"I think it was a great, great game for us, being the first game at home, and we really worked so hard for it...The first game is always important for us, and it’s a game that determines how far we’ll go in this playoff."

-Barbra Banda

Orlando Pride Striker

Around The Horn.

• The No. 1 Orlando Pride defeated No. 8 Chicago Red Stars by a 4-1 score line last Friday night at Inter&Co Stadium. The win is the Pride’s first-ever NWSL playoff victory, backed by two goals from Barbra Banda as well as goals from Haley McCutcheon and Marta. The Pride now move onto the semifinal round and will host the Kansas City Current at 3:00pm this Sunday, Nov. 17 at Inter&Co Stadium. Purchase your playoff tickets now!
• Orlando City SC advanced to the MLS Cup Playoffs East semifinals after a 4-1 penalty-shootout home win last Saturday night against Charlotte FC. The match was 1-1 at the end of regulation before goalkeeper Pedro Gallese came up big in the shootout to keep Orlando City's season alive. The Lions will host Atlanta United at 3:30pm next Sunday, Nov. 24 at Inter&Co Stadium.
• The Orlando Magic defeated the Indiana Pacers 94-90 Wednesday night, less than 24 hours after the team's blowout victory against the Charlotte Hornets. The Magic (7-6) are currently 6-0 at home this year and have now won four straight games. The Magic will host the 76ers at Kia Center this Friday, Nov. 15 as part of East Group A action for the NBA Cup.
• UCF Basketball remains undefeated following the team's 100-94 home victory on Tuesday night against FAU. UCF had four scorers in double figures, and scored 100 points in a regular season game for the first time since 2014. The Knights (3-0) will look to keep the streak alive as they host Tennessee Tech at Addition Financial Arena on Tuesday, Nov. 19 at 7:00pm.
• FIFA has unveiled the official FIFA Club World Cup Trophy that will be lifted for the first time at next year’s tournament, set to be staged at 12 world-class venues across 11 Host Cities in the US, including Orlando. The new trophy, designed by FIFA and crafted in collaboration with global jeweler Tiffany & Co., will be presented to the inaugural FIFA Club World Cup™ winners.
• UCF Football will look to bounce back from its loss to Arizona State last weekend as the team heads into a bye week before traveling to play West Virginia on Saturday, Nov. 23. The Knights (4-6, 2-5 Big 12) will need to win the remainder of their games to qualify for the postseason for the ninth consecutive season.
• The Orlando Solar Bears defeated the Jacksonville Icemen 5-3 early on Thursday, Nov. 14 following a 10:30am puck drop at VyStar Veterans Memorial Arena. The Solar Bears (5-6) will now return home to host the Savannah Ghost Pirates at Kia Center this Sunday, Nov. 17 at 3:00pm.
• Join the Osceola Magic this Friday, Nov. 15 for 'Noche Latina' Night as the team will host the Mexico City Capitanes in Silver Spurs Arena at 7:00pm. The first 1,000 fans will receive an exclusive El Osceola Magic replica jersey.
• The next generation of future stars will become the present on Nov. 25, when Pro Volleyball Federation holds its second annual collegiate player draft. The 2024 PVF Draft will take place over five rounds with each team granted rights to one selection per round. The Orlando Valkyries will pick third in the first round, followed by four more picks scattered throughout the rounds.

The Orlando Magic have unveiled their new Platinum City Edition uniform for the 2024-25 season! Now in the third year of this new look, the uniform is designed to look like a suit of armor with a base color of platinum.

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 the day’s 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.

• The City of Orlando approved a plan for the Greater Orlando Aviation Authority earlier this week to finance up to $950 million for debt tied to multiple projects, according to Orlando Business Journal. This new plan will allow GOAA to fund several major projects in the coming years, including work at Terminal C, projects to upgrade other parts of the airport, and helping to fund a planning study for a consolidated rental car facility.
• 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 Greater Orlando Aviation Authority has launched a brand-new logo, completely rebuilt website and new innovative app, all significant steps in enhancing digital services and optimizing efficiency for passengers. The new website and app are designed to modernize the Aviation Authority’s digital presence and align with the rebranding, with the website promising to deliver a faster, more secure, and user-friendly experience for all airport visitors. 
• Last week, Osceola County Commission Chair Cheryl Grieb hosted the 12th Annual State of Osceola County address at Osceola Heritage Park. This year’s theme, "Passport to Sustainability," highlighted Osceola County’s ongoing efforts toward sustainable growth and development.
• The City of Orlando has released rendering for three large downtown projects highlighted in Mayor Buddy Dyer's DTO Action Plan. The plan centers around three big concentration areas; transportation, having iconic park spaces, and making downtown a “neighborhood for everyone.” The renderings include Magnolia Avenue, Orange Avenue, Lake Lucerne and Church Street.
• A Maryland-based pickleball chain, Dill Dinkers, will open 10 locations in Orlando and Seminole County, according to Orlando Business Journal. Dill Dinkers signed a franchise agreement with Justin White and Brien Vega to expand the concept to the region. Representatives with the franchise group declined to share specific locations, but indicated they hope to open the first by the end of this year.
• Mango's Tropical Cafe located on I-Drive has announced the addition of a new chic and intimate restaurant set to debut on May 24, 2025. Corazon by Baires will bring a major change for Mango's, offering dinner reservations from 5:00pm - 10:30pm daily. From 10:30pm, the space will revert back to Mango's, with the nightclub continuing to offer its popular club nights, lively fiestas, concerts, and more.
• Seminole County opened the Seminole County Economic Development Hub at the Seminole State College of Florida Heathrow Campus last week, according to Orlando Business Journal. The facility is staffed by three of the county's economic development partners and provides resources to small businesses to grow. It also has a multi-use space to host classes, networking events and more.

Georgia, Marshall, Penn State and Tulsa will compete in the inaugural WBCA State Farm Showcase at Walt Disney World Resort. The college women’s basketball event will be held Thursday and Saturday, Nov. 21 and 23, 2024, and will continue on Sunday, Nov. 24, with a doubleheader featuring four different teams — Jacksonville, Louisville, Mississippi State and South Florida. All six games will be played in State Farm Field House at ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex.

The ESPN Events Invitational returns to ESPN Wide World of Sports on November 28 and 29. The four-team field is highlighted by projected Top 25 team Florida, who will square off against Wake Forest in the second Semifinal. The first Semifinal on Thanksgiving Day will feature Minnesota vs. Wichita State.

One of college basketball’s most storied early-season tournaments, the NIT Season Tip-Off moves to Walt Disney World's ESPN Wide World of Sports after 35+ years in New York City. The field is highlighted by Utah State, who has qualified for four of the last five NCAA Tournaments. They will play 2021 Atlantic-10 Champion St. Bonaventure in the first Semifinal on Thanksgiving Day. The second Semifinal will feature 2023 Postseason NIT Champion North Texas and Northern Iowa.

Stay Engaged.

• Walt Disney World has released information regarding two of its Christmas-themed events, Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party at Magic Kingdom and Disney Jollywood Nights at Disney's Hollywood Studios. Both events are extra-ticket, after-hours events that mix the usual daytime attractions with themed activities, shows and menus.
• Universal Studios Japan announced the grand opening for its Donkey Kong Country area within its Super Nintendo World, and shared a first look at elements of its Mine-Cart Madness ride. When Universal Orlando opens Epic Universe in May next year, the park will also have Mine-Cart Madness as part of its Super Nintendo World. The coaster has pre-opening buzz for its ride system that was developed by Universal Creative.
• SeaWorld Orlando is offering discounts on annual passes, fun cards, single-day tickets, backstage tours and other activities during what the theme park is calling its "Black Friday Presale." SeaWorld says the savings are “up to 65%” off regular prices, and the limited-time offer runs through Sunday, Nov. 10.
• Join the United States Tennis Association for its 'Red Ball Day of Play' on Saturday, Nov. 16 from 12:00 - 5:00pm at the Rock Lake Neighborhood Center. Red balls are larger and slower, making them easier to hit and control which allows guests to focus on developing their playing skills on the court.
• Fusion Fest's 7th annual Multicultural Festival returns to downtown Orlando on Nov. 30 and Dec. 1 at the Seneff Arts Plaza at Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts. The two-day festival offers a multitude of family-friendly activities, and admission is free as long as you pre-register.
• Join the Florida High Tech Corridor’s Cenfluence Team and the VoLo Foundation’s Florida Climate Week on Wednesday, Nov. 20 from 4:00pm - 6:30pm at the Orlando Science Center for a discussion on climate technology and sustainability. The event features two panels: one on regional sustainability strategies with local leaders, and another on innovative high-tech solutions from companies.
• 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 Greater Orlando Sports Commission, along with our partners Mayor Buddy Dyer (City of Orlando), Roseann Harrington (Orange County), Allen Johnson (Orlando Venues), Chair Elect Caesar Lopez (Orlando City SC & Orlando Pride), and Casandra Matej (Visit Orlando), were privileged to host the Rugby World Cup delegation for a site visit to Orlando.

GO Sports Senior VP Michael Kalinich and Associate VP Chase DeMayo hosted corporate partners at the Orlando Magic vs. Washington Wizards game at Kia Center.

GO Sports President & CEO Jason Siegel was recognized in Orlando Business Journal's 2024 edition of Most Influential Leaders, pictured at the award celebration at Hilton Orlando.

GO Sports President & CEO Jason Siegel attended the Orlando Museum of Art PUSH exhibit for a moderated event with Tony Hawk and J. Grant Brittain, pictured with GO Sports Chairman Sharon Line Clary (AdventHealth) and board member Jenise Osani (OUC).

GO Sports CFO Gary Cohen and his wife Jill Cohen (The Lifeboat Project) attended the Apopka State of the City address, pictured with Orange County Commissioner Christine Moore (District 2).

GO Sports President & CEO Jason Siegel attended the Cows 'n Cabs event last week, pictured with Clint Bullock (OUC), board member Mike Harris (Uproar PR) and Past Chair Greg Lee (BakerHostetler).

GO Sports Executive VP Jennifer Lastik attended the Orlando Magic game with several community partners, including Orange County Commissioner Maribel Gomez Cordero (District 4) and board member Lisa Curran (Duke Energy).

GO Sports President & CEO Jason Siegel and Associate VP Kyle Sturley attended the Orlando Museum of Art's PUSH Exhibit event, pictured with Chairman Sharon Line Clary (AdventHealth) and her husband Michael Clary (Clary Partners).

GO Sports Executive VP Jennifer Lastik attended the Greater Orlando Aviation Authority 2024 Takeoff event, pictured with Vicki Jaramillo (GOAA) and Kathy DeVault (City of Orlando).

GO Sports Executive VP Jennifer Lastik attended the WISE Greater Orlando Mentorship Program Year End Celebration at Primrose Lanes.

GO Sports President & CEO Jason Siegel, Senior VP Brent Nelson, and Associate VP Lindsey McBride attended the Women's Collegiate Triathlon National Championships Welcome Reception, pictured with Lake County Commissioners Kirby Smith (District 3), GO Sports board member Jeff Osterman (Montverde Academy) and Ryan Ritchie (Discover Lake County).

GO Sports President & CEO Jason Siegel attended the USMNT training at Osceola Heritage Park, pictured with new USMNT Head Coach Mauricio Pochettino.

GO Sports Director Jordan Lyda and Manager Elizabeth Caldarelli attended the Sports ETA 4S Summit in Chattanooga, pictured with John David (Sports ETA).

GO Sports Executive VP Jennifer Lastik attended the Orlando Business Journal Most Influential Leaders award celebration, pictured with board members Melanie DiVirgilio (Seacoast Bank) and Latria Graham (GLB Media Group).

GO Sports Associate VP Chase DeMayo and his wife Sarah DeMayo attended the Faces of the Future breakfast at Boys and Girls Club of Central Florida hosted by board member Jamie Merrill, pictured with board member Charles Hawkins (Charles J. Hawkins II, P.A.)

GO Sports President & CEO Jason Siegel attended the I-Drive Chamber annual Tourism Meeting, pictured with Commissioner Elect Dr. Kelly Martinez Semrad.

GO Sports President & CEO Jason Siegel attended the Cows 'n Cabs event in Winter Park, pictured with Justin Williams (The Alfond Inn).

Corporate Partner Spotlight.

GO Sports is proud to welcome our newest corporate partner, Holiday Inn Resort Orlando Lake Buena Vista! For more information, click the logo 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