Impact Update for Thursday, August 21

"EA SPORTS Madden NFL is proudly developed in Orlando, so it’s fitting that Full Sail will continue to be our home for the Madden Championship Series this season. We’re looking forward to continuing to tap into Full Sail’s deep alumni network to support our production and provide great real-world experience for students.”

-Monica Dinsmore

Head of Esports, Electronic Arts

Quote of the Day

"Excellence is not a singular act but a habit. You are what you do repeatedly."

-Shaquille O'Neal

NBA Legend

Across the Board (Of Directors)

• Congratulations to Greater Orlando Sports Commission Board Member Rebekah Arthur for being named one of Orlando Business Journal's Most Influential Leaders.
• Congratulations to Board Member Jamie Merrill on being named a Top 50 Women Leaders of Florida by Women We Admire.
• Congratulations to Board Member Scott Cavanaugh on completing a successful 2025 Wyndham Championship with the 1,000th unique winner in PGA Tour history, Cameron Young.
• Congratulations to Board Member Kurt Esser on Team Florida repeating as Region Cup Champions at USA Volleyball.

Around The Horn

• EA Sports and Full Sail University have announced the return of the Madden NFL 26 Championship Series (MCS 26) to the Full Sail University Orlando Health Fortress for the second consecutive year. Following the success of last year’s events, four select MCS 26 competitions and broadcast productions, beginning in Sept. 2025 through Jan. 2026, will be held on Full Sail’s Winter Park campus just minutes from EA’s offices in downtown Orlando.
• Orlando City SC defeated Deportivo Toluca in a penalty-kick shootout Wednesday night at Dignity Health Sports Park in Carson, California following a scoreless draw. With the win, the Lions advance to the semifinals of the Leagues Cup and will take on intrastate rivals Inter Miami CF. The game went to a penalty kick shootout that saw Pedro Gallese make two saves in the sixth and seventh rounds and then step up himself and score the game winning penalty to send the Lions to the semifinals in a 6-5 win.
• After a weather delay that postponed the match by over three hours, the Orlando Pride battled the Kansas City Current to a 0-0 draw at CPKC Stadium on Saturday night. The result extends Orlando’s unbeaten run to three games and marks the first time the Current have been held scoreless at home since CPKC Stadium opened in 2024. The Pride (8-4-4, 28 points) will remain on the road as they head to Los Angeles to face Angel City FC on Thursday, Aug. 21 at 10:30pm.
• Orlando Valkyries, the reigning league champions, continued to make noise in free agency, signing another former All-Star in Charitie Luper. A 5’9 Outside Hitter from Dallas, Texas, Luper reunites with Hannah Maddux, as the two formed a formidable duo during their time with the Vegas Thrill last season. Maddux, who signed to the Valkyries just two days before Luper, led Vegas in points, kills, and service aces last season.
• The NBA released its 2025-26 schedule and announced the Orlando Magic will open the season on Wednesday, Oct. 22 at 7:00pm against Miami in the Kia Center. Orlando will have 14 games featured on national television – three on NBC/Peacock, three on ESPN, four on Peacock, and four on Amazon Prime. The Magic will open training camp on Tuesday, Sept. 30 at the AdventHealth Training Center in downtown Orlando.
• The Jones High School Tigers defeated the Seminole High School Seminoles 42-0 in the 2025 Legacy Classic at Camping World Stadium. The Tigers, last year’s FHSAA Class 4A state runners-up, were dominant against 7A power Seminole in every phase of the game during the Kickoff Classic preseason game. The Tigers put all 42 points on the board in the first half, tallying 344 yards of total offense while limiting Seminole to just 95.
• The Orlando Solar Bears announced that the team has re-signed veteran goalkeeper Jon Gillies for the upcoming 2025-26 season. Gillies, 31, returns to Orlando after joining the team late last season via trade from the Cincinnati Cyclones. Gillies appeared in seven regular season games and started the bulk of the Solar Bears' Kelly Cup playoff games.
• Single game tickets to the Tampa Bay Lightning vs Florida Panthers NHL preseason game at the Kia Center are on sale. The Lightning, NHL affiliate of the Orlando Solar Bears, will face the reigning champions on Tuesday, Sept. 30 at 7:30pm. Don't miss your chance to witness professional hockey right here in Orlando, visit the Solar Bears' website to purchase your tickets today.

GO Sports is proud to host the 7th annual Celebrating Women in Sports Luncheon presented by Orlando Health Jewett Orthopedic Institute on Wednesday, September 17! This year's featured speaker is 3x Olympic Beach Volleyball Gold Medalist, Misty May-Treanor, and 5 local leaders will be recognized: Carrie Allen (Orlando City SC & Orlando Pride), Shannon Clark (Florida Citrus Sports), Chrissy Elliott (Florida Citrus Sports), Heather Fagan (City of Orlando), and Sherry Wheelock (Special Olympics Florida).

Limited tables and event sponsorships are still available! Reach out to Michael and Chase on our team to secure your seat today. For more information, visit Greaterorlandosports.com/celebrating-women-in-sports/.

Around Town

• Congratulations to our partners at Orlando City SC, Orlando Pride, and i-Tech Support on the recent announcement of a multi-year partnership for i-Tech to serve as the official managed IT service partner for both clubs. i-Tech will provide full-scale IT management and cybersecurity services, including 24/7 monitoring, on-site game day support, and staff training. The partnership takes effect immediately, supporting stadium and office operations for the remainder of the 2025 MLS and NWSL seasons.
• Westgate Resorts, the largest privately held timeshare and vacation experience company, has announced the completion of its $120 million renovation to its flagship resort located in Kissimmee. The project included renovations to more than 1,500 suites and lobby with a new coffee bar, a Crafted by Starboard retail store, and the addition of two new restaurants. The resort also rebuilt the Mystery Fun House Arcade Experience, a 9,000-square-foot arcade featuring retro and modern gaming, bowling lanes, and state-of-the-art simulators with multiple entertainment zones.
• The City of Orlando and Christian Service Center are providing overnight shelter and accommodations to homeless people through a city-funded program involving retrofitted Greyhound buses. The new bus program will offer shelter for up to 42 people per night, and offers individual sleeping pods with a mattress, sheets, a light, a charging outlet and a curtain for privacy. According to Eric Gray, CEO of the Christian Service Center, each bed costs about $33 per person, per night — just a fraction of what it would cost to jail a person for sleeping on public property instead.
• AdventHealth has purchased a $15 million downtown Orlando office property, according to Orlando Business Journal. The nonprofit health system bought a 35,200-sqaure-foot medical office building located on 320 E. South Street. The system already has a presence in the building, including a lab and other specialties for AdventHealth Medical Group. AdventHealth's Central Florida division encompasses 20 hospitals and emergency rooms spanning four counties across metro Orlando, which, along with the system's outpatient network, sees 3.4 million patient visits per year.
• Build-A-Bear Workshop has officially broken ground on a new multi-level flagship store at ICON Park in Orlando. Set to open in 2026, the new space will feature the brand’s signature "make-your-own" experience along with new interactive and personalized elements designed to appeal to all ages. Designed by Chute Gerdeman, the workshop will include a striking facade on International Drive and aims to create an immersive, engaging environment.

Visit Orlando's Magical Dining, presented by Orlando Health, is celebrating its 20th anniversary in 2025 with a record-breaking 160 restaurants in the program which will run now through Tuesday, Sept. 30. The extensive list includes 24 newcomers and 15 Michelin Guide-recognized options, each offering three-course prix fixe menus priced at $40 and $60. A portion of every meal sold will benefit the REED Charitable Foundation, a local nonprofit dedicated to early childhood development and literacy.

All Around

• Universal Orlando's Halloween Horror Nights is nearly one week away, and you won't want to miss it. On select nights from Friday, Aug. 29 - Sunday, Nov. 2, Halloween Horror Nights will unleash the ultimate nightmare as park guests wander through a sinister lineup of 10 all-new haunted houses, a collection of scare zones, several live shows, and more. Universal is currently offering a wide array of ticket options, ranging anywhere from single-night tickets to Frequent Fear passes and R.I.P. Tours.
• Walt Disney World has released the menu and pricing for the 2025 Epcot International Food & Wine Festival, which begins later this month. There are dozens of new-to-fest edibles listed and one new “global marketplace” with an intergalactic feel. The festival is included with regular Epcot admission, and will run daily through Saturday, Nov. 22.
• SeaWorld Orlando is again selling its Fun Card pass, a ticket that allows entry to the theme park for the rest of 2025 and all of 2026. The price for the 2026 Fun Card is $143.99. The offer “ends soon,” the SeaWorld website warns, but no end date is currently posted. There is also a Fun Card that includes Aquatica, SeaWorld’s water park, which is selling for $199.99. Both varieties of passes come with block-out dates, generally around holidays and other busy times at the attractions.
• The Downtown Orlando Partnership and Downtown Development Board have joined forces again this year to present Downtown Employee Appreciation Week! Taking place from Monday, Sept. 8 - Thursday, Sept. 12 in various locations across downtown Orlando, this free come-and-go event rewards the city's dedicated workforce with a fun-filled week of incentives, daily giveaways, live music, employee discounts and much more.
• Madame Tussauds has created 13 new Taylor Swift wax figures for installation in attractions around the globe, including the ICON Park location on International Drive. The looks are tied to Swift's global Eras Tour, which had 149 sell-out dates. Visit their website to learn more of what ICON Park has to offer and purchase your attraction tickets ahead of time.
• The YMCA of Central Florida will be hosting its Healthy Family Day this Saturday, Aug. 23 from 10:00am to 1:00pm. This free, family-friendly event features hands-on activities, interactive demos, wellness workshops, sports previews, and resources for families—including before and after-school care, Homeschool P.E., and preschool programs. Register today!
• WWE SmackDown returns to Kia Center on Friday, Sept. 26 and promises to be an unforgettable night of electrifying wrestling action, featuring the biggest names in the WWE universe. Friday Night SmackDown is renowned for its action-packed matches, larger-than-life personalities, and unexpected twists and turns. Whether you are a die-hard WWE fan or just looking for an exciting night out, you won't want to miss this incredible event.
• 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

The GO Sports team attended UCF Football's Countdown to Kickoff Luncheon at Addition Financial Arena, pictured with Lake County Commissioner Kirby Smith, GO Sports board member John Mahoney (Kavaliro), and Ryan Ritchie (Discover Lake County, FL).

GO Sports President & CEO Jason Siegel attended 'An Evening With Kirk Herbstreit' at the Country Club of Orlando, pictured with GO Sports board member Justin Kinsey (West Lakes District), John Soapes (WESH 2) and Myron Rolle (Nemours Hospital).

GO Sports Associate VP Chase DeMayo and his wife Sarah DeMayo went to The Sharing Center's Share the Light Gala at the DoubleTree by Hilton at Universal Orlando, pictured with GO Sports board member Tekoa Pouerie (The Sharing Center) and her husband Dio Pouerie.

GO Sports President & CEO Jason Siegel and his wife Sarah Grafton pictured with Orange County Mayor Jerry Demings at the UCF Countdown to Kickoff Luncheon.

GO Sports Executive VP Brent Nelson and VP Lindsey McBride showed support at the CFHLA DOS Meeting in Lake County, pictured with GO Sports board member Cindy Staley (Mission Resort + Club) and Ryan Ritchie (Discover Lake County, FL) and Robert Agrusa (CFHLA).

GO Sports President & CEO Jason Siegel participated in a Business of Sports panel discussion for Leadership Orlando Class 108, pictured with GO Sports board members Steve Hogan (Florida Citrus Sports) and Ryan DeVos (Orlando Magic), Jarrod Dillon (Orlando City SC, Orlando Pride), and Dante Marchitelli & Maritza Martinez-Guerrero (Orlando Magic).

GO Sports President & CEO Jason Siegel pictured with GO Sports board members Mike Harris (Uproar by Moburst) and Jesse Martinez (Clean Tec Outsourcing), and John Soapes (WESH 2) at Florida Citrus Sports' Evening with Kirk Herbstreit.

GO Sports President & CEO Jason Siegel spoke at the CFHLA Board of Directors Meeting at the Hyatt Regency Orlando International Airport, pictured with GO Sports board member Jon McGavin (Grande Lakes Orlando), and Robert Agrusa (CFHLA).

GO Sports President & CEO Jason Siegel and his wife Sarah Grafton accompanied several industry leaders to the UCF Countdown to Kickoff Luncheon at Addition Financial Arena, pictured with Melinda Cartwright and members from the UCF Cheer team.

GO Sports President & CEO Jason Siegel and Ryan Ritchie (Discover Lake County, FL) presented to the South Lake Chamber of Commerce, pictured with Lake County Commissioner Sean Parks and Congressman Dan Webster.

GO Sports Associate VP Chase DeMayo attended the Ronald McDonald House 'Appetite for the Arches' Gala, pictured with Richard Barbari and Holton Mills (Addition Financial Credit Union).

GO Sports President & CEO Jason Siegel pictured with Rollins College President Brooke Barnett following a presentation to the Crummer Graduate School of Business from Jeff Vahle (Walt Disney World).

GO Sports Director Jordan Lyda attended the Lake Mary Little League All-Stars Celebration, pictured with Seminole County Commissioner Bob Dallari and Bryan Nipe (City of Lake Mary).

GO Sports Associate VP Chase DeMayo pictured with board member Rebekah Arthur (Seminole County Chamber of Commerce), and Gui Cunha (Seminole County) at a Leadership Seminole event.

GO Sports President & CEO Jason Siegel gave a presentation to the Rotary Club of Lake Buena Vista at Wyndham Disney Springs, pictured with Keith Wolling (Rotary Club of Lake Buena Vista).

GO Sports Associate VP Chase DeMayo and his wife Sarah DeMayo attended the Ronald McDonald House 'Appetite for the Arches' Gala at Orlando World Center Marriott.

GO Sports board member Justin Kinsey (West Lakes District) and ESPN College Gameday analyst Kirk Herbstreit pictured at Florida Citrus Sports' Evening with Kirk Herbstreit event at the Country Club of Orlando.

Corporate Partner Spotlight.

GO Sports is proud to welcome our newest corporate partner, i-Tech Support! For more information, click the logo above.

Thank you for supporting sports tourism in Greater Orlando!

Fun & Games.

• What's Happening: Lake County Things To Do
• What's Happening: Orange County Things To Do
• What's Happening: Osceola County Things To Do
• What's Happening: Seminole County Things To Do