"Supporting college tennis is a growing priority for the USTA as it is not only the aspirational dream of youth tennis players across the country, but is also an increasingly vital part of the elite player development pathway...We are proud to bring this event to Orlando for years to come and are excited to work alongside the NCAA and all of our local partners to elevate this event and give college tennis the platform it so richly deserves."

-Lew Sherr

USTA CEO & Executive Director

Around The Horn.

• The USTA National Campus in Lake Nona will be the home of the NCAA Division I Men's and Women's Tennis Championships for the next 10 years, beginning in 2028! The USTA plans to make a number of infrastructure enhancements that will not only elevate the event for both student-athletes and fans, but also create a lasting impact on the Orlando community.
• U.S. Paralympics Swimming will host the U.S. Paralympics Swimming National Championships, presented by Toyota, at the Rosen Aquatic & Fitness Center this weekend in Orlando! The competition is set to run from Dec. 13-15, 2024 and will be the second time U.S. Paralympics Swimming has hosted an event in Orlando following the 2023 edition of the event.
• The U.S. Men’s National Team has announced they 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's Barbra Banda and Marta earned spots on the 2024 FIFPRO Women's World 11 roster! The FIFPRO Women’s World 11 are annual awards depicting the most outstanding footballers in the current game voted by the players, for the players. The World 11 is the only global player award decided exclusively by the players.
• Tiger Woods has announced he will compete in the PNC Championship with his son Charlie Woods, marking his first tournament since having back surgery in September. The PNC Championship will be played from Dec. 19-22 at the Ritz Carlton Orlando, Grande Lakes, and will feature a field of 20 major golf champions teaming up with a member of their family.
• UCF Football is bringing back Scott Frost as its next head coach, signing him to a five-year deal that runs through 2029. Frost, 49, reunites with the program he led to new heights in 2016-19, including a national championship based on the Colley Matrix in 2017, before leaving to return home to coach at Nebraska.
• UCF Basketball continues its strong start to the season following a 66-51 home victory over Tarleton State. The Knights (7-2) held an opponent to fewer than 60 points for the second straight game, having limited California Baptist to 59 points in a 15-point victory. UCF will look to keep the ball rolling as they face Tulsa this Saturday, Dec. 14 at 2:00pm.
• The Orlando Solar Bears took four of a possible six points on a three-game, six-day road trip that saw wins in both Greenville and Savannah. The Solar Bears (11-11-2) will now host the second-place Florida Everblades at Kia Center this Friday, Dec. 13 at 7:00pm.
• Join the Osceola Magic tonight, Dec. 12 at 7:00pm as the team is set to host the Rio Grande Valley Vipers at Silver Spurs Arena in Osceola Heritage Park. The Magic are celebrating its mascot Swish's birthday with a special giveaway item to those in attendance.
• The Orlando Valkyries kicked off its second season with training camp at the Dr. Phillips YMCA Family Center in Orlando, the club's new official practice facility partner. The team entered camp with a total of 20 players, all of whom are fighting for a spot on the active roster. The final active roster will consist of 14 players, with two players selected for the practice squad.

The 2024 NBA G League Winter Showcase returns to Orlando from December 19-22 at the Hyatt Regency Orlando and Orange County Convention Center!

New this year, the NBA G League will host “Winter Showcase Fan Day” on Saturday, December 21, inviting fans to attend all eight games and enjoy family-friendly activities like interactive photo opportunities and chances to practice your basketball skills and drills. Tickets are selling fast, click the link below to secure yours today!

In The News.

• Florida remains the premier travel destination in the country and in the world following Governor Ron DeSantis' announcement of Florida's record-breaking visitation numbers in 2023. Tourists to Florida were found to have spent a record $131 billion in the state—an increase of 5% over 2022—in addition to $36.9 billion in local, state, and federal tax revenue.
• Visit Orlando announced a record-breaking donation of $352,218 to Orange County charities, raised through this year's Magical Dining program. This marks a 30% increase over 2023 and surpasses the program’s previous record set in 2020. Visit Orlando’s Magical Dining has raised over $2.9 million for local charities since launching the charity fundraising component in 2009.
• Osceola County Commissioners approved a pair of projects that could transform the surrounding areas of Osceola Heritage Park. The county board voted unanimously to begin negotiations with the Wilf family, owners of the Orlando City SC and Orlando Pride, for Project Next, a multi-phased, $981 million mixed-use development at OHP anchored by team headquarters and training facilities for the men’s and women’s teams.
• Universal Orlando has unveiled the design for a potential specialty license plate in Florida that would feature its signature Universal globe and benefit local nonprofit agency Give Kids The World. The plate is now available for presale purchase. Drivers of Florida-registered vehicles can purchase vouchers online or at tax collector and tag agency offices across the state.
• Orange County Public Schools is lining up construction for a new school located in Horizon West, according to Orlando Business Journal. The school district is working on a $38.22 million campus for up to 837 students in grades Pre-K to fifth grade. The project is targeted to get its notice to proceed in May 2025, with substantial completion in May 2026 and open in time for the 2026-2027 school year.
• Nemours Children's Hospital, one of the nation's largest multistate pediatric health systems, has announced its plans to invest $2.5 million in pediatric nursing education, training, innovation and research at UCF's Dr. Phillips Nursing Pavilion. Nursing faculty members will collaborate with colleagues across UCF’s healthcare disciplines on research to innovate pediatric education and improve the health of children.
• The Orange County Mayor's Holiday Toy Drive is celebrating 14 years of giving back to the Central Florida community! Donate new, unwrapped toys or gifts for kids aged 18 and under at participating locations across Orange County, or contribute online by purchasing a gift through the virtual toy store.

The 2024 StaffDNA Cure Bowl returns to Orlando and will feature CUSA Champion Jacksonville State Gamecocks and Mid-American Conference Champion Ohio Bobcats at Camping World Stadium! Kickoff is set for Noon ET on Friday, Dec. 20, and will air live on ESPN. The StaffDNA Cure Bowl is celebrating its 10th anniversary by matching two conference champions for the second time in the game's history.

America's favorite bowl game returns to Orlando on Saturday, Dec. 28 when No. 13 Miami Hurricanes will face No. 18 Iowa State Cyclones for the first time in each program's history! Kickoff is slated for 3:30pm ET at Camping World Stadium, and will air live on ABC. The 2024 Pop-Tarts Bowl will be the 35th edition of the game, which has been held at Camping World Stadium since 2001 after 11 years in South Florida.

No. 15 South Carolina Gamecocks and No. 20 Illinois Fighting Illini will square off at Camping World Stadium on Tuesday, Dec. 31 in the 2024 Cheez-It Citrus Bowl! Kickoff is set for 3:00pm ET, and will air live on ABC. This season's Cheez-It Citrus Bowl will be the 79th edition of the game, an annual matchup of top SEC and Big Ten teams since 1993.

Stay Engaged.

• Walt Disney World has announced the first batch of singers who are slated to appear in Garden Rocks, the concert series that's part of the upcoming Epcot International Flower & Garden Festival. Seven acts have been announced so far for the 2025 event, which will run from March 5 through June 2. Performers will each appear for two days at the park's America Gardens Theatre.
• Universal Orlando's Holiday Parade featuring Macy’s continues at its Universal Studios theme park. A collection of floats tied to films such as “Shrek,” “Madagascar” and the “Despicable Me” franchise are a distinguishing part of the parade. The parade begins daily at 5:30pm through Dec. 31, and is included with general park admission.
• Aquatica, SeaWorld's water park, continues its Beach Night promotion with two shows left this holiday season. The attraction shows family-friendly movies on Saturdays as visitors watch from the beach at the end of a water park day. The films will be included with regular Aquatica admission, and popcorn, hot chocolate and other goodies will be available for purchase.
• The Downtown Orlando Partnership has announced enrollment is now open for ConnectDTO, its program aimed to transform engaged urban leaders into community champions through in-depth experiences with a close network of new personal and professional relationships built to last. Sessions take place on the fourth Tuesday of each month from 1:00 - 5:00pm, and registration will close at 5:00pm on Friday, Jan. 10, 2025.
• The inaugural Sabor Y Sazón Food Festival: A Celebration of Culinary Excellence, Music and Cultural Heritage, will be bringing their new concept to Orlando's Festival Park this weekend, Dec. 14-15, from 2:00 - 10:00pm. Acts will include live bands performing a mix of Latin music, along with a small-business expo, vendors and makers selling handmade Latin-themed goods as well as rides and carnival games for the kids.
• The AKC National Championships presented by Royal Canin, which has taken place in Orlando each year for more than a decade, returns to the Orange County Convention Center this weekend, Dec. 14-15. The AKC National Championships is North America's largest dog show, and admission is free to the public.
• The Holidays at Leu Gardens are recurring daily until Jan. 5, 2025, and is included with a general admission purchase. Step into a vibrant tapestry of color and cheer at the Gardens this holiday season, with enchanting displays of live plants. Thousands of dazzling poinsettias along with seasonal flowers will ignite the spirit of the season as you meander through the 50 acres of curated vignettes and container gardens.
• Holiday magic awaits the whole family at the seventh annual "Oh, What Fun!" Holiday Festival at Lake Nona Town Center on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays from Dec. 6-22. Watch as the town center transforms into a winter wonderland with a calendar full of celebrations and events.
• 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.

2024 SPORTYS: Greater Orlando's Night of Champions

GO Sports recently hosted the 2024 SPORTYS: Greater Orlando's Night of Champions presented by Orlando Health Jewett Orthopedic Institute at the Orlando Museum of Art. We are proud to recognize sports business professionals who are making a profound and lasting impact in our community.

GO Sports President & CEO Jason Siegel, pictured with Chairman Sharon Line Clary (AdventHealth) and Chair Elect Caesar Lopez (Orlando City SC/Orlando Pride).

GO Sports President & CEO Jason Siegel, pictured with Robert Agrusa (CFHLA), and board members Cindy Staley (Mission Resort + Club), Tom Draper (GOAA) and Chris Mueller (Hilton Orlando).

GO Sports President & CEO Jason Siegel and Executive VP Jennifer Lastik, pictured with board member and winner of the Sports Tourism Alliance Award, Tom Draper (GOAA).

GO Sports President & CEO Jason Siegel, pictured with students from UCF's DeVos School of Sport Management.

2024 USA Track & Field: Night of Legends

GO Sports is proud to have been a sponsor for the USA Track & Field: Night of Legends, an award ceremony honoring seven members of USATF's brightest stars from the Paris Olympic Games. The event was held at Hilton Orlando Lake Buena Vista and featured several Olympic gold medalists in attendance.

GO Sports President & CEO Jason Siegel and his wife Sarah Grafton, and Associate VP Chase DeMayo and his wife Sarah DeMayo, pictured with Orlando Commissioner Bakari Burns (District 6), Myron Rolle (Johns Hopkins All Children's Hospital), Angela Suggs (FAMU), Fred Hawkins (South Florida State College) and his wife Tiffany Hawkins (LYNX), and board member Charles Hawkins (Charles J. Hawkins II, P.A.).

GO Sports President & CEO Jason Siegel and his wife Sarah Grafton, pictured with Orange County Mayor Jerry Demings and his wife Congresswoman Val Demings, and Myron Rolle (Johns Hopkins All Children's Hospital).

GO Sports President & CEO Jason Siegel and his wife Sarah Grafton, pictured with Orange County Mayor Jerry Demings and his wife Congresswoman Val Demings, Orlando Commissioner Bakari Burns (District 6), and Olympic gold medalists Quincy Hall and Masai Russell.

GO Sports President & CEO Jason Siegel, pictured at the podium presenting one of the night's seven awards with world champion Laulauga Tausaga-Collins.

GO Sports Executive VP Jennifer Lastik spoke on a panel for the University of Florida Wedgworth Leadership Institute, pictured with board member Jay Galbraith (Bridg) and General Counsel Chris Carmody (Gray Robinson).

GO Sports President & CEO Jason Siegel attended UCF's Roth Tower Groundbreaking, pictured with Terry Mohajir (UCF Athletics), Jimmy Skiles (UCF Athletics) and Marc Daniels (96.9 The Game).

GO Sports Manager Elizabeth Caldarelli participated in the Sports 4 the Kids annual golf tournament, pictured with the Seminole County/Orlando North team.

GO Sports Executive VP Jennifer Lastik attended the UCF Roth Tower Groundbreaking event, pictured with Bridget Keefe (UCF), Janet Owen (UCF) and Danielle Permenter (Orlando Economic Partnership).

GO Sports President & CEO Jason Siegel, CFO Gary Cohen, Senior VPs Michael Kalinich and Brent Nelson, and Director Jordan Lyda attended the Visit Orlando Year End Celebration.

GO Sports President & CEO Jason Siegel and Executive VP Jennifer Lastik attended UCF's Roth Tower Groundbreaking, pictured with board members Charles Hawkins (Charles J. Hawkins II, P.A.), Jordan Clark (UCF Athletics), Dan Pollock (AT&T) and Bob O'Malley (Orlando Economic Partnership).

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