Impact Update for Thursday, August 7 | | |
"We are honored to recognize Chrissy Elliott, Heather Fagan, Sherry Wheelock, Carrie Allen, and Shannon Clark for their passion, leadership and dedication to Greater Orlando’s sports community. We are also thrilled to welcome Misty May-Treanor as this year’s keynote speaker, continuing our tradition of offering insight and inspiration from some of the most noted female athletes and executives in U.S. sports history."
-Caesar Lopez
Chairman, Greater Orlando Sports Commission Board of Directors
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Quote of the Day
"The only place success comes before work is in the dictionary."
-Vince Lombardi
NFL Legend
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Across the Board (Of Directors)
- Congratulations to Greater Orlando Sports Commission Chairman Caesar Lopez and Orlando City Soccer Club on being awarded the Golden Matrix Award for Best Overall Soccer Production at the annual IDEA Conference.
- Congratulations to Board Member Steve Hogan on celebrating 30 years at Florida Citrus Sports.
- Congratulations to Board Member Rich Tate on his recent promotion to Executive Vice President at LMG.
- Congratulations to Board Member Tim Giuliani on being appointed to the Board of Directors for Heart of Florida United Way.
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Around The Horn
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GO Sports is proud to announce five award winners that will be honored during the 2025 Celebrating Women in Sports luncheon presented by Orlando Health Jewett Orthopedic Institute. The 7th annual luncheon will be hosted at UCF’s Addition Financial Arena on Wednesday, September 17 at 11:00am. The luncheon will recognize the honorees in three categories: Chrissy Elliott, Heather Fagan, and Sherry Wheelock will receive the Women in Sports Leadership Award, while Carrie Allen will receive the Rising Star Award and Shannon Clark will receive the WISE Greater Orlando Women of Inspiration Award. Read the press release here.
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In a landmark move for the sport, Pro Volleyball Federation (PVF) and Major League Volleyball have announced plans for a single, united league poised to elevate professional women’s volleyball in the United States. The Orlando Valkyries, reigning PVF Champions, will join seven other teams for the inaugural MLV season, with two more expansion franchises planned for the coming years. Scheduled to begin play in January 2026, MLV is an evolution of PVF, and the upcoming campaign will be recorded as the league’s third season.
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Orlando City SC secured a win in its final Phase One match of the 2025 Leagues Cup, defeating Club Necaxa 5-1 on Wednesday night at Inter&Co Stadium. The Lions finish Phase One unbeaten and remain in contention to qualify for the Leagues Cup Quarterfinals pending other results. Orlando City remains at home as it returns to MLS regular season play this Sunday, Aug. 10 for an 8:00pm matchup against Inter Miami CF at Inter&Co Stadium.
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The Orlando Pride played to a 1-1 draw against the Utah Royals FC on Sunday night at Inter&Co Stadium following a second-half game-tying goal to earn a point. The Pride (8-4-2, 26 points) will remain at home as they welcome Racing Louisville this Saturday, Aug. 9 at Inter&Co Stadium for a 7:30pm start.
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The Lake Mary All-Stars continue their quest in the Little League Softball World Series after defeating Mill Creek of Washington 5-3 in extra innings on Wednesday. Lake Mary, which at (3-1) has been by far the busiest team in the tournament, gets a well-deserved day off on Thursday. The girls are scheduled to play a 4:00pm elimination game this Friday, Aug. 8 against either a team from Tulsa, Oklahoma, or a team from Johnstown, Pennsylvania.
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Single game tickets to the Tampa Bay Lightning vs Florida Panthers NHL preseason game at the Kia Center are on sale now. The Lightning, NHL affiliate of the Orlando Solar Bears, will face the reigning champions on Tuesday, Sept. 30 at 7:30pm. Don't miss your chance to witness professional hockey right here in Orlando, visit the Solar Bears' website to purchase your tickets today.
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The Orlando Squeeze have advanced to the Major League Pickleball Playoffs following a strong showing at the MLP Salt Lake City Tournament last weekend where they won three out of five matches. The Squeeze (15-10, 42 points) now look ahead to San Diego as they travel to compete in the first round of the playoffs from Friday, Aug. 15 to Sunday, Aug. 17.
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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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Around Town
- Central Florida is getting a brand new rollercoaster for just one day as the popular Red Bull Tandem Rollercoaster will make its way to Cranes Roost Park in Altamonte Springs on Saturday, Sept. 27. The event presents an entertaining and twisty spectacle that involves decorated bikes and pairs of riders navigating an obstacle-filled track with water on either side. With an estimated attendance of more than 30,000, this is the first time the event will be hosted in the United States. Applications are open for pairs of competitors through Friday, Aug. 15. Around 40 teams will be chosen based on their roller coaster-themed bike and costume design.
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Travelers with small children can now use dedicated, family-friendly security lanes at Orlando International Airport, part of a new program that aims to minimize stress for flyers traveling with strollers and other items. The Transportation Security Administration debuted the lanes in Orlando due to its close proximity to theme parks and high volume of vacationers with children. The dedicated lanes are available to families with children 12 and under, and no advance registration is required.
- The Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts has bought two parcels of land near its downtown Orlando campus with an eye on expansion. The arts center, which opened in 2014 and is celebrating its 10th season, announced the $10.39 million purchase on Friday, Aug. 1. Acquiring the land reflects the long-term vision to increase access, elevate experiences and reinforce its role as a cultural and economic anchor in the heart of Central Florida, according to the arts center's announcement.
- The Orlando Business Journal won two first place awards and placed in a total of four Florida Press Association award categories for journalism work done in 2024. OBJ captured first place in both State & Local Tax Reporting and General Excellence, finished second place in Front Page Makeup, and came in third place for Roads & Transportation reporting. Publications from across the state enter this contest and the competition is filled with great content.
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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 from Friday, Aug. 15 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.
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“Inside the Worlds of Epic Universe,” an hourlong TV special about the making of Epic Universe theme park, will air on NBC at 9:00pm on Wednesday, Aug. 20. The show will be hosted by actor Joe Manganiello, who will explore the creation of the park’s five worlds. The program will also include an interview with filmmaker Steven Spielberg, and will be available for streaming on Peacock as of Thursday, Aug. 21.
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All Around
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Universal Orlando has announced the final two haunted houses planned for the 2025 edition of its Halloween Horror Nights. For guests who want to visit the after-hours event more than once, the Frequent Fear Passes and other multi-night tickets are available for purchase. The event will run for 48 nights between Friday, Aug. 29 and Sunday, Nov. 2 at Universal Studios theme park. New this year, the event will feature a lagoon show called “Haunt-O-Phonic: A Ghoulish Journey” within the theme park.
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Walt Disney World has announced an opening date for the Beak and Barrel, the pirate-themed tavern floating into Magic Kingdom. The restaurant—which will serve food along with alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages—will open on Friday, Aug. 29, but theme park visitors can begin making future reservations as early as Thursday, Aug. 14. The full menu and pricing are now posted on the Walt Disney World website.
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SeaWorld Orlando has capped off its list of haunted houses that will be in the lineup for the 2025 edition of Howl-O-Scream, which will be held 28 nights between Sept. 6 and Nov. 1. The theme park is currently selling single-night tickets, unlimited-admission passes, front-of-line tickets and bundles, and more. This will be the fifth year that SeaWorld Orlando has held the after-hours event for "mature audiences."
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Madame Tussauds has created 13 new Taylor Swift wax figures for installation in attractions around the globe, including the ICON Park location on International Drive. The looks are tied to Swift's global Eras Tour, which had 149 sell-out dates. Visit their website to learn more of what ICON Park has to offer and purchase your attraction tickets ahead of time.
- The Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts is now offering a partial season subscription for the first time ever since co-presenting Orlando's annual touring Broadway series. A six-show ticket package is now on sale, and the arts center launched a marketing campaign for the new series on Tuesday, Aug. 6. Unlike some subscription packages at local theaters that allow patrons to choose which shows they attend, this reduced season ticket will be for six specific shows.
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Main Streets Sip & Savor Weeks are continuing now through Sunday, August 10. Sip & Savor Weeks is a celebration of Orlando’s unmatched local dining scene, featuring flavors inspired by every culture. Participating restaurants from each of our Orlando Main Street districts are offering special promotions only offered during these weeks.
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K92.3’s All Star Jam is returning to Addition Financial Arena for its 30th annual concert celebration on Sunday, August 17 at 7:30pm, and tickets are on sale now! The 30th Annual All Star Jam will feature eight Country musical performances by: Kane Brown, Brett Young, Chris Lane, Locash, Michael Ray, Raelynn, Mark Wills and Chad Brock.
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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.
| | The GO Sports team attended the 'Good Morning Seminole' panel discussion where President & CEO Jason Siegel participated as a speaker, pictured with Gui Cunha & Danny Trosset (Seminole County). | | GO Sports Executive VP Brent Nelson and VP Lindsey McBride attended the Lake County CFHLA DOS Meeting, pictured with Robert Agrusa (CFHLA), Melissa Brooks (Visit Florida), Art Fasano (Mission Resort + Club) and Ryan Ritchie (Discover Lake County, FL). | | GO Sports President & CEO Jason Siegel, Director Jordan Lyda and Coordinator Carter Gravitte welcomed ESPN8 The Ocho to the ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex, pictured with SportsCenter hosts Gary Striewski and Randy Scott. | | GO Sports President & CEO Jason Siegel attended the Orlando Pride VIP Special Fireside Chat, pictured with Dawn Ofodile (VyStar Credit Union). | | GO Sports President & CEO Jason Siegel pictured with moderator George Diaz and fellow speakers Gui Cunha (Seminole County) and Robert Agrusa (CFHLA) at the 'Good Morning Seminole' panel discussion. | | GO Sports President & CEO Jason Siegel presented to visiting students from the FIA Business School in São Paulo, Brazil, through the Rollins Crummer Graduate School of Business program. | | GO Sports President & CEO Jason Siegel spoke at the Red Bull Tandem Rollercoaster press conference, pictured with City of Altamonte Springs Mayor Pat Bates, Seminole County Commissioner Jay Zembower, and Danny Trosset & Gui Cunha (Seminole County). | | GO Sports President & CEO Jason Siegel attended the Alzheimer's Association's Walk to End Alzheimer's Cocktail Social, pictured with GO Sports contributor and writer George Diaz. | | Corporate Partner Spotlight. | | |
GO Sports is proud to welcome our newest corporate partner, Courtyard by Marriott Orlando Altamonte Springs/Maitland! For more information, click the logo above.
Thank you for supporting sports tourism in Greater Orlando!
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