Impact Update for Thursday, January 16

"For a long time the January Camp has been an important part of the development of the National Team. It’s a unique opportunity to work with our MLS players closely and then finish with a good challenge against Costa Rica...Orlando has always been an amazing host for U.S. Soccer and we are excited for another chance to play in front of their fans."


-Mauricio Pochettino

USMNT Head Coach

Quote of the Day.


"The principle is competing against yourself. It's about self-improvement, about being better than you were the day before."


-Steve Young

NFL Hall of Famer

Around The Horn.


  • The U.S. Men’s National Team will host Costa Rica in an international friendly match at Inter&Co Stadium on Wednesday, Jan. 22. This is a critical year for the program which includes the Concacaf Nations League Finals and the 2025 Concacaf Gold Cup, the final opportunities for players to showcase their abilities in tournament conditions before the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Kickoff for Wednesday's match is slated for 7:00pm and will be broadcast live from TNT, truTV, Universo, Max and Peacock.
  • The Orlando Magic upgraded forward Franz Wagner's injury description from "torn right abdominal muscle" to "return to competition reconditioning" earlier this week on Tuesday, Jan. 14. This is a major step forward for Wagner, who has not played in 17 exhibition games since Dec. 6 with the same injury All-Star forward Paolo Banchero suffered earlier in the season.
  • UCF Basketball bounced back from its loss to Arizona last week and defeated Arizona State 95-89 in a thrilling conference victory. Keyshawn Hall made 10 of 10 from the free-throw line and led UCF's scoring with a career-high 40 points. The Knights (12-4, 3-2 Big 12) will look to build on this momentum as they host No. 10 Houston at Addition Financial Arena this Saturday, Jan. 18 at 12:00pm.
  • The Orlando Solar Bears' goalie Ryan Fanti was named Warrior Hockey ECHL Goaltender of the Week for Jan. 6-12. Fanti went 4-0-0 with one shutout, a 1.45 goals-against average, and a save percentage of .952 in four appearances last week. The Solar Bears (18-16-5) are currently on a 6-game winning streak and now travel to face Atlanta this Friday, Jan. 17 at 7:30pm.
  • The Orlando Pride and defender Zara Chavoshi have agreed to a one-year contract through the 2025 season. Chavoshi will serve as the first player the Pride have signed directly out of college, since the league’s removal of the NWSL Draft. Before joining the Pride, Chavoshi played four seasons at Wake Forest University.
  • Join the Osceola Magic at Silver Spurs Arena 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 (2-4) following the G League Winter Showcase and will look to get back into playoff contention.
  • Looking to avenge their first loss of the season, the Orlando Valkyries (1-1) will take on the San Diego Mojo TONIGHT, Jan. 16 at 10:05pm. This will be the second showdown between the Valkyries and Mojo this season after Orlando swept San Diego in their home opener at Addition Financial Arena on Jan. 9. The match will take place at Viejas Arena in San Diego, CA, and will be live streamed on YouTube

The Madden Championship Series (MCS) Playoffs are taking place at Full Sail University next week on Jan. 21 and 22! This high-energy event is a celebration of competitive gaming and sports, offering attendees an unforgettable experience. The event will feature tailgate games, food trucks, the iconic Madden Cruiser, and giveaways, including copies of Madden and more!


Tickets for the event are complimentary, but registration is required. Click the link below to register today!

REGISTER FOR MCS PLAYOFFS

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.

FC SERIES TICKETS

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.

NFL PRO BOWL GAMES TICKETS

In The News.


  • Florida Governor Ron DeSantis appointed Florida Attorney General Ashley Moody to succeed Marco Rubio in the U.S. Senate. The announcement was made during a press conference at the Rosen Plaza Hotel in Orlando earlier today on Thursday, Jan. 16. James Uthmeier, DeSantis’ chief of staff, will take Moody’s place as state attorney general.
  • 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.
  • The Orlando International Airport (MCO) is expanding its global reach with more than 22 new flights set to debut in 2025, according to Orlando Business Journal. The airport has lined up new activity from several of its airline partners, including first-time flights to U.S. cities as well as new international destinations in Germany and France.
  • 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.
  • Orlando Health has announced the launch of the Orlando Health Children’s Neuroscience Institute, which is dedicated to advancing neurological care for children across Central Florida and beyond. The institute will serve as a hub for addressing a wide range of neurological conditions, including epilepsy, neuromuscular disorders, and congenital abnormalities.
  • In order to comply with a new state law that prohibits people from sleeping or camping on public property overnight, Orange County commissioners passed their own local version of the law in a 4-2 vote on Tuesday, Jan. 14. The law also now allows residents, business owners or the State Attorney General to sue municipalities that fail to enforce the ban — putting pressure on elected leaders to avoid using tax dollars for preventable legal costs.
  • New estimates released by the federal government in early December indicate approximately $20 billion was added to the Orlando MSA’s GDP in 2023 as the region became a $200 billion economy. Orlando joined just 26 other regions in the country in reaching that milestone, registering a current-dollar GDP of more than $217 billion – bigger than 17 U.S. states.
  • 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 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.

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!

FIFA CLUB WORLD CUP 2025 TICKETS

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.
  • Florida preschoolers are eligible to receive free admission to the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex for the rest of 2025. The Junior Space Explorer Pass is for Florida residents aged 5 or younger. Pre-registration is required at the attraction's website, and will not be available at the front entrance to the complex. Registration must be completed by Feb. 24, and then the pass is valid through Dec. 31.
  • 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 Senior VP Michael Kalinich, Associate VP Chase DeMayo, along with GO Sports team members Carter Gravitte and Jordan Henderson attended the OBJ Economic Outlook event at Hilton Orlando, pictured with board member Chris Mueller (Hilton Orlando).

GO Sports Senior VP Michael Kalinich attended the OBJ Economic Outlook event at Hilton Orlando, pictured with Garry Capton (Fairwinds) and Jorge Font (Fairwinds).

GO Sports President & CEO Jason Siegel, Executive VPs Brent Nelson and Michael Kalinich, Associate VP Chase DeMayo and Director Jordan Lyda attended the I-Drive Chamber of Commerce January Luncheon, pictured with Chair Elect Tammy Gustafson (Universal Orlando).

GO Sports President & CEO Jason Siegel presented as the guest speaker for the I-Drive Chamber of Commerce January Luncheon at the Rosen Centre Hotel.

GO Sports President & CEO Jason Siegel, Senior VP Brent Nelson and Associate VP Lindsey McBride attended the CFHLA Lake County Luncheon at Mission Resort + Club, pictured with Commissioner Kirby Smith (Lake County), Ryan Ritchie (Discover Lake County), Robert Agrusa (CFHLA), and board member Cindy Staley (Mission Resort + Club).

GO Sports Senior VP Brent Nelson and Director Jordan Lyda attended the Universal Stella Nova Resort Open House, pictured with Lora Syljebeck (Universal Orlando) and Nicole Belue (Universal Orlando).

GO Sports Senior VP Michael Kalinich attended the Hula Bowl at FBC Mortgage Stadium, pictured with Danny Drake (Enduraphin, Inc.).

GO Sports Senior VP Michael Kalinich attended the Hula Bowl at FBC Mortgage Stadium, pictured with Nick Walker (X3 Performance).

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.


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