Impact Update for Thursday, March 27

"I just want to say thank you again to the Magic, and to all the fans for literally everything. I really grew up here...This feeling that I get every time I come back. To now be a part of the Magic Hall of Fame, it’s unbelievable."

-Dwight Howard

Orlando Magic Center, 2004-2012

Quote of the Day.

"Nobody who ever gave his best regretted it."

-George Halas

Chicago Bears Founder

Around The Horn.

• The Orlando Magic inducted former All-NBA center Dwight Howard into the Orlando Magic Hall of Fame following the team's 118-106 victory over the Los Angeles Lakers on Monday night. Howard, who the Magic drafted No. 1 overall in 2004, is the Magic's current all-time leader in points (11,435), rebounds (8,072), blocks (1,344), free throws made (3,366), free throws attempted (5,727) and minutes played (22,471).
• The American Diabetes Association's Tour de Cure returns to Orlando this Sunday, March 30 at the Lake Nona Town Center. Check-in time will depend on your route choice and can range anywhere from 6:00am to 9:00am. With a flat course featuring just 200 feet of elevation change, this ride is perfect for cyclists of all levels, from beginners to seasoned pros. Register today!
• The Orlando Pride earned a 2-0 victory over NJ/NY Gotham FC at Sports Illustrated Stadium on Sunday night. The Pride (2-0-0, 6 points) have won both games they have played to begin the 2025 season, and have yet to concede a goal. The Pride will return home to Inter&Co Stadium and host the San Diego Wave this Saturday, March 29 at 12:00pm.
• Orlando City SC defeated D.C. United at Inter&Co Stadium on Saturday night via a 4-1 score line. Saturday night marked the first time in Club history that all three of the team’s Designated Players scored in the same match. The Lions (2-2-1, 7 points) now travel cross country to face the 2024 MLS Cup Champion LA Galaxy this Saturday, March 29 at 10:30pm.
• The Orlando Magic defeated the Charlotte Hornets 111-104 Wednesday night to capture the team's third straight victory. The Magic (35-38) are currently the eighth seed in the Eastern Conference with nine games remaining in the regular season. The team will look to keep the win streak alive as they host the Dallas Mavericks at Kia Center TONIGHT, March 27 at 7:00pm.
• UCF Softball defeated No. 3 Florida 4-0 Wednesday night in front of a sellout crowd at the UCF Softball Complex. Led by redshirt freshman Isabella Vega's seven-inning complete game shutout, the Knights (21-14-1) earned their fifth ranked win of the season, its highest-ranked win of the campaign, third top-four victory, and second shutout of a ranked opponent this spring
• The Osceola Magic (20-12) clinched its second-straight playoff berth with a 109-105 victory over the Motor City Cruise on Wednesday night. Mac McClung led the team with 26 points on 8-of-19 shooting, and Patrick Gardner provided a spark off the bench with 16 points. The NBA G League playoffs will begin on Tuesday, April 1 with seeding in the Eastern Conference still to be determined.
• Boater Joey Bloom of Winter Springs, FL, caught a five-bass limit weighing 24 pounds, 14 ounces on Sunday to capture the MLF Phoenix Bass Fishing League (BFL) Presented by T-H Marine on the Harris Chain of Lakes. The tournament was the fourth event of the season for the BFL Gator Division, and Bloom earned $4,584 for his victory.
• UCF men's basketball has accepted an invitation to play in the College Basketball Crown, a 16-team tournament in Las Vegas created by FOX Sports and Anschutz Entertainment Group. The Knights (17-16, 7-13 Big 12) are set to face Oregon State at 5:30pm on Tuesday, April 1. This is the third consecutive season that UCF has earned a spot in a postseason tournament, twice receiving a birth to the NIT in 2022-23 and 2023-24.
• The Orlando Solar Bears secured a 4-3 overtime victory over the Atlanta Gladiators at Gas South Arena on Wednesday morning. The Solar Bears (34-22-10) are currently the fourth seed in the South Division with six regular season games remaining. The team will now have the week off before they face the Gladiators again on Wednesday, April 2 at 7:00pm.
• Join the Orlando Valkyries this Sunday, March 30 at 3:00pm for a match against the Indy Ignite and to celebrate their mascot Val's birthday! Stick around during halftime as Val and some of her mascot friends will be competing against each other for a special halftime performance. The first 500 fans in the building will receive color-changing cups.

The American Diabetes Association's Tour de Cure returns to Orlando this Sunday, March 30 at the Lake Nona Town Center. Check-in time will depend on your route choice and can range anywhere from 6:00am to 9:00am. With a flat course featuring just 200 feet of elevation change, this ride is perfect for cyclists of all levels, from beginners to seasoned pros. Click the link below to register today!

Tickets are on sale for all 2025 FIFA Club World Cup matches at Inter&Co Stadium this summer! Click the link below to secure your tickets today.

Inter&Co Stadium Group Stage Matches:

Tuesday, June 17, 6:00pm - Ulsan HD vs Mamelodi Sundowns FC

Friday, June 20, 12:00pm - SL Benfica vs Auckland City FC

Tickets are on sale for all 2025 FIFA Club World Cup matches at Camping World Stadium this summer! Click the link below to secure your tickets today.

Camping World Stadium Group Stage matches:

Tuesday, June 24, 9:00pm - Club León vs CR Flamengo

Thursday, June 26, 3:00pm - Juventus FC vs Manchester City

Round of 16 match:

Monday, June 30, 9:00pm - TBD vs TBD

Quarterfinals match:

Friday, July 4, 3:00pm - TBD vs TBD

Around Town.

• Orange County Commissioners have voted unanimously to provide $500,000 for a development and environmental study for the shared rail corridor, which will be used by commuter rail SunRail and the Brightline intercity rail service. The corridor would have stops at Orlando International Airport, near the Orange County Convention Center and near South International Drive. It also would allow Brightline to expand to Tampa through a route along Interstate 4.
• The Orlando City Commission has unanimously approved to repurpose two charter-style buses into mobile homeless shelters. Under the plan, the city will purchase two buses for $175,000 apiece, which will be operated by the Christian Service Center. The buses are planned to sleep 39 people per night, with the Christian Service Center planning for all overnight guests to work with a case manager for more permanent housing.
• Seminole County Commissioners approved a $1 million agreement with the Sanford Airport Authority, according to Orlando Business Journal. The agreement will seek to draw airlines to grow flight service or draw companies to locate at the roughly 3,000-acre airport that welcomed over 2.87 million passengers last year.
• Metro Orlando continues to be a popular destination to live as the region gained an additional 76,000 residents in 2024, according to Orlando Business Journal. Based on estimates from the U.S. Census Bureau, the Orlando-Kissimmee-Sanford MSA has a population of 2,940,513 - up 2.65% year-over-year. The population increase puts Metro Orlando at No. 7 for numeric growth, with Osceola County continuing to grow the fastest by county.
• Spanish airline Iberia plans to add four weekly flights to Orlando International Airport (MCO) on Oct. 26 as a part of winter seasonal service, according to Orlando Business Journal. Iberia reaches more than 140 cities in Europe, the Americas, Africa, the Middle East and Asia. The newly announced flight will be its first out of Orlando International Airport.
• The Senate Transportation Committee approved a wide-ranging measure on Wednesday, which includes boosting the maximum speed on interstates and Florida's turnpike from 70mph to 75mph, according to Orlando Business Journal. The bill would also require the Department of Transportation to increase the maximum speed on four-lane highways from 65mph to 70mph, but will need to clear two more committees before it could go to the full Senate.
• United Arts of Central Florida has created a platform for artists to showcase their skills and offerings in an effort to be hired by local organizations, businesses and private events. Local creatives can sign onto the new Artist Hub to create a free profile, click here to register.

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.

All Around.

• 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 this Friday, March 28, click here to fill out your application.
• Walt Disney World is offering new deals on theme park tickets, including an option that is half-price for kids. The 50% Off on Kids Tickets offer is for ages 3-9, and the discount comes into effect when a three-day ticket (or longer) is purchased. Purchases can be made starting Thursday, March 27.
• 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.
• The Seven Seas Food Festival continues at SeaWorld Orlando, and guests can indulge in over 190 mouthwatering dishes inspired by global cuisines paired perfectly with refreshing wines, vibrant cocktails and craft brews. SeaWorld also offers live concerts included with park admission, which run on select dates through May 4.
• The 3rd annual I-Drive Throwdown returns to Dezerland Park this week, March 28 and 29. The event is designed to showcase the finest off-road vehicles, including trucks, side-by-sides and ATVs, featuring more than 850 show vehicles and 55 vendors. There will be plenty of attractions, food and nighttime entertainment to enjoy, purchase your tickets today!
• Mean Girls the musical is coming to Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts this weekend, March 28-30 in the Walt Disney Theater. Direct from Broadway, Mean Girls is the hilarious hit musical from an award-winning creative team, including book writer and comedian Tina Fey.
• The All Pro Dad Experience is coming to Camping World Stadium this Saturday, March 29 at 9:00am offering adults and children alike the opportunity to showcase their skills on the field. During the three-hour event, dads and kids rotate through stations and participate in interactive games designed to strengthen their relationships and deliver useful fatherhood tips.
• 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.

The GO Sports team is proud to have returned as a presenting sponsor for the Orlando Business Journal's 2025 Business of Sports event, pictured with Chair Elect Tammy Gustafson (Universal Destinations & Experiences), Past Chair Sharon Line Clary (AdventHealth), and board members Anne-Marie Hayward (Orlando Business Journal) and Amy Wise (Special Olympics International).

GO Sports President & CEO Jason Siegel moderated the OBJ Business of Sports panel discussion at Hyatt Regency Grand Cypress Resort, pictured with panelists Dana Boone (UCF Track & Field), Kelly Hyne (Orlando City SC, Orlando Pride), Amy Pauly (Orlando Valkyries) and Sherry Wheelock (Special Olympics Florida).

GO Sports President & CEO Jason Siegel and Director Jordan Lyda attended the unveiling of Full Sail University's Armada HQ, pictured with Sari Kitelyn (Full Sail), Theresa Kieu (Visit Orlando), Rasheedi Williams (Visit Orlando) and Keena Patel (Visit Orlando).

GO Sports President & CEO Jason Siegel attended the City of Orlando's Celebrating Women in Sports panel discussion, pictured with GO Sports Chairman Caesar Lopez (Orlando City SC, Orlando Pride) and Garry Capton (FAIRWINDS Credit Union).

GO Sports COO Jennifer Lastik attended the Greenberg Traurig Women of the Boardroom event, pictured with Kelly Cohen (The Southern Group) and Haley Carter (Orlando Pride).

Corporate Partner Spotlight.

GO Sports is proud to welcome our newest corporate partners, Enduraphin and Waters Car Wash! For more information, click the logos 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