"He’s [Paolo Banchero] making the right play, trying to do the right thing, and trying to get his teammates involved...Great players make those around them great as well."

-Jamahl Mosley

Orlando Magic Head Coach

Around The Horn.

• Orlando Magic forward Paolo Banchero made history Monday night, scoring 50 points in the team's 119-115 home victory over the Indiana Pacers. Banchero, who turns 22 in November, became the youngest player in franchise history with 50 points in a game and surpassed Shaquille O’Neal. He also became just the fourth player in league history to record 50 or more points and grab 10-plus rebounds in a game, age 21 or younger, joining LeBron James, Jamal Mashburn and Rick Barry.
• Orlando City SC continues its quest in the MLS Cup Playoffs following a 2-0 home victory against Charlotte FC last Sunday! The Lions now travel to North Carolina for Game 2 of the best-of-three series this Friday, Nov. 1, with an opportunity to advance to the Conference Semifinal with a win. Kick off is set for 7:30pm, with the match set to stream on MLS Season Pass on Apple TV.
• The Orlando Pride return from international break for its final game of the season this Sunday, Nov. 2 against Seattle Reign FC at Inter&Co Stadium. The Pride (17-2-6, 57 points) have already secured the No. 1 seed heading into the 2024 NWSL Playoffs, with the team finishing No. 8 set to travel to downtown Orlando to face the Pride.
• The Women’s Basketball Coaches Association announced today that NBC Sports FAST Channel will be the television home of the inaugural WBCA Showcase, which will be held Nov. 21, 23 and 24, 2024 at Disney's ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex. View the schedule and purchase tickets here.
• UCF Football will look to bounce back from its loss to BYU last Saturday as the team now hosts Arizona for its annual Space Game this Saturday, Nov. 2 at 3:30pm. The Knights (3-5, 1-4 Big 12) are currently No. 11 in the Big 12 Conference power rankings and can move up following a strong showing at FBC Mortgage Stadium this weekend.
• The Orlando Solar Bears split a two-game weekend series with the Savannah Ghost Pirates, winning its home opener on Saturday night, 2-1, but falling Sunday afternoon to the Ghost Pirates, 5-2. The Solar Bears (2-1-1-0) now host the Jacksonville Icemen on Saturday, Nov. 2 at 7:00pm at Kia Center.
• The FC Series has announced its lineup for the January 2025 matches coming soon to Orlando. 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 for the match will go on sale to the general public on Thursday, Oct. 31.
• The Osceola Magic, NBA G League affiliate of the Orlando Magic, have announced the team schedule for the 2024-25 regular season, and single-game tickets are now on sale! The Magic will kick off their season Friday, Nov. 8 at Osceola Heritage Park when they host the Austin Spurs at 7:00pm.
• 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 Pride's first-ever home playoff match is set! Your Orlando Pride will host its NWSL Playoff Quarterfinals at Inter&Co Stadium on Friday, November 8th at 8:00pm. With the final match day of the regular season set for November 2nd, the final two playoff spots are still up for grabs, with the team finishing No. 8 set to travel to downtown Orlando to face the Pride.

Orlando City SC continues its quest in the MLS Cup Playoffs following a 2-0 home victory against Charlotte FC last Sunday! The Lions now travel to North Carolina for Game 2 of the best-of-three series this Friday, Nov. 1. Kick off is set for 7:30pm, with the match set to stream on MLS Season Pass on Apple TV.

In The News.

• GO Sports Chairman Sharon Line Clary was recognized in Winter Park Magazine's 2024 edition of Most Influential People! This honor is a testament to her exceptional leadership and unwavering dedication to the community. Read The Influentials 2024 edition here.
• 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.
• The Greater Orlando Aviation Authority recently announced the approval of a significant lease agreement with United Airlines to build a new Maintenance Repair Overhaul complex at Orlando International Airport. This $300+ million project includes renovations to existing facilities and constructing a new maintenance hangar, enhancing the region's aviation capabilities.
• FEMA has designated Orange County residents as eligible for individual assistance following Hurricane Milton. To be eligible for federal aid under FEMA's Individual Assistance Program, storm damage and losses from the hurricane and flooding must have occurred as a result of Hurricane Milton. Residents who suffered Milton-related damages are encouraged to register with FEMA online at DisasterAssistance.gov, on the FEMA Mobile App, or by calling (800)-621-3362.
• The Walt Disney World Swan & Dolphin hotels are undergoing a major renovation and expansion, the largest in the property's history, according to Orlando Business Journal. The expansion will make the hotel complex one of the largest convention properties on the East Coast, and all guest rooms in the Swan are being remodeled. In addition to the new meeting and convention space, the hotels' existing 333,000 square feet of meeting space are being refreshed.
• Kia Center and hospitality partner Levy teamed up on an evolved local food and beverage experience that serves the best food and beverage offerings celebrating Orlando’s diverse and thriving culinary community. Orlando Table, the arena’s platform to showcase the city’s and region’s favorite restaurants, chefs and purveyors, will expand this year to feature eight local favorites across concourse concessions.
• Walt Disney World teamed up with Starlight Children’s Foundation to surprise young patients in hospitals across Florida with happy Halloween celebrations that included character visits and costume donations. Disney brought the festive fun to Orlando Health Arnold Palmer Hospital and Johns Hopkins All Children’s Hospital in Tampa – surprising kids with costumes, books, toys and more.
• UCF unveiled its new UCF Center of Excellence for Hypersonic & Space Propulsion last week, according to Orlando Business Journal. The 50,800-square-foot facility at 12889 Ingenuity Way will study travel at speeds of up to Mach 17, or 13,000 mph. UCF research first stabilized the detonation process — a much stronger form of propulsion than exists in commercial use — in 2021.

Georgia, Marshall, Penn State and Tulsa will compete in the inaugural WBCA 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.

• Universal Orlando has released first looks at some of the monster figures coming to the Dark Universe section of Epic Universe, the theme park set to open next spring. The new photography features the 9-foot-tall Frankenstein’s Monster, Dracula, Wolf Man and the Creature from the Black Lagoon, each of which will be seen in the Dark Universe ride called Monsters Unchained: The Frankenstein Experiment.
• Walt Disney World has revealed the list of celebrity narrators for its Candlelight Processional, part of the Epcot International Festival of the Holidays, which begins on Friday, Nov. 29. The Candlelight Processional features a mass choir, live orchestra and narrator of the Christmas story, performed three times nightly at the theme park’s American Adventure Theater.
• SeaWorld Orlando is introducing Coasters After Dark — Christmas Edition, a limited-capacity, after-hours event in a holiday setting. The park will feature seven of its roller coasters surrounded by Christmas lighting on six nights starting Nov. 8. Some retail, food and beverages will also be open, including Flamecraft Bar, South Pole Sips, Dockside Pizza, Glacier Bar and a hot-chocolate hut.
• Join the City of Orlando and Cox Media Group for the 53rd annual Fall Fiesta in the Park this weekend at Lake Eola Park in downtown Orlando. Guests can enjoy the beauty of Lake Eola while browsing hundreds of unique artist and crafter booths, food vendors, live entertainment and a beer garden. The event will run from 10:00am - 5:00pm on both Saturday, Nov. 2 and Sunday, Nov. 3.
• The Blue Man Group's new Orlando show will debut on April 3 next year, the company announced Tuesday. Tickets are now on sale for the production, which will take place in a to-be-built theater near the base of the Orlando Eye at Icon Park on International Drive. The space will seat 578 audience members, and it will be the first Blue Man home built from the ground up.
• The Orlando Pottery Festival has announced the dates and times for its annual Holiday Market. The Market will feature a diverse group of Central Florida ceramic artists ranging from emerging artists to experienced potters, offering handmade pieces that appeal to every taste, and the festival will offer a concession stand, free admission, and free parking.
• Join the Central Florida Employment Connections for the 30th anniversary of Central Florida Job Fairs. Register to engage with over 85 companies to connect with potential employers in the area and create meaningful face-to-face interactions. The event will take place on Wednesday, Nov. 13 from 12:00-4:00pm at the Orlando Fairgrounds.
• The Downtown Orlando Partnership’s First Friday Networking Coffee event is this Friday, Nov. 1st. The event will be held at the Eola View from 8:00am - 9:00am. The First Friday Networking Coffee event gives the opportunity to build meaningful connections within the downtown Orlando business community.
• 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 President & CEO Jason Siegel participated in an Executive Panel Fireside Chat for the American Diabetes Association's Executive Breakfast, pictured with Jason Guy (WESH 2 News), Dr. Myron Rolle (John's Hopkins All Children's Hospital) and Cesar Cesareo (ADA).

GO Sports President & CEO Jason Siegel was recognized on the field during UCF's Homecoming Game against BYU, pictured with Robert Agrusa (CFHLA), Melinda Cartwright (UCF), GO Sports board member Chris Mueller (Hilton Orlando), Jarrod Dillon (Orlando City SC/Orlando Pride) and Dr. Alexander Cartwright (UCF).

GO Sports President & CEO Jason Siegel and his wife Sarah Grafton attended the Orlando City SC playoff match against Charlotte FC, pictured with Kelly Cohen (The Southern Group) and GO Sports Chair Elect Caesar Lopez (Orlando City SC/Orlando Pride).

GO Sports Executive VP Jennifer Lastik attended the Berman Hopkins Wines from Around the World partner event, pictured with Steve Rivera (Berman Hopkins) and Chris McDirmit (Berman Hopkins).

GO Sports President & CEO Jason Siegel attended the Orlando Magic's home opener reception, pictured with Orlando Magic CEO Alex Martins.

GO Sports President & CEO Jason Siegel and Senior VP Michael Kalinich pictured with board member Rob Sitz (DS Sports), Justin Varitek (DS Sports) and Ontavious McCullough (DS Sports).

GO Sports President & CEO Jason Siegel and his wife Sarah Grafton attended the Orlando Magic's home opener reception, pictured with Pastor David Swanson (First Presbyterian Church of Orlando).

GO Sports Senior VP Brent Nelson presented to community stakeholders during the CFHLA Downtown Hoteliers Luncheon at the Marriot Orlando Downtown.

GO Sports CFO Gary Cohen attended the UCF Homecoming Game against BYU, pictured with Kenyon Congdon (2015 Great Floridian Ironman Triathlon Champion) and Steve Wheeler.

GO Sports President & CEO Jason Siegel participated in the American Diabetes Association's Executive Panel Fireside Chat, pictured with GO Sports Associate VP Chase DeMayo, and board members Mike Harris (Uproar PR) and Rich Tate (LMG).

GO Sports Executive VP Jennifer Lastik and Associate VP Kyle Sturley attended the Orlando Pride Playoff Party, pictured with Scott Lloyd (Lloyd Commercial Advisors), Jarrod Dillon (Orlando City SC/Orlando Pride), Kelly Cohen (The Southern Group) and Haley Carter (Orlando Pride).

GO Sports President & CEO Jason Siegel and his wife Sarah Grafton attended Winter Park Magazine's Most Influential event at Mead Botanical Gardens, pictured with GO Sports Chairman Sharon Line Clary (AdventHealth).

GO Sports Executive VP Jennifer Lastik attended the Orlando Pride Playoff Party, pictured with Danielle Permenter (Orlando Economic Partnership), Kay Rawlins (Orlando City SC/Orlando Pride), Jamilah Felix (AdventHealth), Dawn Ofodile (VyStar Credit Union) and Rachel Moalli (Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts).

GO Sports Executive VP Jennifer Lastik attended the 4Roots Farm Dinner, pictured with Kay Rawlins (Orlando City SC/Orlando Pride).

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