Sports
Brittany Lincicome, Rachel Kuehn, and Louise Rydqvist Receive Sponsor Exemptions for The ANNIKA at Pelican
Published
1 year agoon
By
FNN SPORTS
BELLEAIR, Fla., (FNN SPORTS) – Tournament officials announced today that Major Champion and Tampa resident Brittany Lincicome and Wake Forest All-American Rachel Kuehn have accepted sponsor exemptions to compete in The ANNIKA driven by Gainbridge at Pelican, taking place at Pelican Golf Club in Belleair, Florida, Nov. 11-17.
At The ANNIKA, Lincicome will wind down her prolific LPGA Tour career, while Kuehn will kick start her professional golf career.
Lincicome, an eight-time LPGA Tour winner, the 2024 U.S. Solheim Cup assistant captain and a two-time major champion, will conclude her final full-time season on the LPGA Tour at The ANNIKA. She will compete on the LPGA Tour in a limited schedule beginning in 2025.
“I’ve had a tremendous career on and off the golf course on the LPGA Tour, and I’m incredibly honored and humbled to have the opportunity finish my final full-time season where everything started for me here in the Tampa Bay region,” said Lincicome, who resides in Seminole. “Thank you to Pelican Golf Club, Gainbridge and Annika for giving me the opportunity to compete in front of my family, friends and fans.”
Kuehn, who concluded her fifth season at Wake Forest in May and earned both bachelor’s and master’s degrees, will make her LPGA Tour debut as a professional at The ANNIKA. She finished her collegiate career as one of the best players in program history, earning eight individual titles in her five seasons and was the first player to earn back-to-back ACC Player of the Year titles in program history (2022 and 2023). She competed in The ANNIKA in 2023 as a sponsor exemption while at Wake Forest, finishing T15 at 11-under par.
“I’m excited to return to Pelican Golf Club in November to kick start my professional career by playing on the LPGA Tour where I had a lot of success in 2023,” said Kuehn. “I look forward to testing my game against the sport’s best players. Thank you to Pelican Golf Club, Gainbridge and Annika for giving me the opportunity to begin my next chapter in my professional career at one of the most prestigious events on the LPGA Tour.”
As previously announced, University of South Carolina Senior All-American Louise Rydqvist will join the field for a second consecutive year as a sponsor exemption, as a result of South Carolina capturing the 2024 ANNIKA Intercollegiate presented by 3M in September. South Carolina women’s golf coach Kalen Anderson selected Rydqvist as the recipient of the exemption for a second consecutive year. Rydqvist finished as the individual runner-up at 13-under par.
The ANNIKA driven by Gainbridge at Pelican is the penultimate event of the 2024 LPGA Tour season, where 120 of the world’s top female professional golfers will compete for a share of the $3.25 million purse, one of the largest on the LPGA Tour. The top-five players and eight of the top-10 in the Rolex Women’s World Golf Rankings are entered into the championship, including World No. 1 and two-time champion Nelly Korda and No. 2 and defending champion Lilia Vu. Tickets for The ANNIKA are on sale exclusively at www.TheAnnika.com.
2024 The ANNIKA Ticket Options: There are three ticket options for fans interested in attending:
- Daily Grounds
- Wednesday, Nov. 13 (Pro-Am): $25.
- Thursday, Nov. 14: $40.
- Friday-Saturday, Nov. 15-16: $45 per day.
- Sunday, Nov. 17: $50.
- Weekly Grounds:
- Wednesday-Sunday, Nov. 13-17: $140.
- Lightning Lounge:
- Offered in partnership with the Tampa Bay Lightning, the Lightning Lounge provides a shared hospitality experience at the tournament’s signature par-3 12th hole. The Lightning Lounge includes complimentary food and beverages, TVs, private bathrooms, and parking.
- Thursday-Sunday, Nov. 14-17: $225 per day.
- Weekly (Thursday-Sunday): $800.
Announced last week, all military personnel (active, reserve, retired and veterans) and all first responders (fire, police and emergency medical service personnel) and one guest will be granted complimentary admission to the 2024 edition of the championship. Once inside the championship, military personnel will have access to a special exclusive hospitality venue – the Hero Outpost presented by FedData – overlooking the tournament’s signature par-3 12th green. First Responders will have access to the First Responders Outpost presented by SERVPRO, a special exclusive hospitality venue on the par-4 16th green. All military and first responders will receive complimentary admission to the championship and the Outposts by showing proper identification. Children 17 and under will also be admitted free with a paid adult.
Lilia Vu captured her fourth LPGA Tour win at The ANNIKA in 2023, elevating her to World No. 1 at the time. Nelly Korda is a two-time champion at The ANNIKA (2021 and 2022), with Sei Young Kim winning the inaugural event in 2020.
Central Florida News
Orlando City SC & Orlando Pride Launch New Pop-Up Bar for 2026 Kickoff to Soccer Events
Published
2 weeks agoon
January 28, 2026By
FNN SPORTS
Bringing fans closer to the Club than ever before, The Final Whistle will feature rare memorabilia from both teams, such as iconic kits, match‑worn items and historic moments that tell the story of how Orlando became one of the most passionate soccer cities in the country. Beyond its historic displays, the space delivers a fully immersive matchday‑meets‑night‑out experience, complete with a team‑inspired food and drink menu crafted specifically for City and Pride fans.
“The Final Whistle represents everything that makes soccer in Orlando special,” said Jarrod Dillon, President of Business Operations for Orlando City and Orlando Pride. “It’s a space built for our fans where history, culture and passion come together. Whether you’re joining us for the kit launch, testing your club knowledge at trivia night or simply reliving some of our most iconic moments, we want this to feel like home. This is the most immersive preseason experience we’ve ever created, and it’s only the beginning of what promises to be a special year for both City and Pride.”
Throughout February, The Final Whistle will host several fan events, including the highly anticipated unveiling of Orlando City’s 2026‑27 Community Kit, presented by Orlando Health, along with appearances from players, alumni and club personalities, and surprise moments available only inside the pub. The Club will also host additional events at Inter&Co Stadium, including the annual Purple Pride 5K and a Season Ticket Member exclusive Orlando City match against the Colorado Rapids, which will round out the slate of preseason celebrations.
A list of confirmed Kickoff to Soccer events is below. The Orlando Pride’s schedule of preseason programming, including player appearances and fan events, will be announced at a later date ahead of the team’s 2026 NWSL campaign, which kicks off on March 15. Fans can view The Final Whistle’s hours of operation and full schedule of events at OrlandoCitySC.com/TheFinalWhistle.
2026 Kickoff to Soccer Events:
The Final Whistle Grand Opening Event
Saturday, January 31 | 12 p.m. ET | Thornton Park Pub, 808 E. Washington St.
The new Orlando City and Orlando Pride pop‑up bar opens its doors with giveaways, drink specials and appearances from club personalities.
Purple Pride 5K, presented by Once Upon A Coconut
Saturday, Feb. 7 | 8 a.m. ET | Inter&Co Stadium
A fan-favorite tradition, the Purple Pride 5K, presented by Once Upon A Coconut and supported by Orlando Health, Heineken, Pepsi, and Publix, returns for its 11th year.
The annual run kicks off on Church Street before finishing on the pitch inside Inter&Co Stadium. After completing the race, the celebration continues at the Fan Zone outside Gate B with a festival featuring food trucks, live music, beer, interactive games and more.
Orlando City Jersey Launch, presented by Orlando Health
Tuesday, Feb. 10 | 6–9 p.m. ET | The Final Whistle
The new 2026‑27 Community Kit makes its debut with a backyard‑style party featuring live music, activations, giveaways, player drop‑ins and an appearance from Kingston. Attendees will have early access to purchase the kit along with a special collectible that’s part of a season-long series.
Preseason Friendly: Orlando City SC vs. Colorado Rapids
Saturday, Feb. 14 | 7 p.m. ET | Inter&Co Stadium
A Season Ticket Member‑exclusive chance to see the Lions in their final tune-up before the 2026 MLS season kicks off. Members will receive an email to RSVP for the match from their Member Experience Specialist.
Lagers with the Lions, presented by Heineken
Monday, Feb. 16 | 6:30 p.m. – 8 p.m. ET | The Final Whistle
Raise a glass with Orlando City players during a one‑night‑only experience where forward Tyrese Spicer and goalkeeper Maxime Crépeau will step behind the counter to serve drinks and interact with supporters. The evening will feature signature drink specials, a live DJ, an appearance by Kingston, exclusive giveaways and memorable photo opportunities. Prizes will include autographed items, match tickets and more.
Home Opener, Presented by Orlando Health Jewett Orthopedic Institute: Orlando City SC vs. Red Bull New York
Saturday, Feb. 21 | 7:30 p.m. ET | Inter&Co Stadium
Orlando City’s 12th MLS campaign will kick off at Inter&Co Stadium against Red Bull New York.
North Florida News
Jaguars Add Mathieu Araujo, Brian Picucci to Coaching Staff for 2026 Season
Published
2 weeks agoon
January 28, 2026By
FNN SPORTS
JACKSONVILLE (FNN) — The Jacksonville Jaguars announced two additions to their coaching staff for the 2026 season, naming Mathieu Araujo as defensive pass game coordinator and Brian Picucci as run game coordinator.
Araujo Joins Jaguars After Success with Dolphins
Araujo (uh-ROO-joh) comes to Jacksonville following four seasons with the Miami Dolphins (2022–25), serving as cornerbacks coach from 2024–25 and assistant defensive backs coach from 2022–23.
In 2024, Araujo helped guide Miami to its first top-five finish in total defense since 2006, as the Dolphins allowed just 314.4 yards per game, ranking fourth in the NFL. The Dolphins also posted a top-10 defensive finish in 2023 for the first time since 2010, allowing 318.3 yards per game.
Before entering the NFL, Araujo spent seven seasons in the collegiate ranks, including three years at Yale (2019–21) as defensive backs coach and recruiting coordinator. A native of East Freetown, Massachusetts, Araujo was a four-year letterman at Bridgewater State, playing defensive back.
Picucci Brings Run Game Experience from Tampa Bay
Picucci (pi-COO-chee) joins the Jaguars after two seasons with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, serving as offensive line coach in 2025 and assistant offensive line coach in 2024.
During his time with Tampa Bay, the Buccaneers ranked among the NFL’s top 10 in several rushing categories, including yards per rush (4.7, fifth), rushing first downs (252, tied for sixth), and rushing yards per game (131.9, seventh).
In 2024, Picucci worked with a Buccaneers offense led by current Jaguars Head Coach Liam Coen that ranked in the top five leaguewide in points per game (29.5), total yards (399.6), passing yards (250.4), rushing yards (149.2), first downs (23.2), and third-down conversion rate (50.9 percent).
Extensive Coaching Background
Prior to his tenure in Tampa Bay, Picucci served as an offensive quality control coach at the University of Kentucky in 2023, where he again worked with Coen. The two previously coached together at UMass from 2005–08.
Picucci’s 31-year coaching career also includes stops at Florida International University, the Detroit Lions, the University of Maine, Becker College, Widener University, Central Connecticut State, Northeastern University, Southern Connecticut State, and multiple stints at UMass.
Sports
NFL Releases Media Details for 2026 Scouting Combine in Indianapolis
Published
3 weeks agoon
January 23, 2026By
Willie David
INDIANAPOLIS (FNN SPORTS) — The NFL has announced media availability details for the 2026 NFL Scouting Combine, which will feature top prospects eligible for the 2026 NFL Draft along with select NFL head coaches and general managers.
Media availability will take place at the Indiana Convention Center in downtown Indianapolis.
Event Overview
The 2026 NFL Scouting Combine will bring together the league’s top draft-eligible prospects as they undergo evaluations by NFL personnel. Select head coaches and general managers will also be available to the media during designated windows throughout the week.
Media Location Information
Media availability will be held in Hall J of the Indiana Convention Center. Media should enter through the Capitol Avenue entrance, located at Capitol Avenue and Georgia Street, or via the Indianapolis SkyWalk.
The NFL Media Workroom will be located in the Sagamore Ballroom on the second floor of the Indiana Convention Center.
Coach and Executive Availability
Select NFL head coaches and general managers will be available during the following times:
Tuesday, Feb. 24: 10 a.m.–6:30 p.m. ET
Wednesday, Feb. 25: 1–6:30 p.m. ET
Prospect Media Availability Schedule
Draft prospects will be available to the media based on their assigned position groups from Wednesday, Feb. 25, through Saturday, Feb. 28. Prospects will rotate through the media room during designated one-hour windows and will not be present for the full hour.
Wednesday, Feb. 25
8–9 a.m. — Linebackers
10–11 a.m. — Defensive Line, Placekickers
11 a.m.–12 p.m. — Defensive Line
Thursday, Feb. 26
9–10 a.m. — Defensive Backs
10–11 a.m. — Defensive Backs
11 a.m.–12 p.m. — Tight Ends
Friday, Feb. 27
8–9 a.m. — Quarterbacks, Wide Receivers
10:30–11:30 a.m. — Quarterbacks, Wide Receivers
12:30–1:30 p.m. — Running Backs
Saturday, Feb. 28
10–11 a.m. — Offensive Line
11:30 a.m.–12:30 p.m. — Offensive Line
