Impact Update for Thursday, May 15

"This group has been so special to coach this season. Through the ups and downs, these girls never wavered, and I’m so proud for how hard they fought...I’ve coached for a while, and this has been such a fun team to be a part of. I can’t wait to bring this trophy back to Orlando and continue building on our fanbase even more."

-Amy Pauly

Orlando Valkyries Head Coach

Quote of the Day.

"Your mind is a garden. Your thoughts are the seeds. The harvest can either be flowers or weeds."

-William Wordsworth

English Poet

Around The Horn.

• In the second ever Pro Volleyball Federation championship, the Orlando Valkyries defeated the Indy Ignite in four sets, by set scores 25-21, 25-19, 19-25, 25-15. An entire team effort, the Valkyries capped off a tremendous second year turnaround, from an 8-16 record last year to an 18-10 regular season record this year, and finishing on top as 2025 PVF Champions.
• Orlando City SC defeated Charlotte FC 3-1 at Inter&Co Stadium on Wednesday night. The match extended Orlando City’s unbeaten streak to 11 matches, now just one off the Club record of 12 straight. The Lions (5-2-6, 21 points) will face Nashville FC next Wednesday, May 21 at Inter&Co Stadium for a Round of 16 match in the U.S. Open Cup.
• The Orlando Pride played to a 1-1 draw against the North Carolina Courage on Saturday night. It is the second time this season the Pride have scored in second-half stoppage time to change the result of the match after scoring a late game-winning goal earlier this season against Angel City. The Pride (5-2-1, 16 points) will return to Inter&Co Stadium to host the Kansas City Current in a top-of-the-table clash this Friday, May 16 at 8:00pm.
• Big 12 commissioner Brett Yormark has received a three-year contract extension through 2030, the conference confirmed Tuesday. In his tenure as Big 12 commissioner, Yormark landed a six-year television contract extension with ESPN and Fox valued at $2.28 billion, shepherded the move of Colorado, Arizona, Arizona State and Utah following the disintegration of the Pac-12, and oversaw the move of BYU, Cincinnati, Houston and our hometown UCF Knights into the Big 12 in 2023.
• The Orlando Squeeze won their match against the Chicago Slice 3-1 during the MLP Columbus tournament on Sunday, May 4. The Squeeze (7-2) have moved into first place of the MLP standings following the victory, and the team will look to continue this trend as they travel to Texas for the MLP Austin tournament from Friday, May 23 - Monday, May 26.
• The NCAA Division II Tennis Championships will begin at Sanlando Park in Seminole County on Tuesday, May 20 and will continue through Sunday, May 25. Fans can witness the top men's and women's NCAA Division II tennis programs compete for the coveted 2025 DII National Championship.
• The Florida High School Softball State Championships will be held at Boombah-Soldiers Creek Park in Longwood from Tuesday, May 20 to Saturday, May 24. Witness Florida’s best high school softball teams seek a conclusion to their season within the friendly confines of Seminole County. The cost of admission is $14.00 per day for general admission with advance purchase on GoFan, and parking is included with your ticket purchase.

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.

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.

• Visit Orlando has revealed that Orlando welcomed 75,333,800 visitors in 2024 - an increase of 1.8% over 2023. Domestic visitation grew by 1.4%, totaling 68,840,300 visitors in 2024, and this increase was driven in part by a rise in day visits and overnight non-hotel stays. International visitation continued to recover at a faster pace, growing 5.9% from the previous year. In total, Orlando welcomed 6.5 million visitors from international markets in 2024.
• The TODAY Show is coming to Orlando and will be filming Universal’s Epic Universe for their grand opening during a four-hour live broadcast on Wednesday, May 21. Visit Orlando has also partnered with The TODAY Show for a dedicated third hour segment to air on Thursday, May 22 at 9:00am. The segment will focus on Orlando beyond the parks—including our award-winning dining, vibrant arts and culture, ecotourism and diverse neighborhoods.
• The Orlando International Airport (MCO) will soon begin construction on one of the first phases of its multi-billion renovation of Terminals A and B. The $71.9 million project will renovate 61 existing bathrooms in both terminals and add 12 new ones to the mix. Construction will also include upgrades to places for service animal relief and to companion restrooms, with the project expected to finish in 2027.
• Seminole County will bring in a subject matter expert to help refine its plan for an indoor sports facility, according to Orlando Business Journal. County commissioners directed staff to create a bid process for a Facility Program Plan Manager, who would help the county shape its proposal for a 172,000-square-foot indoor fieldhouse. The fieldhouse would have space for basketball, volleyball, cheerleading and others sports, with the potential for adjacent outdoor multipurpose fields.
• Full Sail University has been named to Variety’s 2025 Education Impact Report, spotlighting established schools and rising stars in the film and television sector. Full Sail's Film & Television programs were recognized alongside national and international universities, including Columbia University, Vancouver Film School, Syracuse University, Emerson College, and more.
• 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.

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 offering discounted theme park tickets to Florida residents through the summer and into late September. The four-day Summer Magic Ticket is currently on sale and averages out to be $60 per day. The ticket is valid from May 18 through Sept. 27. There are no block-out dates, but park reservations are required. The park visits can be on non-consecutive days.
• SeaWorld Orlando has a new attraction up and running named Expedition Odyssey, a "flying theater" ride that will virtually transport visitors from Florida to the Arctic Circle. Expedition Odyssey passengers sit in double-decker rows of 15 people. Once everyone is secured, the whole seating apparatus swivels to face the big screen, which was previously unseen. The curved screen is 50 feet in diameter and creates a detailed, immersive experience.
• Disney's The Lion King continues to perform at the Walt Disney Theater in Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts through this Sunday, May 18. Winner of six Tony Awards®, including Best Musical, The Lion King brings together one of the most imaginative creative teams on Broadway. Tony Award®-winning director Julie Taymor brings to life a story filled with hope and adventure set against an amazing backdrop of stunning visuals.
• The Orange County Library System will host its annual Orlando Book Festival this 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.
• Join the Downtown Orlando Partnership for Chow on Church, presented by the City of Orlando's Downtown Development Board, on Tuesday, June 3 from 3:30pm - 6:00pm at Inter&Co Stadium. The event aims to celebrate and support local downtown businesses and includes business networking, food tasting, the opportunity to meet Orlando Pride players, and two complimentary tickets for an upcoming Pride match.
• 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.

The GO Sports team attended Visit Orlando's Travel & Tourism Luncheon at the Orange County Convention Center. Visit Orlando announced a record-breaking 75,333,800 visitors came to Orlando in 2024.

GO Sports COO Jennifer Lastik and VP Lindsey McBride attended the NCAA DII Men's Golf Regional at Mission Resort + Club, pictured with Ryan Ritchie (Discover Lake County FL).

The GO Sports team attended the Orlando Valkyries championship celebration and proclamation from City of Orlando Mayor Buddy Dyer this morning, pictured with Valkyries head coach Amy Pauly and GO Sports board members Erik Nilsen (Orlando Valkyries), Dan Pollack (AT&T), Kurt Esser (Florida Region of USA Volleyball), Rebekah Arthur (Seminole County Chamber), and Eddie Serrano (Empire Coach Line).

GO Sports President & CEO Jason Siegel attended Orlando City SC and Orlando Pride's Brand Alliances and Partner Summit earlier today, pictured with Jarrod Dillon (Orlando City SC & Orlando Pride), and GO Sports Board Members Adam Ball (ESPN Wide World of Sports) and Benjamin McCarney (Grand Bohemian Orlando Downtown).

The GO Sports team attended Downtown Orlando Partnership's Golden Brick Awards and won Sporting Event of the Year for efforts related to the U.S. Olympic Team Trials - Marathon, pictured with GO Sports Chair Elect Tammy Gustafson (Universal Destinations & Experiences), board member Allen Johnson (Orlando Venues), Jill Vaughn (DOP), Chris Hughes (Track Shack), Mike Weeman (Orlando Venues), Lauren Poppe (Orlando Health), and Kirk Wingerson (Orlando Venues).

GO Sports CFO Gary Cohen and his wife Jill Cohen attended the Orlando City SC vs. New England Revolution soccer match at Inter&Co Stadium, pictured with Jarrod Dillon (Orlando City SC, Orlando Pride).

GO Sports President & CEO Jason Siegel attended the Visit Orlando Travel & Tourism Luncheon at the Orange County Convention Center, pictured with GO Sports board member Lisa Messina (Visit Orlando), Laureen Martinez (Orlando Economic Partnership) and Denise Spiegel (Visit Orlando).

GO Sports President & CEO Jason Siegel attended the Visit Orlando Travel & Tourism Luncheon at the Orange County Convention Center, pictured with Ray Walls (OCCC), Eric Blanc (OCCC), Charles Harris (Visit Orlando) and Anthony Camarillo (OCCC).

GO Sports President & CEO Jason Siegel and his wife Sarah Grafton attended the Make A Wish Foundation Wishmaker's Ball at the Waldorf Astoria Orlando, pictured with GO Sports board member Tekoa Pouerie (The Sharing Center) and former WWE Superstar Dean Muhtadi.

GO Sports CFO Gary Cohen presented at the Tourist Intelligence Crime Meeting at Rosen Shingle Creek, pictured with Frederico Caldas (FIFA) and Master Deputy Jim Bridges (Orange County Sheriff's Office).

Corporate Partner Spotlight.

GO Sports is proud to welcome our newest corporate partner, Transportation Management Systems! 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