Impact Update for Thursday, March 13 | |
The Pride will begin the 2025 regular season campaign at home this Friday, March 14, by hosting Chicago Stars FC at Inter&Co Stadium. The match is set to kick off at 8:00pm ET and can be seen on Prime Video. Prior to the match, the Pride will hold a banner-raising ceremony to celebrate the Pride winning both the NWSL Shield and Championship during the 2024 season. | |
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Quote of the Day.
"I don't believe you have to be better than everybody else. I believe you have to be better than you ever thought you could be."
-Ken Venturi
14x PGA Tour Winner
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Around The Horn.
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The Orlando Pride has announced its start-of-season roster as the club gets set to begin play in the 2025 NWSL season this Friday, March 14 at 8:00pm against Chicago Stars FC at Inter&Co Stadium. Led by 2024 NWSL Head Coach of the Year Seb Hines, the roster features a mix of returning players from the Pride’s 2024 NWSL Shield-winning and 2024 NWSL Championship-winning roster along with some new offseason acquisitions.
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GO Sports President & CEO Jason Siegel was interviewed by Kieran O'Connor of Insider Sport to discuss the benefits of hosting FIFA Club World Cup matches and Orlando's reputation as a sports tourism destination. Click here to read the full interview.
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UCF Football held its first spring practice at Wayne Densch Practice Complex on Tuesday under new head coach Scott Frost. The Knights are preparing for their third season in the Big 12 Conference, and will open the season against Jacksonville State on Thursday, Aug. 28 at FBC Mortgage Stadium.
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The Orlando Solar Bears finished its season-long, eight game home stand last week with two victories over the Greenville Swamp Rabbits. The Solar Bears (31-20-10) now head into a three-game week, only eight points out of third place in the South Division. The team's next home game is scheduled for this Saturday, March 15 at 7:00pm in the Kia Center.
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UCF baseball continues its dominant run following a 14-4 victory over Miami on Tuesday night. The Knights (13-3) have outscored their past seven opponents 94-14, including a 13-3 win against then-No. 6 Florida on March 4. The Knights are now set to face BYU at 4:00pm TODAY, March 13 at Miller Park.
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GO Sports CFO Gary Cohen interviewed Bernard Lagat, a USA Track & Field board member who served four years as USATF Liaison with World Athletics. In his competitive days, Lagat won 13 Olympics and World medals, five Gold, seven Silver and one Bronze, was a five-time Olympian (2000/04/08/12/16), a 15-time USA Champion, and won a record eight Wanamaker Miles at the Millrose Games. Click here to read the interview.
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Orlando City SC (1-2-0, 3 points) returns to New York this Saturday, March 15 for a rematch of 2024's Eastern Conference Finals against the New York Red Bulls. The Lions have scored a club-record five goals through three matches in the 2025 season.
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The Orlando Magic continue on their five-game road trip as the team prepares to face the New Orleans Pelicans TONIGHT, March 13 at 8:00pm. The Magic (30-36) are currently the eighth seed in the Eastern Conference with 16 games remaining in the regular season.
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The Osceola Magic have returned from their road trip as the team prepares to host the Stockton Kings at Silver Spurs Arena this Friday, March 14 at 7:00pm. The Magic (16-10) are currently the third seed in the Eastern Conference with eight games remaining in the regular season.
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Check out the Orlando Valkyries vs Omaha Supernovas this Saturday, March 15 at 7:00pm as the two best teams in the league go head-to-head. Omaha is the reigning Pro Volleyball Federation champions, yet the Valkyries have beat the Supernovas twice this season. The first 500 fans at Addition Financial Arena will receive an Orlando Valkyries volleyball keychain!
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Congratulations to Russell Henley for winning the 2025 Arnold Palmer Invitational presented by MasterCard at Bay Hill Golf Club & Lodge!
“I’ve tried to just work really hard to try to put myself in position to win tournaments and compete at the highest possible level on the biggest and best courses...Just crazy that it happened like that. It’s just hard to take in. I can’t explain it.”
-Russell Henley
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Tickets are on sale for the six 2025 FIFA Club World Cup matches coming to Orlando this summer! Both Inter&Co Stadium and Camping World Stadium will host two group stage matches, with Camping World Stadium hosting a Round of 16 and Quarterfinals match as well. 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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Seminole County Commissioners have approved the establishment of the Tourism Improvement District (TID), a dedicated funding mechanism to strengthen the county's position as a premier sports tourism destination. The initiative has the potential to generate an estimated $3.2 million annually through a $1.75 per room, per night assessment on qualifying hotel properties (60+ rooms). These funds would be used to enhance sports tourism infrastructure, attract high-profile events, and support economic development.
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Universal Orlando Resort has revealed its upcoming collection of merchandise for its new Epic Universe theme park set to debut on May 22 of this year. Guests will be able to purchase an assortment of merchandise from apparel to collectibles at over 20 retail locations. From The Wizarding World of Harry Potter – Ministry of Magic, Super Nintendo World, How to Train Your Dragon and Dark Universe, fans from each universe can find merchandise.
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Full Sail University has officially unveiled the latest expansion to the university's on-campus esports footprint with the opening of Armada HQ. The 2,743 square foot student-focused gaming & esports center is comprised of state-of-the-art production studios, dedicated gameplay areas, as well as broadcast and streaming facilities for student use and exploration.
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Breeze Airways has announced it will add Key West as its 40th destination out of Orlando International Airport (MCO), according to Orlando Business Journal. The budget airline will start service to the South Florida destination on June 12 of this year, and it will fly four times per week. While Allegiant Air also offers a flight to Key West out of Orlando Sanford International Airport, Breeze will be the only direct flight from Orlando's primary air hub.
- The Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) is accelerating a series of projects in Central Florida to add two new Express Lanes in each direction along Interstate 4 from west of U.S. 27 in Polk County to east of World Center Drive, State Road 536 in Orange County. Known as “Moving I-4 Forward,” these projects will deliver much-needed congestion relief 10 to 20 years ahead of the original schedule.
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Winter Park commissioners unanimously approved the design for the first phase of its Park Avenue refresh, according to Orlando Business Journal. The city approved Stringfellow Planning & Design's framework for the project, which will include new lighting, planters, trashcans, wayfinding signage and more. The first phase will run from Webster Avenue south to Garfield Avenue.
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Orange County has launched its new Orange County Restores program, dedicated to helping homeowners with unresolved damage from Hurricane Ian. The program uses Community Development Block Grant Disaster Relief funds to address housing recovery needs. The focus is on helping citizens of Orange County and its municipalities repair, rebuild or replace eligible homes with remaining damage.
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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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All Around.
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WISE Greater Orlando is now accepting applications for both mentors and mentees in its WISE Within program, the national signature program of WISE which offers members the opportunity to accelerate professional development by connecting in a one-to-one focused mentoring relationship. The deadline to apply is Friday, March 28, click here to fill out your application.
- The Epcot International Flower & Garden Festival has returned to Walt Disney World and runs daily through June 2. The fest, now in its 30th year, is known for its topiaries and other greenery, but food from the theme park’s “outdoor kitchens” and their menus also are at the forefront. Among the new kitchen/kiosks this year are the Yacht Grub and Beach Grub, located in the rose garden area that connects World Showcase and Imagination Pavilion.
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Universal Orlando is offering more ticket options for Epic Universe, including a one-day pass to the new theme park set to debut on May 22 of this year. Admission is available as of June 1, although Epic officially opens to the public on May 22. Tickets are now on sale for dates through the rest of 2025, and the price varies by date.
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SeaWorld Orlando Seven Seas Food Festival continues this weekend with a special St. Patrick’s Day Celebration. Guests can enjoy themed entertainers or experience Irish music and various tastes of Ireland. The festivities are included with theme park admission this weekend, March 14-17, and next weekend March 20-23.
- In partnership with the Orlando Magic, the Starry Hoops Fest gives fans the once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to compete against Magic legends Rashard Lewis, Victor Oladipo and Quentin Richardson in the “Beat the Three” contest. The three-point skills showdown will take place this Saturday, March 15 at 2:00pm on The Promenade at ICON Park.
- Join the Florida RV Trade Association at Osceola Heritage Park this weekend, March 14-16 for the Orlando RV Show. The event will run from 9:00am - 5:00pm on Thursday-Saturday, and will be open from 9:00am - 4:00pm on Sunday. Tickets for adults are priced at $5, and children 16 years of age or under receive free admission.
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MJ The Musical returns to the Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts this week, March 13-16 in the Walt Disney Theater. The multiple Tony Award-winning musical brings the music, moves, and story of Michael Jackson to the stage. Click here to view performance times and purchase tickets.
- The Mighty St. Patrick's Day Festival returns to Orlando this weekend, March 14-17 at Raglan Road Irish Pub & Restaurant. Guests can enjoy award-winning imported Irish Bands, and the Raglan Road Irish Dancers will rock the fun throughout the festival leading up to St. Patrick's Day.
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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 President & CEO Jason Siegel pictured with Kelly Hyne (Orlando City SC, Orlando Pride), Jarrod Dillon (Orlando City SC, Orlando Pride), NWSL Commissioner Jessica Berman, and GO Sports Chairman Caesar Lopez (Orlando City SC, Orlando Pride) at the Kia Center. | |
GO Sports COO Jennifer Lastik attended the DOP Women's Business Forum, pictured with board member Adrianna Sekula (Solidarity Partners) and Jo Newell (Monday Strategies). | |
GO Sports COO Jennifer Lastik participated in a panel discussion on FIFA World Cup and preparing for careers in global sports at Full Sail University's Hall of Fame Week. | |
The GO Sports team hosted several board members and corporate partners for the final round of the Arnold Palmer Invitational at Bay Hill Golf Club & Lodge. | |
GO Sports President & CEO Jason Siegel attended the Arnold Palmer Invitational presented by Mastercard, pictured with GO Sports Chairman Caesar Lopez (Orlando City SC, Orlando Pride) and his wife Laura Lopez, and board member Ultima Espino (Orlando Health). | |
GO Sports COO Jennifer Lastik attended the DOP Women's Business Forum, pictured with Kaia Forget (Orlando City SC, Orlando Pride) and Kay Rawlins (Orlando City SC, Orlando Pride). | |
GO Sports Director Jordan Lyda attended the unveiling of Full Sail University's Armada HQ esports center, pictured with Sari Kitelyn (Full Sail University), Theresa Kieu (Visit Orlando) and Rasheedi Williams (Visit Orlando). | |
GO Sports COO Jennifer Lastik attended the Arnold Palmer Invitational presented by Mastercard, pictured with board member Anne-Marie Hayward (Orlando Business Journal), Pam Nabors (Career Source Central Florida) and Bridget Keefe (UCF). | |
GO Sports Associate VP Chase DeMayo, Coordinator Carter Gravitte and Interns Kristen Scott and Parker Lee were on-site to assist with the Patriots Outpost event at the Arnold Palmer Invitational. | |
GO Sports Executive VP Brent Nelson and Director Jordan Lyda attended the Universal Orlando Mardi Gras client event at Universal Studios theme park. | |
GO Sports President & CEO Jason Siegel attended the Arnold Palmer Invitational at Bay Hill Golf Club & Lodge, pictured with board member Lawrence Hatch (First Horizon) and Simon Pflum (The Kingdom NIL). | |
The GO Sports team assisted on-site for the Wine & Dine on 9 event at the Arnold Palmer Invitational presented by Mastercard. | |
The GO Sports team participated in the Orlando Pride's "Scarf the City" campaign ahead of the club's season opening match against the Chicago Red Stars. | |
GO Sports Executive VP Brent Nelson attended the SKAL Orlando March Board Installation Dinner, pictured with Melissa Brooks (Visit Florida). | |
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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