Impact Update for Thursday, September 25

"Seminole County has built a national reputation for sports tourism and outdoor adventures. We’re known for world-class sports facilities, miles of scenic trails and a community that embraces bold ideas. Red Bull’s tandem rollercoaster fits that perfectly."


-Jay Zembower

Seminole County Commissioner

Quote of the Day



"Obstacles don't have to stop you. If you run into a wall, don't turn around and give up. Figure out how to climb it, go through it, or work around it."



-Michael Jordan

NBA Legend

Across the Board (Of Directors)


  • Congratulations to Greater Orlando Sports Commission Board Member and Past Chair Michael Forde on celebrating 21 years with the Orlando Magic.
  • Congratulations to Board Members Garry Jones and John Saboor on Full Sail University being named to "Best Film Schools" by MovieMaker Magazine.
  • Congratulations to Board Member Michael McManus on celebrating 13 years at JMA Ventures, LLC.

Around The Horn

The Red Bull Tandem Rollercoaster will make its way to Cranes Roost Park in Altamonte Springs this Saturday, Sept. 27 at 11:00am, drawing an estimated 30,000+ attendees for a day packed with fun and excitement.


Spectators can witness the entertaining spectacle as pairs of riders on decorated bikes navigate a twisty, obstacle-filled track surrounded by water. A total of 30 teams will compete, with a panel of three judges scoring them on creativity, showmanship, and distance traveled. Click the button below for more info about the event.
RED BULL TANDEM ROLLERCOASTER

The Tampa Bay Lightning, NHL affiliate of the Orlando Solar Bears, will host the reigning Stanley Cup champion Florida Panthers for a NHL preseason game next Tuesday, Sept. 30 at 7:30pm in the Kia Center.


As a valued member of our Greater Orlando sports community, we're excited to offer you an exclusive discount link to purchase tickets for the game. Simply click the button below to lock in your seats today!
PURCHASE TICKETS

Around Town


  • The Orange County Convention Center has announced construction will begin in October of this year for the $560 million expansion project, according to Orlando Business Journal. OCCC Executive Director Mark Tester also said there will be a “ceremonial groundbreaking event” to celebrate this milestone on Wednesday, Dec. 17. The expansion includes several additions to the center's North-South Building, such as 44,000 square-feet of meeting space and 100,000 square-feet of flexible ballroom space, which can accommodate up to 5,000 guests for banquets or 10,000 seats for lectures.
  • The University of Central Florida has achieved "preeminent" status, a designation that comes after boosting its four-year graduation rate and could mean increased money from the state. Florida’s preeminence program was established in 2013 and offers extra money to state universities judged on a number of metrics, including graduation rates, national rankings and research dollars earned. UCF now joins the University of Florida, Florida State University, University of South Florida and Florida International University as the only schools to achieve this status.
  • Orlando has been ranked third among mid-size cities across the United States for economic momentum and growth, according to a new study by Coworking Cafe. Specifically, Orlando leads in population growth (+14%) this year, indicating strong in-migration and housing demand, while median earnings are up by 36%. The study tracked the latest data from 2019 through 2023 across key metrics such as GDP growth, housing expansion, job gains, infrastructure buildout and export strength.
  • The City of Orlando is accepting bid packages in October for its "largest construction project ever" at Camping World Stadium, according to Orlando Business Journal. The second phase of bidding next month is for deep foundations, concrete, underground utilities, waterproofing, MEP equipment, fire suppression and fixed seating. The $400 million overhaul, which includes adding and upgrading upper bowl seats, lighting and the stadium’s exterior, is expected to begin in December and last 21 months through August 2027.
  • Walt Disney World has officially released the lineup of celebrity narrators who will take part in the Candlelight Processional during the EPCOT International Festival of the Holidays presented by AdventHealth. From film and television icons to award-winning performers, they’ll each bring something magical to the stage at America Gardens Theatre. The event will begin on Friday, Nov. 28 and have 5:00pm, 6:45pm, and 8:15pm nightly shows until Tuesday, Dec. 30.
  • The SoDo Main Street District has been awarded funding from the federal Community Development Block Grant program, administered locally by the City of Orlando, to launch a series of beautification projects just south of downtown. The grant will fund large-scale murals, banners, and other improvements aimed at boosting neighborhood pride and showcasing SoDo’s creative culture. The murals are expected to be complete by the end of September, with community events planned around their unveiling.

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!
PURCHASE TICKETS

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 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.
MAKE A RESERVATION

All Around


  • The City of Orlando is celebrating Hispanic Heritage Month with a month-long art exhibition featuring works by 32 local visual artists, reflecting this year’s theme, “Collective Heritage: Honoring the Past, Inspiring the Future.” Festivities will continue with a community celebration hosted by Mayor Buddy Dyer and Commissioner Tony Ortiz on Wednesday, Oct. 8 at the Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts from 9:00am to 5:00pm. Guests can enjoy traditional Hispanic cuisine, live Latin music, and folk-dance performances.
  • WWE Friday Night Smackdown returns to the Kia Center this Saturday, Sept. 26 at 7:30pm. This highly anticipated event promises to be an unforgettable night of electrifying wrestling action, featuring the biggest names in the WWE universe. Whether you are a die-hard fan or just looking for an exciting night out, this is the event for you!
  • Volcano Bay Nights, an evening attraction held at the Universal Orlando water park, will feature Scooby-Doo and his gang this year. The events will be held Friday evenings between Sept. 5 and Oct. 31. Among the entertainment options will be a DJ-driven Beach Bash on the attraction’s Waturi Beach, where Scooby-Doo, Shaggy, Daphne, Fred and Velma will make appearances along with the Mystery Machine van. The limited-capacity event will take place from 7:00-11:00pm each night, although ticketholders will be able to enter the water park as early as 4:00pm.
  • 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 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 Orlando Public Library has released a wide range of family-friendly events in store for the month of October. There are multiple Halloween happenings, including a Trick or Treat Safe Zone on Sunday, Oct. 12, and numerous children’s events throughout the month. See the full list of October events at the library's website.
  • A new wax figure of actress & singer Selena Gomez has been added to the star-studded lineup at Madame Tussauds Orlando, an attraction inside ICON Park on International Drive. The figure is outfitted in a red beaded floral gown worn to the MTV Video Music Awards in 2023. Visit the ICON Park website to learn more and purchase your attraction tickets ahead of time.
  • Fun Spot America is offering a deal on two levels of passes that are valid from now through the end of 2026. The tickets — good at Fun Spot locations in Orlando, Kissimmee and near Atlanta — must be purchased by Friday, Oct. 31. They include unlimited access to the parks’ rides, including roller coasters, and their Go-Kart courses.
  • 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 and his wife Sarah Grafton cheered on the UCF Knights as they hosted UNC at Acrisure Bounce House, pictured with Orlando Mayor Buddy Dyer and his wife Susie Dyer, UCF President Alexander Cartwright and his wife Melinda Cartwright, GO Sports board member Allen Johnson (Orlando Venues), and Alex Martins (Orlando Magic).

GO Sports President & CEO Jason Siegel participated in the 2025 Visionaries of Central Florida annual event at The Tap Room at Dubsdread, pictured with Orange County Commissioner Mayra Uribe, GO Sports board members Melanie DiVirgilio (Seacoast Bank) and Allen Johnson (Orlando Venues), and the rest of this year's visionaries.

GO Sports COO Jennifer Lastik and Director Elizabeth Caldarelli played in the United Arts of Central Florida Golf Tournament at Lake Nona Golf & Country Club, pictured with GO Sports board members Jon McGavin (Grande Lakes Orlando) and Chris Mueller (Hilton Orlando).

GO Sports VP Kyle Sturley attended the Orlando Pride's Winning Women in Purple event at Inter&Co Stadium.

Jason Siegel, President & CEO of GO Sports, appeared on FOX 35’s Good Day Orlando to promote the upcoming Red Bull Tandem Rollercoaster event in Altamonte Springs. Pictured with co-anchors Amy Kaufeldt, Danielle Knox, and Stephanie Rivas.

GO Sports President & CEO Jason Siegel and his wife Sarah Grafton attended a fundraising kick-off for Runway to Hope.

Corporate Partner Spotlight.

GO Sports is proud to welcome our newest corporate partner, Embassy Suites Orlando Sunset Walk! For more information, click the logo above.


Thank you for supporting sports tourism in Greater Orlando!

Fun & Games.


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