Impact Update for Thursday, February 20 | |
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"When you feel like the crowd has your back, that gives you a different level of adrenaline, maybe confidence...It was great. It felt really good and the judges gave me some good scores, so that got me feeling good. I really do like to play off the crowd."
-Mac McClung
Orlando Magic Guard
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Quote of the Day.
"To be successful at anything, the truth is you don't have to be special. You just have to be what most people aren't: consistent, determined, and willing to work for it."
-Tom Brady
7x Super Bowl Champion
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Around The Horn.
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Orlando Magic guard Mac McClung became the first player in NBA history to win the Slam Dunk contest three years in a row. McClung now joins Nate Robinson as the only two players to win the competition three times, with Robinson hoisting the trophy in 2006, 2009 and 2010. The 6-foot-2 guard has spent most of this season with the Osceola Magic, averaging 21.1 points and 5.4 assists through his first 29 games.
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Orlando City SC kicks off its 2025 campaign this Saturday, Feb. 22 at Inter&Co Stadium as the club prepares to host Philadelphia Union at 7:30pm. The Lions will look to build on their impressive performance from last season, which saw them make a deep run all the way to the MLS Cup semifinals.
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The Orlando Pride has announced "10 Years of Pride," a slate of year-long celebratory events to honor the team's historic 10th season in the NWSL. The upcoming campaign will feature a number of returning fan favorites, such as the annual Kickoff to Soccer events, a new 2025 kit inspired by the team’s first decade, theme nights, the introduction of a 10-year commemorative logo and a new Season Ticket Member benefit.
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The Orlando Solar Bears will look to bounce back from its loss to Atlanta Wednesday night as the team now prepares to host the Jacksonville Icemen at Kia Center TONIGHT, Feb. 20 at 7:30pm. The Solar Bears (27-18-10) are currently the fourth seed in the South Conference and will look to gain crucial points to climb the standings.
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The Orlando Magic return to the court TONIGHT, Feb. 20 at 7:30pm against the Atlanta Hawks following the week-long NBA All-Star break. The Magic (27-29) are currently the seventh seed in the Eastern Conference, but there is a path into the top five if they can finish strong in the final 26 games of the regular season.
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UCF Men's Basketball will look to bounce back from its loss to Oklahoma State Tuesday night as the team now prepares to host Utah this Sunday, Feb. 23 at 4:00pm. The Knights (13-13, 4-11 Big 12) are currently averaging 79.0 points per game on 42.1% shooting.
- The Osceola Magic are gearing up for a three-game road trip, beginning with an exhibition against the Long Island Nets this Friday, Feb. 21 at 7:00pm. The Magic (10-7) will return home to Silver Spurs Arena in Osceola Heritage Park on Sunday, Mar. 2 to face the Windy City Bulls at 3:00pm.
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The Orlando Valkyries continue to be a force in the PVF, winning their franchise-high fifth match in a row after defeating the Grand Rapids Rise in three sets. The Valkyries are currently sitting in third place, and have the most points (23) among all teams in the league.
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Join Orlando City SC for its 2025 home opener at Inter&Co Stadium this Saturday, Feb. 22 at 7:30pm as the Lions host the Philadelphia Union to kick off the new season. Click the link below to purchase tickets today! | |
Tickets are 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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Around Town.
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City of Ocoee officials have approved a $1 billion state-of-the-art youth sports complex that looks to draw young athletes from across the country. The ambitious project will cover nearly 150 acres and consist of 17 playing fields, a 150,000-square-foot indoor sports facility, a retail district with shops and restaurants, an entertainment district with hotels and other amenities, and a new city park. Construction is expected to begin at some point in 2025 and be complete before the end of 2027.
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Universal Orlando has unveiled several food menu items coming to restaurants at its new Epic Universe theme park set to debut on May 22. There will be 30 dining locations in the park and more than 100 new menu items corresponding with various themes within the Epic Universe theme park. View the menu items here.
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Seminole State College of Florida has secured $2 million in funding to help provide funds for student scholarships, faculty recruitment, equipment purchases and the enhancement of simulation centers to advance high-quality nursing education programs. The State of Florida awarded Seminole State $1 million from the Linking Industry to Nursing Education (LINE) Fund. The grant matches $500,000 donated by AdventHealth and Orlando Health, the College’s leading health care provider partners.
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Downtown Orlando's Lake Eola Park is set for a $60 million renovation, featuring a relocated swan boat marina, expanded amphitheater seating with a new canopy, new restrooms with integrated outdoor concession stands, and wider sidewalks. The city is currently accepting bids for the project until Friday, Feb. 28, with final designs and a construction timeline to be determined once proposals are reviewed by city officials.
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HR Lake Hills, LLC has purchased 220 acres at the intersection of County Roads 19 and 48 in Lake County for $14 million, according to Orlando Business Journal. The company is planning a 560-home, ages-55-plus resort style neighborhood called Regency at Lake Hills, and the project is estimated to cost approximately $50 million in total.
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Orange County Public Schools is seeking a construction manager for a $38.46 million classroom building addition at Cypress Creek High School. The school has an enrollment of 3,435 and more than 148 full-time equivalent classroom teachers, according to Orlando Business Journal. An expanded building would include laboratory spaces, resource rooms and planning areas for teachers, as well as classrooms.
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FIFA is looking for passionate and dedicated volunteers to be the friendly faces on the ground this summer during the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup! Don't miss your chance to be part of this historic event - learn more at the link below and fill out your application today to volunteer at the first-ever 32-team FIFA Club World Cup. | |
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. Click the link below to secure your tickets today! | |
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All Around.
- The IMMERSE performing arts festival returns to downtown Orlando this weekend, Feb. 21-23 following a three-year hiatus. The three-day festival is celebrating its 10th iteration as hundreds of performers and art installations turn 10 blocks of downtown Orlando into live stages and canvases. Heading up this year's installment are some very big names in the form of Blue Man Group, Cirque du Soleil and Broadway star and Orlando native Michael James Scott.
- The Epcot International Festival of the Arts continues at Walt Disney World as the festival showcases visual, theatrical and culinary arts for theme park visitors. New this year, the "Once Upon A Stage: Celebrating 30 Years of Disney on Broadway" walk-through exhibit features costumes, set models and behind-the-scenes items from their stage productions. The festival runs daily through Feb. 24 and the exhibit is located in the new CommuniCore Hall.
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Universal Orlando is now selling tickets to "Volcano Bay Nights," a new limited-capacity event which will be held at Universal’s water park Volcano Bay on five Saturdays in April and May. The event will include access to 10 of the park’s slides and attractions, a beach party with DJ in the shadow of the 200-foot volcano, and meet-and-greets with several DreamWorks characters. Guests also will receive select island-themed treats and a Volcano Bay Freestyle souvenir cup as part of admission.
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SeaWorld Orlando is making additions to its Coasters After Dark after-hours event, which returns on Mar. 12 and will have elements of its Seven Seas Food Festival included. The limited time/limited attendance event allows access to eight thrill rides, and will now include a five-sample lanyard for use at select Seven Seas booths.
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PlantCon International is coming to Orlando for the first time this weekend, Feb. 22-23 with over 100 booths to choose from. Hosted at the DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Orlando at SeaWorld, visitors can browse a wide variety of plants, participate in workshops, and listen to various seminars. PlantCon will be open from 10:00am - 6:00pm on both Saturday and Sunday, and ticket pricing begins at $37.
- The 154th Silver Spurs Rodeo returns to Silver Spurs Arena in Osceola Heritage Park this weekend, Feb. 21-23. Well known as one of the best indoor rodeos of the Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association (PRCA), the rodeo features all seven traditional events: bull riding, saddle bronc riding, bareback riding, steer wrestling, team roping, tie-down roping, and barrel racing.
- Join City District Orlando this Sunday, Feb. 23 for its quarterly clean-up event to clean up the city and help make the community shine. Complimentary coffee and pastries will be available, and all present volunteers will receive (1) free Orlando Solar Bears ticket.
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Art After Dark is returning to the Downtown Arts District on Saturday, Mar. 8 from 7:00 - 10:00pm, promising an unforgettable evening of art, culture, and live entertainment perfect for young professionals and the young at heart. Guests can enjoy live music and explore CityArts’ seven stunning galleries and café, each featuring brand-new works by talented Orlando artists.
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Addition Financial Arena has announced the 12th annual Touch-A-Truck will commence on Saturday, Mar. 8 from 12:00pm - 3:00pm. Touch-A-Truck offers children the chance to discover more about their favorite trucks and vehicles they encounter every day. Featured vehicles at the event will include emergency response vehicles, construction trucks, off-road vehicles and more.
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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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GO Sports Executive VP Brent Nelson and Director Elizabeth Caldarelli attended the CFHLA Seminole County Hoteliers Luncheon at Central Florida Zoo & Botanical Gardens, pictured with Gui Cunha (Seminole County), Danny Trosset (Seminole County) and Robert Agrusa (CFHLA). | |
GO Sports Executive VP Brent Nelson and Director Jordan Lyda presented to the CFHLA UCF Area Hoteliers Luncheon at the Hilton Garden Inn Orlando East, pictured with Robert Agrusa (CFHLA). | |
GO Sports President & CEO Jason Siegel spoke at the Seminole County Chamber State of the County VIP Reception, pictured with board member Rebekah Arthur (Seminole County Chamber). | |
GO Sports VP Chase DeMayo and Coordinator Jordan Henderson attended the I-Drive Chamber of Commerce monthly meeting at Rodizio Steakhouse. | |
The GO Sports team attended the Major League Fishing Bass Pro Tour Fan Experience on the Harris Chain of Lakes, pictured with Mayor Alan Reisman (City of Leesburg), Ryan Ritchie (Discover Lake County) and Travis Rima (City of Leesburg). | |
The GO Sports team is proud to have sponsored the Seminole County Chamber State of the County VIP Reception, pictured with Commissioner Lee Constantine (Seminole County), and board members Dan Pollock (AT&T), Rebekah Arthur (Seminole County Chamber), Bob O'Malley (OEP) and John Gyllin (Seminole State). | |
GO Sports VP Lindsey McBride attended Orlando Business Journal's Doing Business in Osceola event, pictured with Experience Kissimmee staff members Steven Clenney, Jessica Beers, Misty Johantgen and Melisa Vallejo. | |
GO Sports Executive VP Brent Nelson attended the SKAL International Orlando February Mixer at the Melia Orlando Celebration. | |
GO Sports President & CEO Jason Siegel and VP Lindsey McBride on stage at the Major League Fishing Bass Pro Tour Fan Experience, pictured with Commissioner Anthony Sabatini (Lake County), Mayor Alan Reisman (City of Leesburg), Ryan Ritchie (Discover Lake County) and Travis Rima (City of Leesburg). | |
GO Sports President & CEO Jason Siegel, Director Elizabeth Caldarelli, Coordinator Jordan Henderson and Intern Kristen Scott attended the UCF Women in Sports Dinner at The Venue. | |
Corporate Partner Spotlight. | |
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GO Sports is proud to welcome our newest corporate partner, ThreatLocker! For more information, click the logo above.
Thank you for supporting sports tourism in Greater Orlando!
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