, and both matches will be broadcast live on TNT, Telemundo, Universo, Max and Peacock.
• The Orlando Pride and midfielder Marta have agreed to a new two-year contract, signing the free agent to the Pride through the 2026 season. Marta returns to the Pride after captaining Orlando both the 2024 NWSL Shield and the 2024 NWSL Championship last season.
• U.S. Olympic bronze medalist boxer Omari Jones has written a book titled, "The Journey of an Olympian." This inspiring story chronicles the journey of Omari, an Orlando native, who climbed the ranks of amateur boxing through hard work, perseverance, and faith. Through the ups and downs, setbacks, and triumphs, this book shows how to stay focused on your goals even when life throws obstacles in your way.
• The TMRW Golf League debuted on Tuesday night with an action-packed matchup that saw The Bay Golf Club defeat New York Golf Club 9-2 at the SoFi Center in Palm Beach Gardens, FL. The debut of the indoor golf league drew nearly a million viewers on ESPN, according to Nielsen numbers reported by Front Office Sports. The 15-match regular season runs through March 4, followed by the playoffs later that month.
• UCF Basketball bounced back from its loss to Kansas last week and defeated Colorado 75-74 in a thrilling conference victory at Addition Financial Arena. After getting off to a slow start, Keyshawn Hall, Jordan Ivy-Curry and Darius Johnson helped spark the second-half comeback by scoring 33 of UCF’s 41 points. The Knights (11-3, 2-1 Big 12) will look to build on this momentum as they travel to face Arizona this Saturday, Jan. 11 at 10:00pm.
• Join the Osceola Magic at Osceola Heritage Park on Wednesday, Jan. 22 as they host Capital City Go-Go at 7:00pm for Youth Sports Night presented by ABC Paving & Sealcoating. The Magic are currently (2-2) following the G League Winter Showcase and will look to get back into playoff contention.
• The Orlando Solar Bears went 1-1-1 this week, coming off of a big 2-1 overtime win Saturday night over the Florida Everblades. The Solar Bears (14-16-5) now travel to New York for a three-game series with the Adirondack Thunder. The Watch Party for Sunday's 3:00pm game will be held at Your Pie Pizza, wear your Solar Bears shirt and receive two free scoops of gelato.
• The Pro Volleyball Federation (PVF) has announced the extensive schedule of nationally broadcast matches airing on CBS and FOX Sports outlets. The action begins tonight, Jan. 9 when the San Diego Mojo takes on the Orlando Valkyries in the season-opener at Addition Financial Arena, airing on FS2.

The Orlando Valkyries are hosting the “Turn the Bowl Blue” campaign, inviting all fans to come together wearing light or dark Valkyrie blue to the home opener TONIGHT, Jan. 9 vs. San Diego Mojo.

The first 1,000 fans in attendance will receive a blue rally towel, in effort to create an electric atmosphere and turn the bowl into a sea of blue.  

The U.S. Men’s National Team will complete a two-match Florida swing with a friendly against Costa Rica on Wednesday, Jan. 22 at Inter&Co Stadium in Orlando at 7:00pm. GO Sports newsletter subscribers have access to discounted pricing by clicking the link below to purchase tickets!

In The News.

• Due to the continuing cold weather, Orange County Government will continue to support the Homeless Services Network (HSN) in welcoming residents and people without stable housing to two area Warming Centers. Both locations, the South Econ Recreation Center Gym and Barnett Park Recreation Center Gym, open at 5:00pm each night and close at 8:00am promptly each morning.
• Nearly a dozen AdventHealth hospitals have been recognized as Leapfrog Top Hospitals for 2024, a distinction awarded to fewer than 6% of eligible hospitals in the United States. The awards highlight facilities that excel in patient safety, quality of care and transparency, based on rigorous evaluations by The Leapfrog Group, a national health care watchdog organization. AdventHealth hospitals were recognized in all four categories: Top General Hospitals, Top Teaching Hospitals, Top Rural Hospitals and Top Children’s Hospitals.
• The Hollywood Rip Ride Rockit rollercoaster will be permanently closed at Universal Studios theme park in 2025. The ride will shut down in early September of 2025 “to make way for a new experience,” according to Universal Orlando officials. The bright red coaster debuted in 2009 with an extensive playlist of songs that riders could choose to listen to during the ride.
• MB Resort Orlando, a $250 million hotel project planned near Disney Springs, announced they will begin construction in 2026, with completion and opening anticipated in winter 2028. The 18-story luxury resort tower will encompass 199 two-bedroom, two-bathroom residences designed to accommodate up to six guests each. The resort will also feature a range of luxury amenities, including a spa, rooftop bar, fire pit area, and a splash park.
• The UnionWest building in downtown Orlando's Creative Village was purchased by Provident Resources Group for $126 million, according to Orlando Business Journal. The 15-story mixed-use facility, which opened in 2019, houses most of UCF's downtown campus and some academic resources for Valencia College. The top 10 floors feature 121 dorm units with 641 beds. The first floor includes six retail suites totaling 12,302 square feet.
• The Lakes of Clermont Health and Rehabilitation Center in has proposed adding a 14,350-square-foot addition to its complex, according to Orlando Business Journal. It currently has 80 beds and offers rehab for patients recovering from injuries or medical procedures. The company is seeking a conditional use permit amendment from the city to allow for the expansion, which would have capacity for 40 beds and be used for short-term rehab stays of up to 30 days.
• A new pickleball concept, PickleHall, will take over a former Pep Boys Auto Shop located on Semoran Boulevard. LP Investment Portfolio, LLC purchased the building in December, and the Orlando-based group plans to completely renovate the property with six indoor courts and six outdoor courts. The concept also includes food and beverage options for players.

Three Brazilian soccer clubs—São Paulo FC, Atlético Mineiro and Cruzeiro— will visit Florida in January as part of the FC Series. The event, which commemorates its 10-year anniversary in 2025, will hearken back to its Florida Cup roots with four exhibition matches in the state and three at Inter&Co Stadium.



The lineup includes São Paulo FC’s return to Florida and the first edition of Superclássico Mineiro between Atlético and Cruzeiro to be played in the U.S., as well as a showdown between Atlético and Orlando City SC, fresh off its 2024 MLS playoff run.

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 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 on Wednesday, Jan. 29 from 11:30am - 1:00pm at UCF’s Downtown Campus.
• The Discover Disney ticket is back, allowing Florida residents to visit Walt Disney World theme parks for three or four days at a discounted rate. The tickets are good for visits between Jan. 13 and May 23, and include one park per day. Date-specific theme park reservations must be made with these tickets, and all adults must show proof of Florida residency at park entrances.
• Universal Orlando's Mardi Gras: International Flowers of Carnival will be held at Universal Studios theme park from Feb. 1 - Mar. 30. Concerts are held on select nights during that period, following the park’s nightly Mardi Gras Parade, which will feature six new floats this year as well as the traditional bead tossing.
• SeaWorld Orlando has announced the return of the popular "Preschool Card" promotion, offering Florida residents free admission for children aged five and under throughout 2025. To take advantage of this offer, families must register online before Feb. 3, 2025. After registering, the first visit to one of the participating parks must occur by Feb. 28, 2025 to activate the Preschool Card.
• The Downtown Development Board's Special Event Grants Program supports diverse arts and cultural opportunities to encourage a variety of entertainment within the area. The purpose of this program is to provide funding through grants to support events. Applications for events taking place May 2025 - Nov. 2025 are now open. To apply, click here.
• An exhibit showcasing Disney's three decades of Broadway productions will be part of the upcoming 2025 Epcot International Festival of the Arts. “Once Upon a Stage: 30 Years of Disney on Broadway” will be installed inside Epcot’s CommuniCore Hall, and will include props and costumes from musicals. The festival will run from Jan. 17 - Feb. 24, and is included with park admission.
• 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. Over 50 participating businesses and their exciting deals will be announced soon.
• 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 Executive VP Jennifer Lastik attended Judson's Live at Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts, pictured with Despina McLaughlin (Dr. Phillips Center), Jamilah Felix (AdventHealth), Jo Newell (Monday Strategies), Katie Flury (Nemours), board member Adrianna Sekula (Solidarity Partners), Rachel Kobb (Central Florida Public Affairs), Elizabeth Watkins (Walt Disney World), Rachel Moalli (Dr. Phillips Center), Sarah Nemes (SeaWorld), Kathy DeVault (City of Orlando), Kristin Westover (Visit Orlando) and Dominique Greco (UCF).

GO Sports President & CEO Jason Siegel was the featured speaker at the International Drive Chamber of Commerce meeting, pictured with U.S. Olympic bronze medalist boxer and Orlando native Omari Jones.

GO Sports President & CEO Jason Siegel and Executive VP Jennifer Lastik attended the International Drive Chamber of Commerce meeting at the Rosen Centre Hotel, pictured with Kevin Thibault (GOAA) and Vicki Jaramillo (GOAA).

GO Sports Senior VP Brent Nelson attended the PNC Championship at the Ritz Carlton Golf Club, Grande Lakes, pictured with Jason Garrow (IMG Golf Events).

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