"Hosting the 2027 Women’s World Cup provides us an incredible opportunity to cap off two historic years of World Cup soccer in the Concacaf region, helping us continue to grow the game among our confederation associations. A record six teams from Concacaf will play in the Women’s World Cup this summer, and the United States and Mexico want to continue to push the envelope for the development of women’s soccer across the entire region."

- Cindy Parlow Cone, President

U.S. Soccer

"We look forward to having a conversation with our partners at US Soccer to learn more about the bid process and United bid structure between the US and Mexico before bringing the opportunity back to our stakeholders in Greater Orlando."

- Jason Siegel, President & CEO

Greater Orlando Sports Commission

Around The Horn.

• The U.S. Soccer Federation and the Mexican Football Federation have informed FIFA of their intention to submit a bid to co-host the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup™. FIFA set a date of April 19, 2023, for member associations to submit their expressions of interest to host the world’s largest women’s sporting event, while May 19, 2023, is the deadline to submit the Bidding Agreement.
• In a few months, tens of thousands of college football fans will pack Camping World Stadium as it hosts LSU and Florida State in what is expected to be a top-25 matchup on Labor Day Weekend. Orlando will once again showcase itself as a sports destination with a nationally televised game in prime time featuring two of the premier programs.
• In two weeks, GO Sports will co-host the 2023 USA Gymnastics Level 9 Eastern Championships at Osceola Heritage Park. This 3-day competition will showcase the top seven All-Around athletes in each of the 16 age divisions in Regions 5, 6, 7 and 8. Click here for more information about the event, including ticket pricing.
• Exploria Stadium will host English Premier League clubs Fulham FC and Aston Villa FC for their match in the Summer Series on Wednesday, July 26. The match will kick off at 7 p.m. ET. This is the first time the League has hosted a pre-season tournament in the USA, giving US-based fans the opportunity to watch a world-class line-up of Premier League players and managers in action. The tournament will comprise high-profile matches and pre-season training camps and will be supported by a range of events for fans and local community groups.
• As the No. 1 pick in last year’s draft, Orlando Magic forward Paolo Banchero faced a plethora of expectations — internally and externally. He met his own exceptions as a rookie while exceeding others. With averages of 20 points, 6.9 rebounds and 3.7 assists, he became the 12th rookie in the league’s history to average at least 20 points, 6 rebounds and 3 assists for a season.
• As the UCF football spring game wrapped up Friday night, Knights coach Gus Malzahn thanked fans and shared a message over the loudspeaker inside FBC Mortgage Stadium. The much-anticipated move to the Power 5 conference is set to become official in less than 100 days and Malzahn is confident about the direction of his program following the spring game.
• Michelle Reed remembers her husband, Paul Reed Sr., almost always having a basketball in his hands over the years when he starred for Dr. Phillips High school, played college ball at UCF and then turned professional in Europe. Their son, Paul Reed Jr., had the same habit. A 220-pound forward who made marked improvements in each of his three seasons playing for DePaul University, he is projected by most analysts to be picked in the early stages of the second round of the NBA draft.
• Wrexham AFC will meet Chelsea in Chapel Hill, North Carolina, on the evening of Wednesday July 19 as part of the 2023 FC Series. The stateside match will see the two historic clubs meet on neutral soil for the first time. The match also marks the first international football competition to be held at the University of North Carolina’s Kenan Stadium.

In The News.

• Brightline has unveiled its new station at Orlando International Airport. The 37,350-square-foot station, located next to Terminal C, will help Brightline connect service between Central Florida and South Florida. It connects directly to the airport’s Parking Garage C — which will have more than 350 parking spaces set aside for Brightline guests — and will also provide direct access to MCO’s other terminals A and B via the Terminal Link, an under five minute journey.
• The Rhythm Nation turned out Wednesday night as Janet Jackson kicked off her “Together Again” tour at Orlando’s Amway Center. Jackson, 56, put on the expected spectacle in an hour and 45 minutes.
• For the first time since late 2021, Walt Disney World will resume sales of annual passes. The sales of three levels of annual passes — Incredi-Pass, Sorcerer and Pirate Pass — resume online starting April 20. Sales volume is expected to be heavy, so be prepared for delays. 
• Universal Orlando has given its passholder family something to look forward to as soon as next month. The theme park on Wednesday announced special limited-time perks, including an all-new passholder entrance, dining discounts and more.
• The top administrator at Umatilla High School in Lake County, who turned in a “stellar” performance his first year on the job, has been named Florida’s principal of the year. Brent Frazier, tapped for principal’s job less than two years ago, was credited with improving student academic performance at the long-struggling school, boosting course offerings and pulling together a team of people to do what is best for students, even when members of the team don’t always agree.
• A real estate firm will be developing a large lot immediately adjacent to Advent Health at the intersection of Princeton Street and Orange Avenue with a new conference center. The new 14-story development, currently called The Gateway building, will feature a 150-room hotel, medical offices leased by AdventHealth, a restaurant and retail area, and other amenities. 
• Walt Disney World has announced the 2023 dates for Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party, the after-hours event held at Magic Kingdom. The theme park will shift into party mode on 38 nights beginning Aug. 11.

Stay Engaged.

• Earth Day Work Day is back on Friday, April 21! Join the City of Orlando in celebration of this year's Earth Day at City Hall Plaza from 11am-1pm. This lunchtime sustainability fair will feature games, giveaways, vendors, and music. Attendees will learn tips on how going green can be money-saving and an investment in our future, and food and beverages will be available for purchase.
• Attend an unforgettable Earth Day celebration featuring Grammy Award-winning artist, Daya! This one night only concert happens on Earth Day, Saturday, April 22, in Orlando’s fastest-growing community, Lake Nona. The concert will showcase some of the best local talent, with Daya headlining the night. Use promo code GOSC10 when purchasing your ticket!
• Between 1985 and 2001, the Orlando concert promoter Figurehead invigorated the musical landscape in Central Florida. Orange County History Center's new special exhibition, Figurehead: Music & Mayhem in Orlando’s Underground, tells the story of how the company helped grow the local scene with a focus on underground rock music and the club circuit. Musical acts featured include Black Flag and Jonathan Richman, hometown favorites Seven Mary Three and Rob Thomas, and many more.
• On Thursday, April 20 the Orlando Business Journal invites you to join this year's 40 Under 40 Awards recognizing Central Florida's brightest young business leaders based on demonstrated business success over the past 12 to 18 months. Come network with hundreds of local and regional business profession before, during and after the awards presentation.
• Orlando Science Center again is prepping for its Science of Wine fundraiser, which is set for Saturday, April 22. Tickets are now on sale for the 11th annual event. Festivities for the evening include samplings of 150 wines from around the world and food from Central Florida. In addition, there will be sessions about pairing wine with cheeses presented by Florida Diary Farmers and a silent auction with items such as flights and hotel stays. 
• On Wednesday, April 26 at 11am the Women United Luncheon draws supporters from across the tri-county area to connect, lead and inspire! This will take place in Orlando and attendance cost is $95. 
• Come Out With Pride Orlando is hosting an adult-only (21+) Pride Prom on Friday, April 28 at the Orlando Science Center, for members and allies of the LGBTQIA+ community. They aim to create an accepting, welcoming and inclusive space, where everyone can celebrate as their authentic self and make new memories. Expect a fun filled night of dancing, entertainment, photo opportunities, and so much more! 
• Orlando Business Journal's Diversity in Business Awards on May 11 cover excellence in all areas of diversity, including age, disability, gender, sexual orientation, race and religion, as well as highlighting diverse organizations and individuals across a wide variety of industries.
• 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.

GO Sports President & CEO Jason Siegel attended Brightline's Orlando Station opening at the Orlando International Airport, pictured here with GO Sports Board Member and Brightline President, Patrick Goddard.

GO Sports President & CEO Jason Siegel participated in a panel discussion at Travel Trends, moderated by Jason Gamel, CEO of ARDA. Other panel participants included Robert Agrusa (CFHLA) and GO Sports Board Member Tim Giuliani (Orlando Economic Partnership).

GO Sports President & CEO Jason Siegel attended the annual Boy Scout Golden Eagle Dinner, alongside Board Members Jeff Swirsky, Jesse Martinez (The Alfond Inn), Jon McGavin (Grande Lakes Orlando), as well as Jay Leonard (Wyndham Lake Buena Vista), Bill Cowles (Orange County Supervisor of Elections) and Robert Agrusa (CFHLA).

GO Sports President & CEO Jason Siegel and wife Sarah Grafton attended the Alzheimer's Association Purple Gala, pictured here with David Odahowski and Orange County Mayor Jerry Demings.

GO Sports Executive VP Jennifer Lastik attended the Taste of OHA, pictured here with Board Member Adrianna Sekula (Solidarity Partners), Kayla De La Rosa (Orlando Health), Dominique Greco (Orlando Hospitality Alliance), and Rachel Moalli (Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts).

GO Sports Board Member and Chair-Elect Caesar Lopez represented Orlando City Soccer Club and Orlando Pride at the Black Sports Business Symposium.

New Corporate Partner.



TECO Peoples Gas

Delivering safe, resilient, clean, affordable natural gas for homes and businesses across Florida.

For more information, visit

https://www.peoplesgas.com/

Thank you for supporting sports tourism in Greater Orlando!

Fun & Games.



• Earth Day in Orlando: Events and ways to celebrate
• Pictures: Dinosaurs return to Leu Gardens in Orlando
• The most followed video game franchises in the US