Impact Update for Thursday, June 12

Less than one week until the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup kicks off in Orlando! Our city will host a total of four group stage matches at Inter&Co Stadium and Camping World Stadium, with Camping World Stadium also hosting a Round of 16 match and Quarterfinals match. Don't miss your chance to be part of history as 32 of the world's best clubs will battle for the inaugural title. Click the stadium links above to purchase your tickets today.

Quote of the Day.

"One day or day one. You decide."

-Paulo Coelho

Brazilian Novelist

Around The Horn.

• Less than one week until the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup kicks off in Orlando! Inter&Co Stadium will host the first two group stage matches on Tuesday, June 17 and Friday, June 20. Camping World Stadium will also host two group stage matches on Tuesday, June 24 and Thursday, June 26, with a Round of 16 match scheduled for Tuesday, June 30 and a Quarterfinals match on Friday, July 4. Don't miss your chance to witness history, purchase your tickets today!
• A stoppage-time goal from Cori Dyke helped the Orlando Pride secure a dramatic 1-0 victory over the Houston Dash at Inter&Co Stadium on Friday night. The win extended the Pride’s home unbeaten streak against Houston to five games and saw the Club climb into second place in the NWSL standings. The Pride (7-3-1, 22 points) now travel west to take on Bay FC this Friday, June 13 at 10:00pm.
• Orlando City SC defender Alex Freeman has been named to the U.S. Men’s National Team roster that will compete at 2025 Concacaf Gold Cup. Freeman, 20, is in his fourth season with Orlando City after signing as a Homegrown Player in 2022 at the age of 17. His call-up comes amid a breakout year in which he leads all the defenders in MLS in goals scored (4), while playing a key role in Orlando City’s club-record-tying unbeaten run earlier this season.
• The Orlando Magic unveiled a new logo and three new uniforms during a special celebration at the Kia Center on Tuesday, June 3. The three uniforms, Association (white), Icon (blue), and Statement (black) have evolved into modern classics, honoring the rich history of the Magic's most iconic jerseys while ushering in a new era of Orlando Magic basketball.
• The Pop-Tarts Bowl is set to return to Camping World Stadium in 2025, with the internet's favorite college postseason clash slated for Saturday, Dec. 27 at 3:30pm on ABC. This year's game will be the 36th edition of the bowl overall and the 25th played at Camping World Stadium. It also marks the 12th consecutive season the game will feature top programs from the Atlantic Coast and Big 12 Conferences.
• The 80th edition of the Cheez-It Citrus Bowl is set for Wednesday, Dec. 31, closing out a yearlong celebration of one of college football’s most historic postseason games. The New Year’s Eve matchup, featuring top teams from the Southeastern and Big Ten Conferences, will kick off at 3:00pm on ABC, serving as a lead-in to that evening’s College Football Playoff quarterfinals.
• The 2025 StaffDNA Cure Bowl will be played at Camping World Stadium on Wednesday, Dec. 17. Kickoff for the 11th annual StaffDNA Cure Bowl, which is operated by the Orlando Sports Foundation in collaboration with ESPN Events, is set for 5:00pm on ESPN.
• The Big 12 Conference has announced the times and network designations for the first three weeks of the 2025 football season. UCF opens the 2025 campaign with a 7:00pm kickoff on Thursday, Aug. 28 against Jacksonville State on ESPN+. In Week Two, the Knights will kick off at 7:00pm on Saturday, Sept. 6, also on ESPN+, as they host North Carolina A&T.
• The Orlando Squeeze are currently in second place of the Major League Pickleball standings as they continue their strong 2025 season. The Squeeze will have a break from competition throughout the month of June and return to the courts on Thursday, July 3 - Sunday, July 6 for the MLP Washington, D.C. Tournament.

Around Town.

• The Kia Center has been ranked one of the top five stadiums in the United States for fan satisfaction, according to a new national study conducted by online gaming analysts. Based on an analysis of TripAdvisor reviews for NFL, NBA, MLB, and NHL venues, the Kia Center placed fifth overall, and was the highest-ranking NBA arena in the country. The venue received 75.6% five-star reviews out of 2,475 total ratings — a testament to its fan-friendly design, energetic atmosphere, and positive game-day experiences.
• Lawmakers gave a $1.7 billion boost to three road projects that could help ease congestion for motorists going to entertainment venues and other places in Central Florida. The Joint Legislative Budget Commission approved funding for the projects as part of the Moving Florida Forward program, which was introduced two years ago to accelerate roadwork. The projects that received money include two new express lanes in both directions of I-4.
• Walt Disney World officials shared details of its new "Cars"-themed land coming to Magic Kingdom, called Piston Peak National Park. The land, located in the Liberty Square and Frontierland areas, will be part of the “largest expansion in the history of Magic Kingdom,” officials said. Guests will be able to explore a visitor’s lodge, Ranger HQ, trails and more.
• Visit Orlando is proudly representing Orlando and the region's LGBTQ+ community at World Pride in Washington, D.C. World Pride is a major international event that brings together LGBTQ+ communities and allies to celebrate progress, promote inclusion and share ideas. For Visit Orlando, the event offers a platform to promote Orlando as a welcoming and inclusive destination and drive visitation to our region.
• Creative City Project and SeaWorld Orlando have partnered together to bring three inflatable penguins to downtown Orlando. These larger-than-life installations are meant to commemorate the arrival of real, normal-to-life Emperor Penguins, coming to SeaWorld Orlando’s Antarctica exhibit on Monday, June 14. The installations, which range from 10′ to 14′ tall, will be on display until Saturday, June 19 at 55 West Church Street, 30 South Orange Avenue, and 60 North Orange Avenue.
• Rollins College is underway on millions of dollars of new construction at and around its Winter Park campus, according to Orlando Business Journal. The private, nonprofit college topped off its East End Neighborhood dorm, which will feature 297 beds on the former site of the 80-bed Holt Hall. The $72 million complex began construction in 2024 and will finish in time for the fall semester.

GO Sports is proud to announce the 7th annual Celebrating Women in Sports Luncheon presented by Orlando Health Jewett Orthopedic Institute will be hosted at Addition Financial Arena on Wednesday, September 17, 2025. This year's featured speaker is 3x Olympic Beach Volleyball Gold Medalist, Misty May-Treanor!

In addition to Orlando Health Jewett Orthopedic Institute returning as the presenting sponsor, Florida Blue is returning as the sponsor of the featured speaker's fireside chat. Last year’s luncheon sold out with more than 725 guests in attendance.

All Around.

• Universal's Epic Universe is now open to the public following the theme park's official debut on Thursday, May 22. The themed areas of Epic include Super Nintendo World, Wizarding World of Harry Potter — Ministry of Magic, How to Train Your Dragon — Isle of Berk and Dark Universe, which showcases classic monsters created by Universal Studios. Universal is offering a range of new ticket options, including passholder tickets and bundled resort vacation packages.
• Walt Disney World has announced the opening of a new adults-only lounge in Epcot called GEO-82, envisioned as a "sophisticated hideaway" inside the theme park's famous geodesic sphere. The venue is open only to patrons who are 21 years old or older and requires reservations. The location also offers premium views of the park, and park visitors can reserve the fireworks experience for $179 per person.
• SeaWorld Orlando announced that its popular Bands, Brew & BBQ event will return to the theme park this summer. Featuring new food, unique entertainment and an extensive concert lineup, the eight-weekend event is scheduled to start on July 6 and run through Aug. 24. A Bands, Brew & BBQ Festival Tasting Lanyard will be available for purchase, which includes a 5-punch lanyard for $45 and a 10-punch lanyard for $65.
• The new Sea Life Aquarium at Legoland Florida Resort has officially opened and combines marine education with interactive experiences for all ages. Dubbed “The Theme Park Under the Sea,” the attraction includes unique-to-Florida zones such as Stingray Bay, the Seahorse Nursery, and an Ocean Tunnel offering visitors 180-degree views of marine life. Visit the Legoland website for more information and to purchase tickets.
• Famous country singer Luke Bryan will perform at the Kia Center this Friday, June 13 at 7:00pm as part of his Country Song Came On Tour. With opening acts from George Birage, Ashland Craft and Adrien Nunez, fans won't want to miss this jam-packed event. Click here to purchase your tickets today.
• The City of Orlando is currently accepting applications for the 2025 Mayor’s City Academy. The Mayor’s City Academy is a free, 12-week civic engagement program that offers residents an inside look at their city government. Participants will also explore a variety of volunteer opportunities where they can make a meaningful difference and learn about the many resources and programs available to city residents.
• Think Integrated is offering a free two-day workshop and scholarship for first-generation college students interested in creative careers. The workshop explores several different modules, including design, storytelling, social media, video, digital marketing, and web development. The event will take place on Thursday and Friday, June 26-27, from 9:00am to 4:00pm on both days.
• 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 Executive VP Brent Nelson and Director Elizabeth Caldarelli attended the CFHLA Seminole County Hoteliers Luncheon at Embassy Suites Hotel Orlando North, pictured with Gui Cunha & Danny Trosset (Seminole County), and Robert Agrusa (CFHLA).

GO Sports President & CEO Jason Siegel and Executive VP Brent Nelson hosted a NACDA Welcome Reception at Orlando World Center Marriott, pictured with GO Sports board members Casandra Matej (Visit Orlando) and Rich Ensor (Boardwalk Sports), Len Moser (Barton Malow) and Patrick Manak (NACDA).

GO Sports Executive VP Brent Nelson attended the CFHLA Leadership Development Panel, pictured with Seminole County Commissioner Amy Lockhart and Danny Trosset (Seminole County).

GO Sports Associate VP Chase DeMayo and Coordinator Jordan Henderson attended The Sharing Center's Beacon of Hope Reception, pictured with GO Sports board member Tekoa Pouerie (The Sharing Center) and her husband Dio Pouerie.

The GO Sports team hosted a Welcome Reception at the Orlando World Center Marriott for the NACDA (National Association of Collegiate Directors of Athletics) & Affiliates Convention.

GO Sports President & CEO Jason Siegel was interviewed by Ryan Elijah of FOX35 Orlando to discuss the upcoming FIFA Club World Cup matches.

GO Sports President & CEO Jason Siegel and board member B.J. Taylor (CBS Sports) gave remarks and welcomed guests to the NACDA Welcome Reception at Orlando World Center Marriott.

GO Sports President & CEO Jason Siegel attended U.S. Soccer's FIFA World Cup 'One Year Out' gathering in New York City, pictured with Mathew Ratner (Greater Miami CVB), Cindy Cone (U.S. Soccer Federation) and Kirstin Olsen (Sports San Diego).

GO Sports President & CEO Jason Siegel and his wife Sarah Grafton attended the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society's 'Light the Night' fundraising event.

The GO Sports team took a tour of ASB GlassFloor, a revolutionary company that has produced the first full LED video sports floor made of glass, certified for professional sports.

GO Sports President & CEO Jason Siegel attended the 2025 State of Orange County at the Orange County Convention Center, pictured with Les Goldberg (LMG) and Eric Blanc (OCCC).

GO Sports President & CEO Jason Siegel attended the Florida Sports Foundation Summit in Jensen Beach, pictured with Rick Hatcher (Treasure Coast Sports Commission) and Ryan Ritchie (Discover Lake County, FL).

GO Sports President & CEO Jason Siegel attended the 2025 State of Orange County at the Orange County Convention Center, pictured with GO Sports board member Jesse Martinez (CleanTec Outsourcing).

Corporate Partner Spotlight.

GO Sports is proud to welcome our newest corporate partner, Addition Financial! 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