"Congratulations to all of the finalists announced today...We could not be more pleased to celebrate these tremendously talented individuals in our sports community. This year’s inclusive field of 68 finalists represents 34 different regional organizations and shows the continued growth and impact of the sports industry in Central Florida."

-Sharon Line Clary

Chairman, Greater Orlando Sports Commission Board of Directors

Around The Horn.

• GO Sports has unveiled the list of 68 finalists for the 2024 SPORTYS: Greater Orlando’s Night of Champions presented by Orlando Health Jewett Orthopedic Institute. The finalists were selected by a voting committee made up of members of the GO Sports board of directors and are representing 34 different organizations throughout Greater Orlando. Click here for more information and to see the full list of award finalists.
• Orlando City SC continues to stay hot as they beat Cincinnati FC 3-1 on the road Saturday, Oct. 6. The Lions (15-11-7) have already secured their spot in the 2024 MLS playoffs, scoring 58 goals so far this season to set a new club record. Orlando City will play its last regular season match this Saturday, Oct. 19 against Atlanta United at Inter&Co Stadium at 6:00pm.
• The Orlando Pride fell to Portland 2-0 last Friday night for the club's first loss of the season. The Pride (17-1-6) have already secured the NWSL shield for best regular-season record and opted not to start Barbra Banda, Adriana and Marta for this match. The Pride will now travel to take on NY/NJ Gotham FC this Sunday, Oct. 20 at 5:00pm.
• UCF Football will look to bounce back from its loss to Cincinnati last Saturday as the team now travels to Ames, Iowa for a 7:30pm kickoff this Saturday, Oct. 19 against the Iowa State Cyclones. The Knights (3-3, 1-2 Big 12) can climb back up the Big 12 Conference power rankings following a strong showing at Jack Trice Stadium this weekend.
• The Orlando Magic's newest addition to the team, 2x NBA Champion Kentavious Caldwell-Pope, has continued to be in the right spots during practice and has fit in nicely with the Magic, according to head coach Jamahl Mosley. Caldwell-Pope has made at least 120 3-pointers in each of the last four seasons and earned significant consideration for the league’s All-Defensive team last year.
• B.A.S.S. officials have announced the 2025 schedule for the Strike King Bassmaster College Series presented by Bass Pro Shops, Strike King Bassmaster High School Series and Junior Series tournament circuits, and the slate features some of the best competition bass lakes in the country for young anglers to showcase their talent.
• The Orlando Solar Bears made several roster moves this week as they prepare for the start of the ECHL regular season this weekend. The Solar Bears acquired Miami native Randy Hernandez for cash considerations, and released three players from the roster. The Solar Bears start their season on the road against the Greenville Swamp Rabbits this Friday, Oct. 18 at 7:05pm.
• 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, November 8 at Osceola Heritage Park when they host the Austin Spurs at 7:00pm.
• The Pro Volleyball Federation announced it will play a 28-game slate for the 2025 campaign, an increase of four games from last season. The league is also adding another team to the mix to give the league eight teams overall. The Orlando Valkyries and the rest of the teams will now play 14 home games and 14 away games, seeing league opponents a total of four times each.

FIFA has announced the 11 cities and 12 venues that will host matches during the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup, with Orlando’s Inter&Co Stadium and Camping World Stadium both set to welcome competition as the 32-team tournament makes its U.S. debut next summer! Notably, Orlando will be the only 2025 FIFA Club World Cup host city with tournament matches in multiple different venues.

Feast on the 50 presented by SouthState Bank returns next week on Wednesday, Oct. 23 from 5:00pm - 8:30pm. Don’t miss out on an unforgettable evening filled with amazing food, drinks, entertainment, and fun right on the field of Camping World Stadium. Secure your spot now and get ready for a night to remember!

In The News.

• The City of Orlando's Community Redevelopment Agency has launched Ride DTO, downtown Orlando's newest eco-friendly transportation option. For just $1 per ride, Ride DTO makes navigating downtown easier than ever, and Circuit Transit, Inc. offers a fleet of all-electric vehicles. Daily service runs from 8:00am - 8:00pm, and new users can take advantage of a special first-rider offer: ride for free on their first three trips with code RIDEDTO.
• FEMA has designated Orange County residents as eligible for individual assistance following Hurricane Milton last week. 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.
• Orlando Mayor Buddy Dyer delivered his annual State of Downtown address Tuesday night to an audience of residents, business owners, professionals, and community members at the Kia Center. During the address, Mayor Dyer unveiled his ambitious Downtown Action plan focused on 3 main ideas: creating a network of vibrant urban parks; revamping Downtown’s streets, sidewalks, bike lanes, and public transportation; and creating a downtown for everyone.
• The BRIDG-led Central Florida Semiconductor Innovation Engine recently hosted the National Science Foundation (NSF) for a two-day tour. The tour included key facilities in NeoCity, the Center for Neovation, and Valencia College’s Osceola Campus, as well as the Central Florida Research Park, home to UCF’s semiconductor digital twin labs.
• For the seventh consecutive year, U.S. News & World Report ranked the University of Central Florida (UCF) as one of the nation’s top five most innovative public universities in its annual “Best Colleges” rankings. Rollins College was ranked as the top private institution and No. 2 overall among the 133 schools in the regional universities in the South category.
• Renaissance Orlando Resort and Spa announced the completion of a $25 million renovation that updated the lobby, refreshed all 394 guest rooms and the spa, and added a 5,000-square-foot outdoor terrace that can be used for special events. In addition to the new terrace, groups will find 20,000 square feet of indoor meeting space.
• United Airlines has plans for a substantial investment in Orlando International Airport. According to the Orlando Business Journal, the Greater Orlando Aviation Authority Board approved on Wednesday, Oct. 16 a lease at the airport including some existing buildings and several vacant acres of land. United plans to build a 354,400 square-foot hangar on the undeveloped land, where it will house its maintenance facilities for its aircraft.

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.

• Walt Disney World is introducing another paid option to reduce the wait times for attractions within its theme parks. Disney will roll out the Lightning Lane Premier Pass on Wednesday, Oct. 30, and purchasers will be able to use every Lightning Lane within a park a single time for one day. The current version of Lightning Lane, which is available for a single attraction or in a bundle of three, will continue to be offered.
• Universal Orlando has announced the opening date for its Epic Universe theme park, now set to open on May 22, 2025 ahead of Memorial Day Weekend. Multi-day tickets for the park will go on sale Tuesday, Oct. 22, and Universal Orlando will make single-day tickets available to annual pass holders on Thursday, Oct. 24. The park is expected to create 14,000 new tourism jobs when it opens.
• SeaWorld Orlando's Halloween Spooktacular continues with fun surprises, candy, costumes and more! Kids love trick-or-treating during this daytime event as they explore decorated trails and meet colorful characters. SeaWorld's Spooktacular runs on select days between Aug. 31 – Nov. 3, and is included with park admission.
• Join the Orlando Economic Partnership in celebrating 50 years of Leadership Orlando on Wednesday, Oct. 23, from 8am - 10:30am at SeaWorld Orlando Ports of Call. The event will reflect on Leadership Orlando’s rich history and unveil plans for a yearlong celebration and feature special guest, Joanna Geraghty, CEO of JetBlue Airways Corporation.
• Country music star Elle King is slated to perform at House of Blues Orlando in Disney Springs next week on Thursday, Oct. 24. King has had No. 1 hits on four different Billboard formats, including pop, alternative and country. The concert is general admission standing only, and doors at House of Blues open at 7:00pm.
• Join the City of Orlando's celebration of Hispanic Heritage Month at the Hispanic Heritage Art Exhibit running from September 17 - November 3 at City Hall's Terrace Gallery. The exhibit, titled Pioneers of Change: Shaping The Future Together, features a variety of art pieces by local visual artists that showcase the richness of Latin American history, culture and heritage through visual arts. A Community Celebration Event with Latin food, music and live entertainment will be held on October 3, 2024.
• Country Thunder Florida returns to Osceola Heritage Park this weekend October 18-20 featuring electrifying performances from Luke Combs, Bailey Zimmerman, Jon Pardi, and more. There are many different ticket options to choose from, ranging from single-day admission to camping over the weekend. View details about pricing and different ticket options here.
• 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 Associate VP Chase DeMayo and Coordinator Carter Gravitte attended the Florida Sports Hall of Fame Enshrinement Dinner at Kia Center, pictured with Tim Corkhill (AMI Graphics), Dawn Ofodile (Vystar Credit Union) and board member Dr. Keita Joy Ductant (Success Uncensored Coaching).

GO Sports Executive VP Jennifer Lastik and Associate VP Kyle Sturley attended Orlando Mayor Buddy Dyer's 2024 State of Downtown address at Kia Center, pictured with Beth Hobart (Mainframe Real Estate), Shelly Wilkes (Orlando Magic), Danielle Permenter (Orlando Economic Partnership) and Katie Thomason (Orlando Economic Partnership).

GO Sports Senior VP Brent Nelson and Director Jordan Lyda traveled to London, England this week for the 2024 Leaders Week Summit, pictured with Karissa Pendleton (Florida Sports Foundation) and Joe Piotrowski (Florida Sports Foundation).

GO Sports Executive VP Jennifer Lastik and Associate VP Kyle Sturley attended Orlando Mayor Buddy Dyer's annual State of Downtown address at Kia Center, pictured with Chair Elect Caesar Lopez (Orlando City/Orlando Pride) and Commissioner Patty Sheehan (City of Orlando).

GO Sports Executive VP Jennifer Lastik attended Orlando Mayor Buddy Dyer's annual State of Downtown address at Kia Center, pictured with Courtney Keller (Greenberg Traurig) and board member Lisa Curran (Duke Energy).

GO Sports Associate VP Chase DeMayo and Coordinator Carter Gravitte attended the Florida Sports Hall of Fame Enshrinement Dinner at Kia Center, pictured with FOX Sports sideline reporter Pam Oliver.

GO Sports CFO Gary Cohen and his wife Jill Cohen pictured with Mayor Bryan Nelson (City of Apopka) and Barry Cotton (Senator Rick Scott's office).

GO Sports Senior VP Brent Nelson and Director Jordan Lyda attended the 2024 Leaders Week Summit in London, England, pictured with Nick Dawes (JTA).

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