Impact Update for Thursday, January 2 | |
Tiger Woods and Rory McIlroy’s new indoor high-tech golf league TGL will debut next week on Jan. 7, 2025. A brand new addition to the men’s professional game, TGL is a team-based golf league which will see several of the world’s highest-profile golf stars taking part. TGL will be run by TMRW Sports – the technology-focused sports company established by Woods and McIlroy in 2022 – in partnership with the PGA Tour. | |
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Quote of the Day.
"The vision must be followed by the venture. It is not enough to stare up the steps - we must step up the stairs."
-Vance Havner
Author
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Around The Horn.
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The indoor TMRW Golf League is set to debut on Tuesday, Jan. 7 at 9:00pm from the SoFi Center in Palm Beach Gardens, FL. Three players from the four-man teams will compete in 15-hole matches that blend virtual and real-time golf. The first match is New York Golf Club, led by Xander Schauffele, against The Bay Golf Club, headed by Ludvig Aberg and Wyndham Clark.
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UCF Basketball continues to impress this season following a 87-83 road victory over Texas Tech in its Big 12 Conference opener. Darius Johnson had 24 points, Keyshawn Hall had 22 points, and the Knights (10-2) have now won six straight games. UCF will look to keep the ball rolling as they host No. 7 Kansas at Addition Financial Arena this Sunday, Jan. 5 at 4:00pm.
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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.
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The Iowa State Cyclones defeated the Miami Hurricanes 42-41 in the 2024 Pop-Tarts Bowl at Camping World Stadium. The win gave Iowa State the first 11-win season in program history and capped a program-defining season.
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The Illinois Fighting Illini defeated the South Carolina Gamecocks 21-17 in the 2024 Cheez-It Citrus Bowl at Camping World Stadium. With the win, the Fighting Illini picked up their 10th win of the 2024 campaign, equaling the program single-season record and securing 10 victories for the first time since 2001.
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The Orlando Magic will look to bounce back from its loss to the Detroit Pistons as they now travel to face the Toronto Raptors this Friday, Jan. 3 at 7:30pm. The Magic (20-15) are currently the fourth seed in the Eastern Conference and continue to battle without Paolo Banchero and Franz Wagner.
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After finishing the regular season third in the nation in rushing yards, UCF running back RJ Harvey has been tabbed an Associated Press (AP) All-American. Harvey led the Big 12 Conference and finished the regular season with 1,577 rushing yards. His 22 rushing touchdowns tied for the third most in the country and best among conference running backs.
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The Osceola Magic have announced a new series of Bar Network Watch Parties, providing fans with the opportunity to catch the game and connect with fellow fans. Those who attend can enjoy live game broadcasts on big screens, fan giveaways, food and drink specials, interactive games, and trivia. Plus, opportunities to meet mascots and surprise guests.
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The Orlando Solar Bears have announced the team’s first Bears After Dark presented by Just Call Moe Injury and Accident Attorneys, beginning with a pregame party at Ivanhoe Park Lager House starting at 5:00pm when the Solar Bears host the Florida Everblades on Saturday, Jan. 4 at 7pm.
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The Orlando Valkyries announced its “Turn the Bowl Blue” campaign, inviting all fans to come together wearing light or dark Valkyrie blue to the home opener on Thursday, 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.
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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! | |
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In The News.
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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.
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AdventHealth is providing more than $9 million to local nonprofits tied to providing care for those experiencing homelessness as well as for affordable housing. AdventHealth will provide a varied amount of funding to The Sharing Center, Special Hearts Farm, United Global Outreach, The Salvation Army of Orlando and Cristo Rey Orlando High School. The money comes as the system has already made a $1.4 million investment in workforce development.
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PNC Bank announced it will extend its sponsorship for the PNC Championship at the Ritz Carlton Golf Club, Grande Lakes through 2032, according to Orlando Business Journal. The bank first signed on as the sponsor of the two-day, 36-hole scramble format competition in 2012.
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The Orlando Health Jewett Orthopedic Institute announced the opening of a new clinic in Melbourne last month, expanding its orthopedic and sports medicine care to the coast. The clinic includes 15 exam rooms, one casting room, and a rehabilitation space. On-site imaging technology such as X-ray and MRI will provide patients with high quality images and a timely diagnosis.
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The Greater Orlando Aviation Authority Board unanimously approved a $13 million project to install parking guidance system technology throughout MCO’s parking garages using a marquis sign to share where there are available parking spaces on each level of the garages. In addition to the parking fixes, Orlando International Airport will also be adding more than 40 new restaurants and retail stores to its collection.
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Visit Orlando announced a record-breaking donation of $352,218 to Orange County charities, raised through last 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.
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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! | |
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Stay Engaged.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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A new water-based experience at Wekiva Island helps locals and tourists alike get a full immersion in wild Florida. Wekiva Wild River Tours invites guests on a pontoon boat excursion on the scenic and storied Wekiva River, one of only two designated National Wild and Scenic Rivers in the Sunshine State. The boat tours leave daily from the island, and it is $42 for adults and $32 for kids.
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The 2025 Miss America Finals will take place at the Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts this Sunday, Jan. 5 at 7:00pm. Witness 52 extraordinary delegates from across the United States compete for the coveted crown by showcasing talent, answering thought-provoking questions, and advocating for causes close to their hearts.
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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.
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Florida residents can save big while visiting Walt Disney World Resort theme parks. Click here to view the current list of special offers.
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CFHLA President & CEO Robert Agrusa, CFHLA 2024 Board Chair Barb Bowden, and GO Sports board member Chris Mueller (Hilton Orlando) presented the Charles Andrews Memorial Hospitality Award to Mark Woodbury (Universal) at the 2024 CFHLA Hospitality Gala. | |
GO Sports Senior VP Michael Kalinich and Associate VP Chase DeMayo attended the StaffDNA Cure Bowl at Camping World Stadium, pictured with board members and corporate partners. | |
GO Sports President & CEO Jason Siegel pictured on the field at the Pop-Tarts Bowl with Past Chair Sharon Line Clary (AdventHealth) and her husband Michael Clary (Clary Partners), and board member Craig Borkon (Orlando Venues). | |
GO Sports President & CEO Jason Siegel attended the Pop-Tarts Bowl at Camping World Stadium, pictured with Past Chair Faron Kelley (Walt Disney World). | |
GO Sports President & CEO Jason Siegel pictured with Chairman Caesar Lopez (Orlando City SC/Orlando Pride) and Past Chair Sharon Line Clary (AdventHealth) at GO Sports' December board meeting. | |
GO Sports Senior VP Brent Nelson and Director Jordan Lyda attended opening day of the NBA G League Winter Showcase at the Orange County Convention Center. | |
GO Sports President & CEO Jason Siegel attended the NBA G League Winter Showcase at the Orange County Convention Center, pictured with Shareef Abdur-Rahim (NBA G League). | |
GO Sports Senior VP Brent Nelson attended the Pop-Tarts Bowl at Camping World Stadium, pictured with board members Dan Pollock (AT&T), Chris Mueller (Hilton Orlando) and Spencer Pylant (TECO Peoples Gas Company). | |
Corporate Partner Spotlight. | |
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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!
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