Impact Update for Thursday, April 24

"Thank you to Mayor Jerry Demings and the Orange County Commissioners for supporting our funding application to secure four WWE and UFC events from 2026-2031. Having worked alongside the commissioners for the last several years, I’ve seen firsthand the dedication and strategic thinking they bring to attracting impactful events to Central Florida...In addition to driving economic impact, we look forward to collaborating with the commissioners and many other local partners to create moments that elevate Orlando on the global stage and enhance the quality of life for our residents."

-Jason Siegel

President & CEO, Greater Orlando Sports Commission

Quote of the Day.

"Do the best you can until you know better. Then when you know better, do better."

-Maya Angelou

American Poet

Around The Horn.

• Orange County Commissioners voted 6-1 in favor of approving $29.46 million in tourist development tax sports incentive funds relating to attracting high-profile sporting events to the region. Among those sporting events, GO Sports President & CEO Jason Siegel is working to bring WWE and UFC events to Orange County, including WrestleMania and Royal Rumble. The $18 million requested for the WWE & UFC events would be put towards the rights fee to host the events, but it is projected to generate more than $225 million for the county in return.
• In addition to the Orange County Commissioners approving the WWE and UFC events bid, they also approved an $11 million agreement with Florida Citrus Sports for bid fees for the 2027 Jacksonville Jaguars home football season. The NFL team is shopping for a temporary home while EverBank Stadium undergoes renovations, and they are considering calling Camping World Stadium home while the work is done.
• The FIFA Club World Cup Trophy Tour is coming to Orlando this Friday, April 25 at ICON Park from 5:00pm to 7:00pm, and is free to attend. Fans can snap a photo with the trophy, enjoy exciting giveaways, and join the celebration as Orlando prepares to host six FIFA Club World Cup matches at Camping World Stadium and Inter&Co Stadium this summer.
• The Orlando Magic are set to host the Boston Celtics for Game 3 of the first round of the Eastern Conference playoffs this Friday, April 25 at 7:00pm in the Kia Center. Magic forward Paolo Banchero has led the team in post-season scoring thus far, averaging 34 points per game through the first two contests. The Magic will also host Game 4 at the Kia Center this Sunday, April 27 at 7:00pm. Don't miss your chance to purchase playoff tickets!
• Orlando City SC played to a scoreless draw against CF Montréal at Stade Saputo on Saturday night. The clean sheet serves as the third straight shutout for the Lions as they remain unbeaten in their last six MLS regular season matches. Orlando City (3-2-4, 13 points) returns home to Inter&Co Stadium for a match against Atlanta United FC this Saturday, April 26 at 7:15pm.
• The Orlando Pride are preparing to face Angel City FC at Inter&Co Stadium this Friday, April 25 at 8:00pm. The Pride (4-1-0, 12 points) are currently in second place in the NWSL regular season standings with a +9 goal differential across five matches.
• The Orlando Solar Bears defeated the South Carolina Stingrays 3-2 in overtime on Wednesday night to capture Game 4 of their best-of-seven first-round series in the 2025 Kelly Cup Playoffs presented by Neal Brothers. The series is now tied 2-2, with Game 5 being played in the Kia Center TONIGHT, April 24 at 7:00pm.
• The Orlando Valkyries have clinched their spot in the PVF playoffs following a road sweep of the Columbus Fury by set scores of 25-17, 25-18, and 25-17. The Valkyries (14-10) join the Atlanta Vibe and the Omaha Supernovas as the only three teams that have clinched a playoff bid. With only one more spot up for grabs, Orlando will have their chance to compete for a championship in Vegas from May 9-11.
• Join the Orlando Squeeze on April 24-27 for the team's season opener at the USTA National Campus in Lake Nona as the Major League Pickleball season is set to begin. Fans can enjoy four days of elite competition with all 16 premier level teams, click here and use code SQUEEZE for 15% off tickets!

The Orlando Magic are set to host the Boston Celtics for Game 3 of the first round of the Eastern Conference playoffs at the Kia Center this Friday, April 25 at 7:00pm. Game 4 will also be played in Orlando, with tip-off scheduled for Sunday, April 27 at 7:00pm.

Don't miss your chance to witness NBA post-season basketball, click the link below to secure your seats today!

The Orlando Solar Bears will host the South Carolina Stingrays for Game 5 of the South Division Semifinals TONIGHT, April 24 at 7:00pm in the Kia Center.

Don't miss the chance to support your hometown team, click the link below to secure your tickets 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 - 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.

• 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.
• 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.
• Florida Governor Ron DeSantis has announced that six miles of added lanes on Interstate 4 will be completed eight months ahead of schedule. The Florida Department of Transportation will open the new lanes, one additional lane in each direction of I-4 from U.S. 27 in Polk County to World Drive in Osceola County, beginning the week of April 28. The project is part of the multi-billion Moving I-4 Forward program, which introduced a new streamline method called Modified Phased Design-Build.
• 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.
• The City of Orlando has announced its plans to build a new "state-of-the-art" driving range and golf learning center at the historic Dubsdread Golf Course this summer. Once complete, it will include 40 hitting bays, a learning center with private teachings bays, a classroom for junior golf camps and workshops, a new snack bar with more food options, and a full-service bar.
• A $3.4 million road project is underway at John Young Parkway and Oak Street to improve traffic flow. The work will widen Oak Street for continuous through lanes, while maintaining turn lanes at John Young Parkway. Other improvements include milling, resurfacing and new pavement, sidewalk upgrades, improved traffic signals and lighting, and new landscaping.

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 Helios Grand Hotel, adjacent to the future Epic Universe theme park, is now open to guests ahead of the park's opening on May 22. The 500-room Mediterranean-style resort has its own dedicated entrance to Epic, and it’s wedged between the Dark Universe and Wizarding World of Harry Potter — Ministry of Magic areas of the park.
• Walt Disney World's newborn giraffe Tucker has made his public debut at Animal Kingdom, mingling with other creatures and having new experiences. The calf, born on Feb. 13, joined his mother and other giraffes for a first stroll around the theme park's savanna on Monday. Park visitors may spot him as they ride through the Kilimanjaro Safaris attraction at Walt Disney World.
• 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.
• The Orlando Squeeze x Orlando Magic: Court Crossover Celebrity Exhibition will take place TONIGHT, April 24 at 6:00pm following MLP Orlando matches at the USTA National Campus in Lake Nona. Watch former Orlando Magic legends as they team up with Orlando Squeeze pro pickleball players and compete to take home the win.
• The 17th annual Winter Park Paint Out continues this Friday and Saturday, April 25-26 at the Albin Polasek Museum & Sculpture Gardens. Twenty-two professionally-acclaimed artists will paint at the Polasek Museum and at other locations throughout Winter Park and Orlando. Works will be on display as soon as they are completed and dropped off at the museum’s wet room, and all artwork created during the week will be available for purchase.
• 2025 Leesburg Bike Fest in Lake County begins this Friday, April 25 and will continue through Sunday, April 27. In addition to countless motor vehicles, guests can enjoy free concerts, hundreds of vendors, food, drinks, Biker Games, and more. Click here to purchase tickets and learn more.
• 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.
• 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 attended the AAU James E. Sullivan Award Ceremony at the historic New York Athletic Club in Manhattan, pictured with partners Casandra Matej (Visit Orlando) and AAU President Jo Mirza.

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 Executive VP Brent Nelson and Director Jordan Lyda attended the Tulsa Drillers baseball game while in town for the Sports ETA Symposium, pictured with GO Sports board member Rob Sitz (DS Sports Ventures) and Ryan Ritchie (Discover Lake County, FL).

GO Sports COO Jennifer Lastik participated in Downtown Orlando Partnership's Connect DTO Sports Panel discussion, pictured with GO Sports board member Craig Borkon (Orlando Venues), Kaia Forget (Orlando City SC, Orlando Pride), Keshia Woodie (Orlando Magic) and Jill Vaughn (DOP).

GO Sports Coordinator Jordan Henderson attended the Boxlab Promotions 'Night of Champions X' live boxing matches at Caribe Royale Orlando.

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