Greater Orlando Sports Commission - Impact Update powered by Withum

Impact Update for Thursday, October 13

“We have put Orlando City on the MLS map as a protagonist and a community club that is willing to fight for things and overcome. The boys found a way to qualify for the playoffs and we are very proud.”

-Oscar Pareja, Orlando City SC Head Coach

See Orlando City SC stories below

Quote of the Day.

"Success is not final. Failure is not fatal. It is the courage to continue that counts."

- Winston Churchill

Resources & Assistance.

State and Federal
Hurricane Ian Information and Resources for Florida Residents
Florida Small Business Emergency Bridge Loan Program
SBA Disaster Loan Assistance
City of Orlando
Services and Resources After Hurricane Ian
Orange County
Orange County was added to the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) disaster assistance for Florida
Heart of Florida United Way opens assistance for Orlando area
Osceola County
Hurricane Center and Assistance
Osceola County School District is providing supplies for students impacted by flooding damage
Lake County
Residents and households in Lake County can apply for FEMA Individual Assistance
Seminole County
Seminole County Hurricane Ian Assistance

Around The Horn.

Orlando City SC is making their 3rd consecutive appearance in the Audi MLS Cup Playoffs, taking on CF Montreal in the first round this Sunday at 8 pm. Don't miss the official Orlando City playoff watch party, presented by Heinken, at Wall Street Plaza starting at 7 pm. In addition to watching the match on the big screen, fans will enjoy a live pregame and halftime show with Evan Weston and Miguel Gallardo, get their photo with the U.S. Open Cup Trophy, and enter to win amazing prizes, including 2 tickets to the next round playoff match, a U.S. Open Cup match ball, and more. RSVP for the Watch Party now!
Commentary from the Orlando Sentinel's Mike Bianchi: Whew and Woo! Orlando City is going to the MLS Playoffs.
Orlando Magic players were smiling ear to ear Tuesday night after a 109-105 win over the Memphis Grizzlies at Amway Center. The Magic started off hot and fed off the energy of the home crowd, racing out to a double-digit lead in the first quarter. They were led by No. 1 overall pick Paolo Banchero, who scored 17 points in his first game in front of the Orlando fans.
The University of Central Florida on Tuesday unveiled its out-of-this-world uniform design for this year’s Space Game against Temple University. Presented by Orlando Health Jewett Orthopedic institute, the 2022 UCF Football Space Uniforms honor the university’s ties to NASA and prolong a tradition began in 2017. Still undefeated after five Space Games, the Knights will try to stay on top Thursday, with their new uniforms full of Easter eggs, symbolism, callbacks to previous achievements and a dark side, more literal than not.
UFC returns to Orlando for the first time in over four years on Saturday, Dec. 3 at the Amway Center with an intriguing welterweight tilt that will see No. 7 ranked contender Stephen Thompson battle Kevin Holland. Heavyweight KO artists collide in the co-main event when No. 4 ranked contender Tai Tuivasa meets No. 5 Sergei Pavlovich.
From the Orlando Sentinel: Australian punters dominate landscape among Florida schools, and it’s by design.
As a man of many business endeavors, former Orlando Magic center Shaquille O'Neal has began laying the groundwork of owning an NBA franchise in the past few months. But according to CNN, the 15-time All-Star is most interested in the place he calls home, which can mean a number of the 30 NBA teams.
TMRW Sports, which is focused on building progressive approaches to sports, media, and entertainment, has announced its next wave of key staff positions. The announcement was made by Mike McCarley, founder and CEO of TMRW Sports. McCarley and co-founders Tiger Woods and Rory McIlroy announced the company’s first project, TGL, following nearly two years of development.
The Harlem Globetrotters 2023 World Tour presented by Jersey Mike’s Subs is coming to Addition Financial Arena on Saturday, April 22nd. Favorite Globetrotter stars are bringing out their amazing basketball skill, outrageous athleticism, and a non-stop LOL good time. Join the Globetrotters as they go head-to-head against the Washington Generals who will stop at nothing to try and defeat the world’s winningest team!
Monster Jam, the action-packed motorsport with world-class athletes locked in intense competitions of speed and skill, returns to Camping World Stadium on October 29! Witness heated rivalries, high-flying stunts, and fierce head-to-head battles for the event championship. This is full-throttle family fun!

In The News.

United Arts of Central Florida has just opened the application process for the annual Orange County Venue Subsidy grant program to help nonprofits rent spaces/venues that they may otherwise be unable to afford. The Orange County Venue Subsidy Grant for Arts and Culture is meant to help bridge the gap between professional venues and organizations which would otherwise be unable to afford the fees associated with renting them, with a maximum request amount of $60,000 or 50 percent of the total venue rental costs.
For 18 years, UCF has been helping families stay together by teaching couples research-supported techniques focused on effective communication and listening. More than 7,000 couples have benefited from the Marriage and Family Research Institute (MFRI ), led by Sejal Barden and Dalena Dillman Taylor, professor and associate professor of counselor education, respectively. The work of the institute, funded through the U.S. Department of Health and Human Service’s Administration for Children and Families division, has become even more critical in the past two years.
With demand for electric vehicles booming nationwide, Orlando Utilities Commission is working to expand EV-charging access. Peter Westlake with OUC’s new products and services division said the utility company is leading the charge by building up its own fleet of EVs and increasing the number of charging stations it provides.
Four astronauts who launched from Kennedy Space Center in April are set to return to Earth via splashdown off Florida’s coast after spending six months in space. Crew-4 is made up of NASA astronauts Bob Hines, Kjell Lindgren, Jessica Watkins and European Space Agency astronaut Samantha Cristoforetti. This crew is the first to be comprised equally of men and women, including Watkins as the first Black woman making a long-term spaceflight.
UCF mechanical engineering student Lauren Bansberg is one of four students from across the U.S. who have been selected for a Women in Aerospace (WIA) scholarship — making her the first student to be honored by the organization. WIA is a Washington, D.C.-based organization dedicated to increasing the leadership capabilities and visibility of women in the aerospace community around the world.
Students and teachers throughout Central Florida have all returned to school after Hurricane Ian barreled through the state nearly two weeks ago. Now, Central Florida districts are working to determine when students will make up the school days missed due to the hurricane.

Stay Engaged.

CityArts will be hosting its annual Day of the Dead/Halloween-inspired soiree, Dia de los Muertos and Monster Factory on October 20 at its downtown gallery. The event will feature seasonally-inspired art from local artists and the Mexican Consulate of Orlando, as well as food and drink from local vendors.
Orlando Ballet resurrects Michael Pink’s Dracula, the gothic horror story based on Bram Stoker’s 1897 novel. Dracula’s eerie world is brought to spine-tingling life in sweeping fashion with expressive movement, thrilling music, dramatic setting, lighting, and romantic costuming. This fan-favorite is a perfect Halloween treat at the Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts.
The Rotary Club of College Park is hosting its annual Taste of College Park event from 6-9pm Thursday, Oct. 13, at the Dubsdread ballroom. This year’s event will feature food and wine from 16 popular venues from around the City, live music, and silent and live auctions with some great prizes.
The Growing Bolder Wisdom Walk powered by Florida Blue Medicare celebrates the power of community, the importance of intergenerational connection, and the fact that a casual walk and a great conversation are two of life’s greatest blessings. The Wisdom Walk is a one-mile stroll with a good friend, significant other, family member, co-worker, or stranger that’s a different generation than yours on October 22.
The Annual Pup Crawl & Costume Contest is happening on Sunday, October 23 from 1pm until 6pm! Bring your pup in costume and he or she could win a prize! The first 50 pups accompanied by an adult will receive a complimentary Halloween bandana and a special Mills 50 treat!
The Orlando Auto Museum at Dezerland Action Park is offering free admission to kids in Halloween costumes throughout October, setting up the possibility of cars with coordinated looks. The museum houses more than 2,000 vehicles, including character cars for Halloween photo opportunities such as the Ecto-1 from “Ghostbusters,” Koach and the Dragula from “The Munsters” and others.
At the Taste of South Lake & Business Expo, you can enjoy an evening out on November 3, at Clermont’s Waterfront Park, complete with food tasting from more than 30 local restaurants, and business samplings from more than 30 local business leaders.

ICON Park is preparing to welcome families to its first annual Oktoberfest! The entertainment complex will offer special beer, food, and entertainment for families.

Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party has already begun! Join your favorite Disney Characters for an evening of spirited fun, and get your favorite costume ready! Guests can collect candies and treats while Magic Kingdom park thrills and chills you with eerie entertainment, delightful attractions, and some beloved Disney Characters.
Universal Orlando has announced the final details for this year’s Halloween Horror Nights 31, revealing all the houses, zones, and shows guests can experience at the event, taking place on select nights from September 2 thru October 31, 2022.

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 and wife Sarah Grafton attended Orlando Magazine's 50 Most Powerful reception, joined here by Orlando Mayor Buddy Dyer and wife Susie Dyer, U.S. Representative Val Demings and Orange County Mayor Jerry Demings.

Members of WISE Greater Orlando gathered for the Orlando Magic's preseason home opener, including GO Sports Executive VP Jennifer Lastik, Senior Directors Kyle Sturley and Lindsey McBride, and Coordinator Elizabeth Caldarelli.

GO Sports Senior VP Brent Nelson and Senior Director Shalisa Griffin attended the Sports ETA 4S Summit, pictured here with President & CEO Al Kidd. Griffin participated in a panel discussion on "How is your community giving back and supporting youth sports?"

GO Sports hosted a board meeting this week at the Orlando Economic Partnership's new office in Downtown Orlando. GO Sports President & CEO Jason Siegel is pictured here with OEP President, Tim Giuliani and Florida Blue Central Florida Market President, Tony Jenkins.

GO Sports President & CEO Jason Siegel and his wife Sarah Grafton enjoyed attending Florida Citrus Sports' annual Feast on the 50 event hosted at Camping World Stadium.