Impact Update for Thursday, February 27 | |
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"These things are incredibly important to me. I feel like you’re not successful until you bring someone else up with you... Where I’ve come from, what I’m used to, what I have seen in my life – I’m able to relate to a lot of these kids in a certain way. I want to be able to help any and every kid that I can. And for them to experience a new career path or to feel valued and recognized goes a long way. I’m proud of that work and I’m really excited to continue building this program and lifting up these kids in whatever ways possible."
-Wendell Carter Jr.
Orlando Magic Center
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Quote of the Day.
"Treat a person as he is, and he will remain as he is. Treat him as he could be, and he will become what he should be."
-Jimmy Johnson
NFL Hall of Fame Coach
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Around The Horn.
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The NBA announced Orlando Magic center Wendell Carter Jr. as the recipient of January's NBA Cares Bob Lanier Community Assist Award for his participation in holiday giveaways through his A Platform² Foundation. Carter received the David Robinson trophy and was recognized during the Cavaliers-Magic pregame on Tuesday, Feb. 25. The NBA will also donate $10,000 to his foundation - an organization that provides youth and families with educational programs, resources, and tools that elevate their quality of life.
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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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Darius Johnson and Keyshawn Hall combined for 49 points Wednesday night as UCF men's basketball defeated Kansas State 80-76 to win back-to-back Big 12 games for the first time this season. The Knights (15-13, 6-11 Big 12) will look to extend their win streak as the team travels to Fort Worth, TX to face TCU this Saturday, Mar. 1 at 4:00pm.
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The Orlando Solar Bears rallied to defeat the Jacksonville Icemen in overtime Wednesday night, completing a comeback from three goals down to win 5-4 at the Kia Center. Currently the fourth seed in the ECHL South division, the Solar Bears (28-19-10) will look to build off this performance as the team is set to host the Greenville Swamp Rabbits this Friday, Feb. 28 at 7:00pm.
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Orlando City SC fell to the Philadelphia Union 4-2 in the home opener at Inter&Co Stadium on Saturday night. The Lions (0-1-0, 0 points) will look to get in the win column in their second match of the season as they host Toronto FC this Saturday, Mar. 1 at 7:30pm. The club's two goals came from newly acquired player Marco Pašalić, who made his MLS debut on Saturday night.
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The Orlando Magic will look to bounce back from their loss to Cleveland earlier this week as the team is set to host the Golden State Warriors TONIGHT, Feb. 27 at 7:00pm in the Kia Center. The Magic (29-31) are currently the seventh seed in the Eastern Conference with 22 regular season games remaining.
- Join the Osceola Magic this Sunday, Mar. 2 for Teacher Appreciation Day as the team is set to face the Windy City Bulls at 3:00pm in Silver Spurs Arena. The first 1,000 fans to enter the building will receive a free Swish digital clock.
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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! | |
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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SunRail has reported a 12% growth in ridership from 2023 to 2024, following a year of significant milestones. SunRail hit the 1.2 million ridership mark in late December, after investing in new marketing campaigns, launching an improved ticketing system and mobile app, and opening a new station in DeLand. SunRail plans to build upon its success by continuing to grow its daily ridership through partnerships such as the direct connection with LYNX to Orlando International Airport, according to the company's website.
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Universal Destinations & Experiences has announced it will help fund a study for the Sunshine Corridor, according to Orlando Business Journal. The theme park will provide $2 million through its Shingle Creek Transit and Utility Community Development District for the development and environment study for the shared corridor of SunRail and Brightline.
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Nemours Children's Health, Florida has plans for a 75,000-square-foot administration building and 800-space parking garage being targeted for 2027, along with a 110,000-square-foot expansion of the pediatric hospital and 75,000-square-foot surgery center set to debut in 2028, according to Orlando Business Journal. The children's hospital aims to rank nationally among the top pediatric hospitals, and expects to add roughly 1,000 jobs through growth plans.
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Travel & Leisure Co. has announced that Orlando is the #1 most-searched spring break destination for 2025, according to recent data collected by Spirit Airlines. Destinations were ranked based on web searches made between Jan. 9 and Feb. 5, 2025, with users looking at travel dates between Mar. 1 and April 19, 2025.
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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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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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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. | |
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Join the Orlando Valkyries this Saturday, March 1 at 7:00pm for Mental Health Awareness Night against the Atlanta Vibe.
Stop by the AdventHealth for Children Kid Zone to pick up special ‘Be a Mind leader’ and volleyball themed coloring sheets, as well as conversation starters and popits! The first 500 fans will receive 'Spike out the Stigma' green wristbands.
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All Around.
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Universal Orlando has introduced its next phase of ticket sales for Epic Universe, its new theme park scheduled to open on May 22 of this year. Now available are passes that allow two days at Universal Studios theme park, Islands of Adventure, or Volcano Bay water park, and then one separate day at Epic Universe. Park-to-park powers are available, but are sold as an add-on.
- 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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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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Monster Jam returns to Camping World Stadium this Saturday, Mar. 1 at 7:00pm as the world's best monster truck drivers push their machines to the limit. Before the games begin, guests can attend the Monster Jam Pit Party for a chance to get up close and personal with the stars of the show, taking pictures with drivers and seeing the monster trucks up close.
- The Dancing With The Stars live tour comes to Orlando this weekend, and guests can expect high-energy group numbers, romantic duets, and solos performed by a star-studded cast of professional dancers. The show will begin at 8:00pm this Sunday, Mar. 2 at the Walt Disney Theater in Dr. Phillip's Center for the Performing Arts.
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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 VP Lindsey McBride attended the Hickory Point Boat Ramp ribbon-cutting ceremony in Lake County, pictured with Commissioner Kirby Smith (District 3) and Lake County angler Tim Frederick. | |
GO Sports President & CEO Jason Siegel attended the Orlando City SC home opener at Inter&Co Stadium, pictured with Orlando Mayor Buddy Dyer and GO Sports Chairman Caesar Lopez (Orlando City SC, Orlando Pride). | |
GO Sports COO Jennifer Lastik attended the Orlando Economic Partnership's BBQ in the Park at Creative Village, pictured with Kelly Cohen (The Southern Group), Kay Rawlins (Orlando City SC, Orlando Pride) and Elizabeth Watkins (Walt Disney World). | |
GO Sports Executive VP Brent Nelson and Director Jordan Lyda met with USA Volleyball in preparation of the 2025 Sunshine Classic Junior National Qualifier to be held at the Orange County Convention Center, pictured with Kristi Cox (USA Volleyball) and Joseph Kempa (Visit Orlando). | |
GO Sports President & CEO Jason Siegel attended the Orlando City SC Kickoff to Soccer Luncheon at Inter&Co Stadium, pictured with board member Joel Dragan (FYSA). | |
GO Sports CFO Gary Cohen and his wife Jill Cohen attended the Orlando Economic Partnership BBQ in the Park event at Creative Village, pictured with Seminole County Commissioner Lee Constantine (District 3). | |
GO Sports VPs Lindsey McBride and Kyle Sturley attended Orlando Economic Partnership's BBQ in the Park event at Creative Village, pictured with board member Dan Pollock (AT&T). | |
Congratulations to the Valet Team of the Crowne Plaza Orlando Downtown on being the inaugural recipients of the Crowne Plaza Recognition Award! | |
The GO Sports team attended the Orlando Economic Partnership BBQ in the Park event at Creative Village in downtown Orlando. | |
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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