Impact Update for Thursday, May 1

With Orlando's 2-0 win over South Carolina Tuesday night, the Solar Bears have advanced to face the Florida Everblades in the ECHL South Division Finals. The best-of-seven series starts this Friday and Saturday at Hertz Arena in Estero. Games three, four, and five (if necessary) will take place at Kia Center in Orlando. Tickets for the Orlando Solar Bears 2025 Playoffs can be purchased via Ticketmaster.

Quote of the Day.

"The best preparation for tomorrow is doing your best today."

-H. Jackson Brown, Jr.

American Author

Around The Horn.

• The Orlando Solar Bears have moved on to the ECHL South Division Finals to face the Florida Everblades after knocking out the South Carolina Stingrays in six games in the South Division Semifinal series. Orlando's second round will begin this Friday, May 2 at 7:30pm in Hertz Arena. The Solar Bears will host games three, four, and five (if necessary) at Kia Center beginning on Tuesday, May 6 at 7:00pm. Purchase your tickets today!
• Former UCF running back RJ Harvey was selected by the Denver Broncos with the 60th overall pick in the 2025 NFL Draft, becoming the highest-drafted running back in UCF history. Harvey etched his name into the UCF record books, finishing as the program’s all-time leader in total touchdowns (48) and second in career rushing yards (3,792). He also recorded 43 rushing touchdowns, ranking second in school history.​
• Orlando City SC defeated Atlanta United FC 3-0 at Inter&Co Stadium on Saturday night, marking the squad's third win at home this season and a Club record fourth consecutive clean sheet. The Lions (4-2-4, 17 points) head to the Windy City next for a showdown against Chicago Fire FC this Saturday, May 3 at 8:30pm.
• The Orlando Pride defeated Angel City FC 3-2 on Friday night at Inter&Co Stadium after overcoming a 2-0 goal deficit. The comeback victory is the first time in Pride history that Orlando have come back to win a match after trailing by multiple goals. The Pride (5-1-0, 15 points) will now travel cross country as they get set to take on the Portland Thorns this Saturday, May 3 at 7:30pm.
• The Orlando Squeeze won four-out-of-five matches during Major League Pickleball's 2025 regular season opener at the USTA National Campus in Lake Nona. The Squeeze are currently ranked fourth in the MLP standings following their first matches of the season, and will compete in the MLP Columbus Tournament this Thursday, May 1 through Sunday, May 4.
• For their last home match of the regular season, the Orlando Valkyries defeated the Columbus Fury in four sets on Sunday night, completing their first season sweep in franchise history. With one match left to go in the regular season, Orlando has clinched the third seed in the PVF Playoffs and will head to Las Vegas next week for competition on Friday, May 9 to Sunday, May 11.
• The NCAA Division II Men's Golf South/Southeast Regional will take place at Mission Resort + Club on Thursday, May 8 through Saturday, May 10. Experience the competition live as 20 teams and 8 individuals battle for a coveted spot in the 2025 NCAA DII Men's Golf Championships. Admission is free and the tournament is open to the public.
• More than 100 million people traveled more than 50 miles to attend professional, minor league, and collegiate regular-season sporting events in the United States last year, generating $47.1 billion in direct economic impact, according to results of new research commissioned by Sports ETA. The research marks the first time the economic impact of people traveling as spectators to those sporting events has been recorded. The survey concluded that 109.7 million people traveled to these sporting events in the past year, including 63.5 million who spent the night.

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 - TBD 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.

• The Central Florida Commuter Rail Commission unanimously agreed to conduct a key $6 million study that will look into the feasibility of the proposed Sunshine Corridor, a SunRail extension from the Orlando International Airport to the Orange County Convention Center and the theme park district. The two-year study would delve into the projected ridership of the Sunshine Corridor, the system’s maintenance, operational costs, environmental impacts, station locations and exact routes.
• Two new congestion relief lanes officially opened on Monday, running 6.1 miles in each direction of I-4 from east of U.S. 27 in Polk County to World Drive near Disney Springs. The opening of the lanes — eight months ahead of the previous schedule — signifies the start of a larger $2.5 billion project that aims to add express lanes, widen shoulders and improve interchanges on I-4.
• The Florida Department of Education released the 2023-24 graduation rates for the state, school districts and high schools. The Orange County Public Schools district's average graduation rate among its 22 traditional high schools is 96%, which continues to outpace the state’s 89.7% average. The graduation rate of all Orange County Public Schools, which includes both traditional and charter schools, is 89.3%, a .2% point increase from 2022-23.
• United Parks & Resorts, parent company of SeaWorld Orlando theme park, is looking to fill more than 5,000 jobs across the country. It is planning a "summer hiring event" for May 5-9, the company announced Monday. There are full-time, part-time and seasonal positions in the mix, including jobs at SeaWorld Orlando, Aquatica water park, Discovery Cove day resort and United corporate offices in Orlando and Miami.
• The recently expanded MICHELIN Guide Florida selection has been revealed for 2025 and it features two new MICHELIN Starred restaurants in Orlando. Sorekara, a Japanese restaurant located in Baldwin Park, earned Two MICHELIN Stars, and Ômo by Jônt, a contemporary restaurant in Winter Park, earned One MICHELIN Star. Orlando is now recognized with one two-star restaurant, eight one-star, 15 Bib Gourmand and 35 Recommended restaurants, cementing its place on the global food stage.
• In partnership with the City of Orlando, the Downtown Arts District, and Florida Paints, City District has launched downtown Orlando's first Traffic Art Box program. This exciting new initiative seeks to enhance the visual appeal of our community by turning ordinary traffic signal boxes into beautiful works of art showcasing the talents of local artists.
• Orlando International Airport will soon get a flight to Mexico City, according to Orlando Business Journal. Viva Aerobus will add nonstop service on Nov. 20 to Felipe Ángeles International Airport, making Orlando one of seven U.S. cities it will provide service from the airport which debuted in 2022. The budget airline currently has routes to Merida and Monterrey from Orlando.

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.

• Universal Orlando has expanded its previews for its new Epic Universe theme park to the general public. Tickets are currently on sale for dates through Monday, May 19. Previously, the official peeks at the attractions have been limited primarily to Universal employees, Universal Orlando hotel guests and the resort’s annual passholders ahead of Epic’s grand opening on Thursday, May 22. There are a limited number of preview tickets available and prices vary with the date, ranging from $144 to $154 per day.
• Walt Disney World is implementing a new perk that will allow kids to eat free at its resorts. Guests staying at any Disney Resorts Collection hotels will receive a free dining plan for their kids ages 3-9 when purchasing a dining plan as part of their package for the other members of their party. The offer will be available throughout all of 2026, and guests can also combine the kids' free dining plan with other select special offers.
• Aquatica, SeaWorld Orlando's water park, is gearing up for its springtime event named "Aloha to Summer Celebration." The programming will include sand-castle artists, a family-friendly dance party and games such as cornhole and ring toss (with prizes), all preceded by a welcome celebration with leis and tropical punch. The festivities, included with regular Aquatica admission, will be available on Saturdays and Sundays through Sunday, May 11.
• T.G. Lee Dairy is celebrating 100 years of business by hosting a community Milk Run and after-party this Saturday, May 3. The inaugural "Milk Run 5k" will run through historic streets of downtown Orlando while enjoying the sights and sounds of the Milk District. Orlando Mayor Buddy Dyer is kicking off the Milk Run 5K with a Proclamation to honor TG Lee Dairy’s contributions to the City of Orlando and their 100 year anniversary. Register today!
• Swing by the USTA National Campus on Sunday, May 4 at 1:30pm for their Community Day celebration to welcome AdventHealth as the newest medical services provider on campus. Register now for the family friendly event that will include a Red Ball Tennis Clinic, games, racquet giveaways, food trucks, face painting and more!
• Hot Wheels Monster Trucks Live returns to Osceola Heritage Park this weekend, May 3-4 with Glow-N-Fire! This exciting experience will feature the same level of fun and excitement that fans have come to expect, but with an added fiery twist. Fans can also witness a special appearance by a transforming robot, plus the high-flyers of Hot Wheels Monster Trucks Live's Freestyle Motocross Team.
• The 2025 Golden Brick Awards, presented by AdventHealth, is set to take place in Steinmetz Hall at the Dr. Phillips Center on Wednesday, May 7, 2025. The Golden Brick Awards is the DOP's exclusive annual awards celebrating the people, projects, and initiatives from the previous year that propelled downtown forward. The program also includes the announcement of the “Downtowner of the Year” winner by Orlando Mayor Buddy Dyer.
• The Orange County Library System will host its annual Orlando Book Festival on Saturday, May 17, featuring a day-long celebration of literature at the Orlando Public Library's Central Branch from 10:00am to 5:00pm. The free event welcomes readers of all ages and includes author panels, writing workshops, and literary organization tables from across Central Florida.
• 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.
• 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 Executive VP Michael Kalinich and Coordinator Jordan Henderson hosted a group of board members and corporate partners for the Orlando Solar Bears vs South Carolina Stingrays playoff game at Kia Center.

GO Sports VP Kyle Sturley attended WISE Greater Orlando's 5 year anniversary party, and accepted a gift on behalf of GO Sports for being a founding member of the chapter.

GO Sports President & CEO Jason Siegel attended the Orlando Business Journal 40 Under 40 Awards at Pinstripes, pictured with award recipient Gui Cunha (Seminole County) and Darren Gray (Seminole County).

GO Sports CFO Gary Cohen and his wife Jill Cohen attended the 16th annual Kids House of Seminole Gala at the Westin Lake Mary, pictured with Commissioner Lee Constantine (Seminole County) and GO Sports board member Shannon Frazer (iHeart Media).

GO Sports President & CEO Jason Siegel and his wife Sarah Grafton attended the Winter Park Paint Out event at the Albin Polasek Museum & Sculpture Gardens, pictured with Will Grafton (Grafton Wealth Advisors) and his wife Kyle Grafton.

GO Sports President & CEO Jason Siegel and his wife Sarah Grafton attended the Orlando Magic vs Boston Celtics playoff game at Kia Center.

GO Sports Associate VP Chase DeMayo and his wife Sarah DeMayo attended the Driving Impact Pairings Party to benefit Lift Orlando, pictured with GO Sports Past Chair Sharon Line Clary (AdventHealth).

GO Sports Coordinator Jordan Henderson and Intern Kristen Scott attended the Orlando Business Journal 40 Under 40 Awards at Pinstripes.

Corporate Partner Spotlight.

GO Sports is proud to welcome our newest corporate partner, BrightView Landscaping! For more information, click the logo 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