Impact Update for Thursday, October 16

Banana Ball will make its debut at Walt Disney World's ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex on May 29-30, 2026, marking the first time the high-energy baseball showcase will play in Central Florida. Announced during the Banana Ball City Selection Show, the event will feature the Loco Beach Coconuts taking on the Party Animals in a dynamic matchup at The Stadium. For fans interested in attending, join the Ticket Lottery List at BananaBall.com before Friday, November 1 for your chance to purchase tickets.

Quote of the Day

"There are two days in the year that we can not do anything, yesterday and tomorrow."

-Mahatma Ghandi

Activist

Across the Board (Of Directors)

• Congratulations to Greater Orlando Sports Commission Board Member Ricardo Villar on celebrating 5 years at FC Series.
• Congratulations to Board Member R.P. Rama on being part of the National Cricket League USA “Ringing of the Opening Bell" at the New York Stock Exchange on Friday, Oct. 3.
• Congratulations to Board Members Tim Giuliani (Orlando Economic Partnership), Steve Hogan (Florida Citrus Sports) and Garry Jones (Full Sail University) on being named to Orlando Magazine's 50 Most Powerful list.

Around The Horn

• Banana Ball will make its first-ever appearance at Walt Disney World in 2026, with games scheduled for May 29 and 30 at the ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex. Known for its unique take on baseball, the matchup will feature the Loco Beach Coconuts and the Party Animals, two teams in the growing Banana Ball Championship League. The games will take place at The Stadium, a 9,500-seat venue equipped with luxury suites and designed to provide a memorable experience for both sports fans and families.
• The Orlando Magic handled the heat on Sunday night and defeated Miami 120-104 at Kia Center to move to 3-0 in the preseason. The Magic were led by forward Franz Wagner and rookie guard Jase Richardson, who finished with 17 points and 13 points, respectively. Orlando will look to finish with a perfect preseason record as they prepare to host the New Orleans Pelicans tonight, Oct. 16 at 7:00pm for their final game before the regular season.
• As part of a new agreement between the Big 12 Conference and TNT Sports, the UCF Knights football game against West Virginia this Saturday, Oct. 18 will air nationally on TNT, TruTV, and HBO Max. The network has been leading the charge in its college football coverage by showcasing an exclusive game of the week. Additionally, it has created its own in-studio show dedicated to pregame, halftime and postgame analysis, featuring insights from Champ Bailey, Takeo Spikes, Victor Cruz and Adam Lefkoe.
• A second-half stoppage-time goal helped the Orlando Pride defeat the Portland Thorns FC 1-0 on Friday night at Inter&Co Stadium. The result saw the Pride extend its unbeaten streak in NWSL play to three consecutive matches and climb to third in the NWSL standings heading into the weekend. The Pride (10-8-6, 36 points) will face a quick turnaround as they head to Audi Field and take on the Washington Spirit this Saturday, Oct. 18 at 12:30pm.
• The Windermere High School boys bowling team is carrying loads of momentum into the FHSAA state playoffs next week. The Wolverines set new school records last week when juniors Ryan Martin and Jacob Larson rolled near-perfect 299 games one day after another. Martin did just that last Wednesday as Windermere scored a 2,587 team total to roll past Horizon and Olympia. One day later, Larson matched that 299 as Windermere ran its record to 8-0 with a 3,059-2,117 victory against Lake Buena Vista.
• The Orlando Solar Bears announced the Tampa Bay Lightning of the National Hockey League (NHL) have reassigned defenseman Dyllan Gill from the Syracuse Crunch of the American Hockey League (AHL) to the Solar Bears. Gill, 21, skated in 24 games with the Crunch last season, scoring two goals and two assists. Gill was selected by the Lightning in the seventh round, 223rd overall, in the 2022 NHL Draft.
• The Orlando Valkyries are proudly represented at the 2025 Athletes Unlimited Pro Volleyball Championship by Brittany Abercrombie and Pornpun Guedpard. Following the opening week of competition, Abercrombie sits at 15th overall, while Guedpard ranks 33rd among the 44 top volleyball players competing in the league. The Athletes Unlimited Pro Volleyball Championship uses a unique scoring format that rewards both team success and individual performance. Each week, athletes earn points for set and match victories as well as personal stats.

Orlando City SC has announced tickets for its first potential home playoff match in the Audi 2025 MLS Cup Playoffs are now on sale. Tickets purchased will apply to Orlando City’s first home playoff match, whether that’s a Wild Card game or Round One Best-of-3 fixture. If no home playoff match is confirmed, all ticket purchases will be fully refunded. The Lions’ six straight playoffs appearances stand as the longest active streak in MLS.

All tickets are now on sale for the 2025 PNC Championship scheduled for Dec. 18-21 at The Ritz-Carlton Golf Club in Orlando. The PGA Tour tournament features 20 major champions and their relatives competing in a two-day, 36-hole scramble for the Willie Park Trophy. Tickets are expected to sell quickly, click the button below to buy now and lock in your spot before it's too late!

Around Town

• The Orange County Convention Center (OCCC) is set to have a record business year in 2026—in the range of $5 billion—and leaders don't see it being affected by its ongoing expansion, according to Orlando Business Journal. There are currently 185 events, totaling an estimated 2.3 million attendees, booked from now until next October. That activity amounts to the expected $5 billion boost for the area. In comparison, the fiscal year 2024 season saw 184 events and 2 million attendees for an estimated economic impact of $4.6 billion.
• The Greater Orlando Aviation Authority (GOAA) has unveiled a new strategic vision designed to guide the future of Orlando International Airport (MCO) and Orlando Executive Airport (ORL) over the next decade. Centered on enhancing the customer experience and strengthening the Aviation Authority’s role as a driver of economic growth and innovation, the vision is built around four foundational pillars: Customer Experience, Community, Infrastructure, and People. GOAA is determined to meet the goals of the new vision, with support from the recently revised $5.9 billion MCO Capital Improvement Program and $84.2 million ORL Capital Improvement Program.
• A new Walt Disney Imagineering display has debuted at Hollywood Studios to showcase upcoming Walt Disney World projects. The new display can be found within the Walt Disney Presents attraction, near the end of the museum tour. The display features the entire Tropical Americas Land model on display at last year’s D23 Expo, plus all-new models for the upcoming Monsters-themed land and Cars-themed land. Disney’s opening date for Tropical Americas remains sometime in 2027.
• The Orlando Science Center is undergoing major upgrades, including a new automated snack stand where a robot will make hot, buttered popcorn, according to Orlando Business Journal. The $7 million renovation features a complete transformation of the Dr. Phillips CineDome with an 8K IMAX full-dome projection system, new seating, and enhanced audio. This project follows the 2024 debut of the Life by Dr. Sarah Layton exhibit and will be followed by another $13 million expansion to add new exhibition and event spaces.
• "Bar Rescue" star Jon Taffer debuted his new Florida restaurant Taffer's Tavern on Wednesday, Oct. 15 in Orlando, according to Orlando Business Journal. The nearly 4,700-square-foot restaurant is part of Pointe Orlando, the entertainment complex along International Drive. The inside of the tavern features dark wood flooring, brick walls, brass colored ceiling and black leather booths along with elevated food and drink menus.
• The Orange County Board of County Commissioners has approved the construction of a new Orange County Animal Services (OCAS) shelter, awarding the contract to The Collage Companies for $49 million. At an estimated 123,419 square feet, the new shelter is projected to be the state’s largest, with housing for some 265 dogs and 200 cats. The new shelter will be two floors, with dogs housed on the first floor and cats on the second floor, with the entire building air-conditioned. The project is expected to be complete in the summer of 2027.

The U.S. Women's National Team is coming back to Orlando! On Friday, Nov. 28, the four-time World Cup champions will face Italy in an international friendly match presented by The Home Depot at Inter&Co Stadium. Kickoff is set for 7:00pm and will be broadcast on TNT, Max, Universo, Peacock, and Westwood One Sports.

Don't miss your chance to witness international soccer right here in Orlando, click the button below to purchase your tickets today!

All Around

• Experience the timeless beauty of Swan Lake as Orlando Ballet brings this classic masterpiece to life at the Dr. Phillips Center’s Steinmetz Hall this weekend from Oct. 16–19. Featuring live accompaniment by the Orlando Philharmonic Orchestra and choreography by Christopher Stowell, the performance tells the romantic and tragic tale of Prince Siegfried and Odette.. Evening and matinee shows are available, offering audiences a breathtaking retelling of one of the world’s most beloved ballets.
• A Lord of the Rings cast reunion has been announced for 2026, with the cast members who portrayed Frodo, Sam, Merry and Pippin joining together for a tour of 11 North American cities, including a stop at MegaCon Orlando on March 21, 2026.  “An Evening with the Hobbits: In Celebration of 25 Years” gathers Sean Astin, Billy Boyd, Dominic Monaghan and Elijah Wood, promising more than a reunion and “so much more than a panel” during this “once-in-a-quarter-century” celebration tour. Tickets for the event go on sale Wednesday, Oct. 22 at 10am, along with VIP experiences that include photo ops and autograph sessions.
• The annual Downtown Orlando Field Day presented by AdventHealth returns to the Seneff Arts Plaza on Thursday, Nov. 6 at 2:00pm. Grab your team and gear up for the most epic day of fun, games, and friendly competition in the heart of the City Beautiful! Join City District's annual fundraiser as 50 teams go head-to-head in classic throwback field games, culminating in the ultimate test of strength and spirit: the Tug-of-War Grand Finale.
• Universal Orlando has officially unveiled its 2025 holiday lineup, featuring returning favorites and festive additions expanding into the new Epic Universe. Guests can enjoy Universal’s Holiday Parade featuring Macy’s, “The Grinchmas Who-liday Spectacular,” and “The Magic of Christmas at Hogwarts Castle,” along with new experiences like the Who-ville Tree Lot and Celestial Park’s first holiday celebration. All festivities are included with regular admission and will run daily through Sunday, Jan. 4.
• Mickey's Not-So-Scary Halloween continues at Walt Disney World's Magic Kingdom and runs on select nights through Friday, Oct. 31. The evenings are filled with returning favorites such as Mickey’s Boo-to-You Halloween Parade, a fireworks and lasers presentation, and park-wide trick-or-treating. Ticket prices vary with dates and range between $119 and $229 per night, and ticket holders can get entry to Magic Kingdom at 4:00pm.
• SeaWorld Orlando's Halloween Spooktacular is back with fun surprises, candy, costumes and more. Children and guests can enjoy trick-or-treating during this daytime event as they explore the decorated trail and meet colorful characters. SeaWorld Spooktacular runs on select dates until Sunday, Nov. 2.
• Dancing With The Stars Live has announced a 74-date tour across North America, including a stop at Addition Financial Arena on Friday, March 6 at 7:30pm. After a sold-out tour earlier this year, DWTS returns in 2026 with a brand-new live show. This year’s stage spectacular will feature fan-favorite professional dancers from the #1 hit television series in a mix of standout routines from DWTS’ record-breaking Season 34.
• 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 President & CEO Jason Siegel traveled to Newport Beach, CA for a USA Volleyball Beach Pro Tour event, pictured with USA Volleyball President & CEO John Speraw, Guido Betti (Volleyball World), Justin Gaines (BHMS Investments), Marla Messing (Playfly), and Craig Thompson & Corey Warner (USA Volleyball).

GO Sports President & CEO Jason Siegel was recognized by Orlando Magazine as one of Orlando's 50 Most Powerful people, pictured with fellow honoree and Walt Disney World President Jeff Vahle.

GO Sports President & CEO Jason Siegel joined John Speraw, President & CEO of USA Volleyball, in Newport Beach for a USA Volleyball Beach Pro Tour event.

The GO Sports team gifted Emeritus board member and former Greater Orlando Aviation Authority Chief of Operations Tom Draper with a custom UCF Knights football jersey in recognition of his leadership and support through the years.

GO Sports Coordinator Jordan Henderson pictured with board member Charles Hawkins (Charles J. Hawkins II, P.A.) at Florida Citrus Sports' Feast on the 50 event at Camping World Stadium.

Corporate Partner Spotlight.

GO Sports is proud to welcome our newest corporate partners, Noodles & Company and SEC Worldwide! For more information, click the logos above.

Thank you for supporting sports tourism in Greater Orlando!

Fun & Games.

• Visit Orlando: Halloween Event Guide
• Orlando Sentinel: Upcoming Events in Orlando
• Orlando Weekly: Events in Orlando this Weekend
• Visit Orlando: Budget-friendly Orlando - 30+ Things to Do for $30 or Less