Impact Update for Thursday, June 19 | | |
"We are very thrilled to welcome Desmond to the Orlando Magic family...Over his five years in the NBA, Desmond has distinguished himself as one of the elite guards in our league, and we look forward to his shooting, IQ and wide-ranging skill set in helping our team take a step forward."
-Jeff Weltman
President of Basketball Operations
Orlando Magic
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Quote of the Day.
"Today is a new day. Even if you were wrong yesterday, you can get it right today."
-Dwight Howard
8x NBA All-Star
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Around The Horn.
- The Orlando Magic shook up the NBA landscape by acquiring dynamic guard Desmond Bane from the Memphis Grizzlies in exchange for guards Cole Anthony and Kentavious Caldwell-Pope along with multiple first-round picks and swap rights. Bane, 26, has averaged over 19 points per game in each of the last three seasons, knocking down 41% of his shots from 3-point range.
- The 2025 FIFA Club World Cup has kicked off in Orlando as Mamelodi Sundowns FC defeated Ulsan HD 1-0 at Inter&Co Stadium on Tuesday night. Inter&Co Stadium will host another group stage match this Friday, June 20, and Camping World Stadium will 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!
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GO Sports President & CEO Jason Siegel was interviewed by Alex Donaldson of Sportcal to discuss the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup and the benefits of hosting six matches in Orlando. Click here to read the full interview.
- The Orlando Pride defeated Bay FC 1-0 at PayPal Park on Friday night. The win serves as the second consecutive win for the Pride at PayPal Park as the team has now won every match of the series between the two sides posting a perfect 3-0-0 record. The Pride (8-3-1, 25 points) will hit the road one last time before the July break as they head to Lynn Family Stadium to face Racing Louisville this Friday, June 20 at 8:00pm.
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Orlando City SC defeated Colorado Rapids 1-0 at Dick's Sporting Goods Park on Saturday night. Orlando City scored the match’s lone goal on a counterattack in the 24th minute after Marco Pašalić squared a ball across goal to Martín Ojeda, who struck home his team-leading ninth goal of the season. The Lions (8-4-6, 30 points) will return to action on Wednesday, June 25 at 8:30pm to take on St. Louis City SC at Energizer Park.
- A new amendment approved by the Florida Board of Governors has paved the way for institutions such as UCF, UF and FSU to allocate significant financial resources for revenue sharing with student-athletes, amounting to more than $22 million annually. This significant change permits public universities to temporarily utilize up to $22.5 million in non-athletics auxiliary funding to cover payments to athletes following the House settlement.
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The University of Central Florida football stadium known as FBC Mortgage Stadium is being renamed Acrisure Bounce House. FBC Mortgage, which signed a 10-year naming rights deal in 2022 for the football stadium, is set to rebrand to Acrisure Mortgage on July 1 of this year. The stadium has been home to UCF football since 2007 and has been nicknamed The Bounce House because of the energetic Knights fans.
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Following the Orlando Magic’s new logo reveal, the Osceola Magic unveiled its new logo and uniforms that will be used starting in the 2025-26 NBA G League season. This latest logo iteration marks the third in franchise history, following the team’s launch in Lakeland in 2017 and relocation to Osceola in 2023. The Osceola logo pays homage to the history of the Magic, while also keeping true to the branding that fans have come to know.
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The Orlando Solar Bears announced Head Coach and General Manager Matt Carkner will be leaving his position to pursue a coaching role in the American Hockey League. Carkner, 44, was hired by the Solar Bears prior to the start of the 2022-23 season following a five-year stint (2016-21) as an Assistant Coach with the Bridgeport Islanders of the AHL and led the Solar Bears to two playoff appearances in his three seasons at the helm.
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The Orlando Squeeze are currently in fifth 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.
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GO Sports, along with our community partners Inter&Co Stadium, Camping World Stadium, Visit Orlando, City of Orlando, Orange County and Florida Citrus Sports, is excited to provide you with an exclusive ticket offer.
Click the link below or in the graphic above to purchase one adult ticket at a 50% discount and receive up to two tickets for children under 16 for free! This offer is valid for select matches:
Inter&Co Stadium
June 20, 12:00pm - SL Benfica vs Auckland City FC
Camping World Stadium
June 24, 9:00pm - LAFC vs CR Flamengo
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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.
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GO Sports is proud to congratulate our partners, Addition Financial, Kavaliro, One Florida Bank, Orlando Magic, Seacoast Bank and Visit Orlando, for being recognized in the 2025 edition of Orlando Business Journal's Best Places to Work. Click here for the full list and to read more about this year's winners.
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A proposed pedestrian bridge on International Drive is moving forward to its next stage, according to Orlando Business Journal. Orange County Commissioners voted unanimously on Tuesday, June 17 to advance a study for the $35.63 million project, which includes the preferred design. The approval allows the county staff to move forward with the design, right-of-way acquisition and construction phases of the overpass, which will be funded by the International Drive CRA.
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AdventHealth Orlando has unveiled plans for a transformative $1 billion expansion, marking the largest healthcare investment in Central Florida’s history. The project centers on constructing a 14-story patient and surgical tower, aiming to meet the region’s rapidly growing healthcare demands. The tower is expected to open in 2030 with capacity for 24 operating rooms, endoscopy and imaging services, and 440 inpatient beds.
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Osceola County commissioners voted unanimously to endorse a proposed 120-mile trail from Lake Monroe in Sanford to Lake Okeechobee in South Florida. The Lake to Lake paved trail would make use of existing trails in Seminole and Orange counties, require new ones through cattle ranchlands in Osceola, utilize abandoned railroads and involve a bridge over one of the state’s busiest expressways — State Road 528.
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Orlando Health South Lake Hospital has been designated as a leader in caring for people living with diabetes by the American Diabetes Association and The Leapfrog Group. The award recognizes the hospital’s strong commitment to the safety and well-being of hospitalized people living with diabetes—estimated to be 30% of all patients.
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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.
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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.
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All Around.
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Universal Orlando has released single-night tickets and additional event add-ons for this year’s Halloween Horror Nights, taking place from Friday, August 29 through Sunday, November 2. Single-night tickets start at $82.99, with the Express Pass option starting at $139.99 per person. Multi-night tickets, such as the Frequent Fear Pass, will be available for purchase at a later date.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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The Anime Festival Orlando 2025 will take place this weekend, June 20-22, at the Rosen Plaza Hotel on I-Drive. Guests can meet their favorite voice actors and Youtubers, participate in cool activities and join in on events suitable for both adults and the whole family. Single-day ticket options are available starting at $45, and three-day passes are priced at $90.
- The Orlando Science Center is hosting its two-day Make Fest this Saturday and Sunday, June 21-22, from 10:00am to 5:00pm on both days. The event focuses on crafting and mastering the art of tools, and the sessions include interactive workshops and local artisans presenting handcrafted goods. Make Fest is included with regular admission and tickets are $31 ($24 for ages 2-11).
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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.
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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.
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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.
| | GO Sports VP Lindsey McBride, Coordinator Carter Gravitte and Intern Parker Lee assisted FIFA Club World Cup volunteers at the Ulsan HD vs Mamelodi Sundowns FC match at Inter&Co Stadium. | | GO Sports CFO Gary Cohen and his wife Jill Cohen attended the CFHLA Security Council's Casino Night, pictured with Robert Agrusa (CFHLA). | | GO Sports President & CEO Jason Siegel was interviewed by Greg Warmoth of WFTV Channel 9 to discuss investment in infrastructure and sporting events being hosted in Orlando. | | GO Sports Executive VP Brent Nelson attended the AAU Jr. National Volleyball Championships at the Orange County Convention Center, pictured with Joe Jablonski (AAU). | | GO Sports President & CEO Jason Siegel and Chairman Caesar Lopez (Orlando City SC, Orlando Pride) attended the Ulsan HD vs Mamelodi Sundowns FC FIFA Club World Cup match at Inter&Co Stadium, pictured with Dan Flynn (FIFA). | | GO Sports President & CEO Jason Siegel was interviewed by Stewart Moore on WESH 2 News to discuss all of the sporting events coming to Orlando. | | GO Sports Executive VP Brent Nelson attended the SKAL International Orlando June Mixer at Mia's Italian Kitchen, pictured with GO Sports board member Jesse Martinez (Clean Tec Outsourcing). | | GO Sports President & CEO Jason Siegel and his wife Sarah Grafton attended the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society's 'Light the Night' fundraising event at Dubsdread. | | 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!
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