Impact Update for Thursday, March 6

"It’s really special...Mr. Palmer meant a lot to me, meant a lot to us as professional golfers and the game of golf...I’m very proud to be the champion of his tournament."

-Scottie Scheffler

2022, 2024 Arnold Palmer Invitational Champion

Quote of the Day.

"You must play boldly to win."

-Arnold Palmer

PGA Tour Legend

Around The Horn.

• The Arnold Palmer Invitational presented by Mastercard returns to Orlando this week, March 6-9, at the historic Bay Hill Golf Club & Lodge. World No. 1 Scottie Scheffler headlines the 72-player field at the PGA Tour signature event, seeking his first win of the 2025 season. The winner of this year's tournament will earn 700 FedEx Cup points, as well as $4 million from the elevated purse. Click here to purchase your tickets today!
• The Orlando Pride has unveiled its new Decennial Kit ahead of the club's season opener against the Washington Spirit at Inter&Co Stadium this Friday, Mar. 7 at 8:00pm. As part of the club's 10 year celebration, the kit draws inspiration from the Pride's original 2016 jersey, bringing back Orlando's base purple and Eola Blue accents on the sleeves.
• Orlando City SC captured its first win of the new season after defeating Toronto FC 4-2 at Inter&Co Stadium on Saturday night. The Lions (1-1-0, 3 points) now head out on the road for the first time this season for a match against New York City FC this Saturday, Mar. 8 at Yankee Stadium.
• UCF baseball defeated the No. 6 Florida Gators 13-3 on Tuesday night to mark the team's largest margin of victory over Florida. The dominant victory came in front of a crowd of 4,204 fans, the second-largest home crowd in program history. The Knights (9-3, 0-0 Big 12) have now won its last three games by 10 runs or more, having scored a combined 37 runs over the last week.
• The Orlando Solar Bears dominated last week with two home victories over the Jacksonville Icemen on Wednesday and the Greenville Swamp Rabbits on Friday. The Solar Bears (29-20-10) continue their longest home stand of the season as they are set to host the Swamp Rabbits again this Saturday, Mar. 8 at 7:00pm in the Kia Center.
• The Orlando Magic will look to bounce back as the team prepares to host the Chicago Bulls tonight, March 6 at 7:00pm in the Kia Center. The Magic are currently the eighth seed in the Eastern Conference with 19 games remaining in the regular season.
• The Osceola Magic return to Silver Spurs Arena this Sunday, Mar. 9 to take on the Greensboro Swarm and begin the team's five-game homestand. Tip-off is set for 3:00pm, and the team will be hosting 'Orlando Magic Night'. The first 1,000 fans through the doors will receive a Jett Howard bobblehead.
• Join the Orlando Valkyries on Sunday, March 9 at 6pm to celebrate the unstoppable female athletes who inspire fans every day, including a special recognition of Orlando Pride players who will be attending the Valkyries match! The first 500 fans in the door will receive Valkyries themed shoelaces - get 20% off your tickets now!

The NWSL Champion Orlando Pride will host the Washington Spirit in the NWSL Challenge Cup this Friday, Mar. 7 at Inter&Co Stadium! Due to the Orlando Pride claiming both the regular season and playoff titles in 2024, the 2025 NWSL Challenge Cup will serve as a rematch of the 2024 NWSL Championship between the Pride and the Washington Spirit. Click the link below to secure your tickets today!

Tickets are on sale for the FIFA Club World Cup 2025 group stage matches coming to Orlando next summer! Both Inter&Co Stadium and Camping World Stadium will host two group stage matches, beginning on June 17. Don't miss this incredible opportunity to see soccer's biggest stars right here in town, click the link below to purchase tickets today!

Around Town.

• 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.
• 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.
• 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.
• Universal Destinations & Experiences has announced it will help fund a study for the Sunshine Corridor, according to Orlando Business Journal. The theme park will provide $2 million through its Shingle Creek Transit and Utility Community Development District for the development and environment study for the shared corridor of SunRail and Brightline.
• Congratulations to the 14 Full Sail University alumni were credited on five Oscar-winning releases across 11 categories. The 97th Annual Academy Awards were broadcast live from the Dolby Theatre in Hollywood on Sunday, March 2, 2025, and aired live on ABC. During this year’s awards, Full Sail University graduates have worked in roles such as Supervising Sound Editor, Content Protection Executive, Animator, Assistant Editor, and more on winning projects.
• Dr. Phillip's Charities recently partnered with Orlando's Oxenfree Film & Motion to tell the life story and continued impact of Dr. Philip Phillips, a 19th century citrus industry pioneer whose philanthropic efforts and real estate projects continue to shape Central Florida. Click here to watch the film.
• Brother Jimmy's earned the title of "Best in the Park for Delicious Food and Outstanding Customer Service" at the 2025 Barbecue in the Park hosted by Orlando Economic Partnership. The annual barbecue event invites restaurants from across Central Florida to vend, and asks attendees to vote for their favorite setup.
• The City of Orlando has officially issued a Request for Proposals (RFP) to solicit a design-build firm for the creation of the permanent Pulse Memorial based on the conceptual design set by the Pulse Memorial Advisory Committee. The selected firm will take the conceptual design and turn them into detailed, actionable plans for the memorial. All proposals must be submitted by the deadline of Thursday, May 29 at 2:00pm.

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.

• The Epcot International Flower & Garden Festival returns to Walt Disney World this week 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.
• Universal Orlando has introduced its next phase of ticket sales for Epic Universe, its new theme park scheduled to open on May 22 of this year. Now available are passes that allow two days at Universal Studios theme park, Islands of Adventure, or Volcano Bay water park, and then one separate day at Epic Universe. Park-to-park powers are available, but are sold as an add-on.
• SeaWorld Orlando is making additions to its Coasters After Dark after-hours event, which returns on Mar. 12 and will have elements of its Seven Seas Food Festival included. The limited time/limited attendance event allows access to eight thrill rides, and will now include a five-sample lanyard for use at select Seven Seas booths.
• The 28th annual Leu Gardens plant sale, known to attract 15,000 people or more, will bring 63 vendors to Orlando’s 50-acre botanical oasis this weekend, March 8-9. Guests can find wide varieties of greenery to spruce up the living room, porch or backyard with everything from bonsai trees to bromeliads and bamboo.
• Fun Spot America announced it will stage a one-night-only drone show at its Orlando location this Saturday, Mar. 8. The production will use 300 drones to form patriotic images including a bald eagle, shooting stars, rockets and a roller coaster with brightly colored tracks and more. The show, which will last 12-14 minutes, begins at 8:00pm.
• Art After Dark is returning to the Downtown Arts District this Saturday, Mar. 8 from 7:00 - 10:00pm, promising an unforgettable evening of art, culture, and live entertainment perfect for young professionals and the young at heart. Guests can enjoy live music and explore CityArts’ seven stunning galleries and café, each featuring brand-new works by talented Orlando artists.
• Addition Financial Arena has announced the 12th annual Touch-A-Truck will commence this Saturday, Mar. 8 from 12:00pm - 3:00pm. Touch-A-Truck offers children the chance to discover more about their favorite trucks and vehicles they encounter every day. Featured vehicles at the event will include emergency response vehicles, construction trucks, off-road vehicles and more.
• 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 presented at the CFHLA Airport Area Hoteliers Luncheon, pictured with Robert Agrusa (CFHLA) and airport area hoteliers.

The GO Sports team pictured at the Arnold Palmer Invitational's inaugural Executive Women's Day event at Bay Hill Golf Club & Lodge this week.

Many GO Sports board members and partners attended the Arnold Palmer Invitational's Executive Women's Day, including board members Anne-Marie Hayward (Orlando Business Journal) and Lisa Curran (Duke Energy), and partners Bridget Keefe (UCF President's Office) and Maritza Martinez (Orlando Magic).

GO Sports Director Elizabeth Caldarelli, a former Division I golfer, pictured with LPGA legend Annika Sörenstam at the Arnold Palmer Invitational's Executive Women's Day.

GO Sports President & CEO Jason Siegel and Kelly Cohen (The Southern Group) pictured with Jeff Vahle, President of Walt Disney World, at the Orlando Business Journal's Power Breakfast.

GO Sports Executive VP Michael Kalinich met with the Celeste Hotel, pictured with Director of Sales Sarah Ehmke and General Manager Matthew McAlister.

GO Sports COO Jennifer Lastik participated in Orlando Business Journal's Mentoring Monday event, pictured with board members Barbara Drahl (Brightline), Kolleen Hogan (NextPath Careers), Anne-Marie Hayward (Orlando Business Journal) and Melanie DiVirgilio (Seacoast Bank).

GO Sports President & CEO Jason Siegel with board member Drew Donovan (Arnold Palmer Invitational) at the API Pro-Am Gala this week hosted at Ole Red in Icon Park.

GO Sports President & CEO Jason Siegel presented to leadership of Marriott Vacations Worldwide, pictured with board member Scott Weisz, past board member Andrew Marcus, and President & CEO John Geller.

GO Sports President & CEO Jason Siegel attended the Arnold Palmer Invitational, pictured with John Soaps (WESH-2), Dan Sherman (Transportation Management Systems) and Rory Sabbatini.

The Arnold Palmer Invitational's Executive Women's Day featured several panel discussions with female executives, including board member Ultima Espino (Orlando Health) pictured with fellow panelists and moderator Jamie Seh (WKMG News 6).

GO Sports COO Jennifer Lastik attended the British American Business Council of Central Florida event, pictured with Kay Rawlins (Orlando City SC, Orlando Pride), Justine Assal (British Honorary Consul) and Vicki Jaramillo (GOAA).

GO Sports COO Jennifer Lastik attended the British American Business Council of Central Florida event, pictured with board member Ciaran McArdle (XL Sports World).

Congratulations to GO Sports board member DK Taylor and the BNA Elite HERricanes from Winter Garden, who made history by winning the 11U Girls World Championship (undefeated 7-0 record) at the 2nd Annual Flag Football World Championships at ESPN Wide World of Sports!

Corporate Partner Spotlight.

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!

Fun & Games.

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• What's Happening: Orange County Things To Do
• What's Happening: Osceola County Things To Do
• What's Happening: Seminole County Things To Do