Sports

Caymus Vineyards Named Official Wine of the Rolex 24 At DAYTONA

Published

3 years ago

January 11, 2024

Daytona Beach, Fla. – Daytona International Speedway announced today that Caymus Vineyards, known for its renowned Cabernet Sauvignon, is the Official Wine of the Rolex 24 At DAYTONA, bringing the excellence and character of Napa Valley and the state of California to the shores of Daytona Beach.

Fans and guests can enjoy sipping on a glass of famed Caymus Cabernet while watching the twice-around-the-clock race to kick off the start of the 2024 IMSA WeatherTech Championship.

“Both Caymus Vineyards and Daytona International Speedway have generations of history with family values at their core, and we couldn’t think of a more fitting partnership for the Rolex 24,” said President of Daytona International Speedway Frank Kelleher. “Bringing people together as they travel from different corners of the world is what we do best at The World Center of Racing and it’s what Caymus does each and every day for those who come together to share a bottle of their wine.”

Caymus Vineyards sits in Napa Valley, Calif. and was started by Chuck Wagner and his late parents in 1972. Its signature Cabernet Sauvignon is one of the region’s most celebrated wines. Recently, the family introduced Caymus Cabernet from California, which will be featured at Daytona International Speedway. Sourced from sites throughout the state that are ideally suited to Cabernet, this wine stems from excitement over the state’s diverse vineyard land and limitless potential. It is supple, dark and rich, bearing the signature hallmarks of Caymus.

This isn’t the first time Caymus has joined forces with the racing regions of Florida. Just last year, Caymus and Homestead-Miami Speedway announced that Sea Sun Wines, made by Chuck’s son Charlie Wagner, was named the Official Wine of Homestead-Miami Speedway. Now racing fans across the entire state, from north to south, can taste the flavors of California while enjoying action-packed racing up-close.

“There’s incredible excitement to racing, and we feel equally excited to share all that we pour into every glass of wine that we produce,” said Chuck Wagner, owner and winemaker of Caymus Vineyards. “Both of these pursuits require a vision, tireless energy, and a commitment to excellence. We’re honored to be part of the Daytona experience and thrilled for fans to enjoy a wine inspired by the greatness of California.”

Guests can experience Caymus at the historic Rolex 24 At DAYTONA, beginning Jan. 19-21 with the Roar Before the Rolex 24 – the nail-biting test session that gets drivers, teams and fans ready for the races less than one week later.

Then, it’s 24 hours of intense on-track battles in the famed Rolex 24 At DAYTONA, with competition starting on Thursday, Jan. 25 and continuing through the wave of the checkered flag on Sunday, Jan. 28.

The Grand Touring Prototype (GTP) class looks to continue its charging success after an impressive debut in 2023, with more cars competing in the newest field, increasing an already high level of competition.

Drivers from all over the world, who compete across a multitude of motorsports events, will come together to fight for the title of Rolex 24 At DAYTONA Champion.

Fans can purchase their tickets to the 2024 Rolex 24 At DAYTONA at www.daytonainternationalspeedway.com or call 1-800-PITSHOP. Purchase of tickets to the Rolex 24 also includes admission to the ROAR Before the Rolex 24 as well.

Central Florida News

USF Comes Up Short at UTSA as Late Touchdown Seals 31-24 Loss

Published

2 days ago

October 9, 2026

NISEY LOU S.

SAN ANTONIO, Texas — USF running back D.J. Crowther (5) crosses the goal line on a 15-yard touchdown run to open the scoring against UTSA Thursday night at the Alamodome. Photo by Stephen Galvin / University of South Florida Athletics.

South Florida held an early advantage and reclaimed the lead late, but UTSA’s second-half execution proved to be the difference Thursday night at the Alamodome.

SAN ANTONIO, Texas (FNN SPORTS) — South Florida gave itself a chance to steal a road win Thursday night, but UTSA answered when it mattered most, defeating the Bulls 31-24 at the Alamodome.

USF struck first behind D.J. Crowther, who broke through for a 15-yard touchdown run to give the Bulls an early advantage. Quarterback Michael Van Buren Jr. helped keep South Florida’s offense moving throughout the night as the Bulls continued to respond whenever UTSA threatened to take control.

USF stayed within reach from start to finish, but the second half belonged to a UTSA offense that consistently found a way to finish drives.

UTSA Finds Its Rhythm

Running back A’Marion Peterson became the difference-maker for the Roadrunners, finishing with 92 rushing yards and three touchdowns.

UTSA scored on every second-half possession, gradually shifting momentum away from a USF team that continued to battle offensively. The Roadrunners leaned heavily on their ground game while keeping the Bulls from building any sustained separation.

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Basketball

UPSHOT Announces Professional Women’s Basketball Franchise for Tampa Bay

Published

4 days ago

October 7, 2026

NISEY LOU S.

Jacksonville Waves battle at the rim against the Charlotte Crown during UPSHOT League action in Jacksonville. Photo by Nisey Spruill/FNN Sports.

New team will debut at the Yuengling Center in summer 2027 as fans help shape the franchise’s identity

TAMPA, Fla. (FNN SPORTS) — UPSHOT League officially announced the arrival of professional women’s basketball in Tampa Bay, with the new franchise scheduled to begin play at the Yuengling Center in summer 2027.

UPSHOT Tampa branding unveiled as the league prepares for its inaugural 2027 season in Tampa Bay. Image courtesy of UPSHOT Tampa.

Owner Morgan Busby introduced the vision behind bringing elite women’s basketball to the region, while Garland Cooper was announced as team president. UPSHOT Deputy Commissioner Taj McWilliams-Franklin also joined the launch alongside local leaders as the organization emphasized community involvement, fan experience and competitive excellence as core parts of the franchise.

FAN INVOLVEMENT: The Tampa franchise does not yet have an official team name. Fans are being invited to submit ideas and take part in helping shape the team’s identity ahead of its inaugural season. Season-ticket deposits and founding membership opportunities are also available.

UPSHOT Tampa President Garland Cooper speaks with media following the announcement of Tampa Bay’s new professional women’s basketball franchise. Photo courtesy of UPSHOT Tampa.

Community outreach began immediately with a “Shoe a Day” initiative supporting young athletes in the Tampa Bay area. During media availability, Cooper also spoke about the importance of giving young girls an opportunity to see what is possible through professional women’s sports.

Hillsborough County Administrator Bonnie Wise and Advisory Board Chair Kathleen Shanahan were among the community leaders in attendance, highlighting the potential economic and social impact of adding another professional sports organization to the region.

INAUGURAL SEASON: UPSHOT Tampa is scheduled to tip off at the Yuengling Center in summer 2027, adding professional women’s basketball to an established Tampa Bay sports market that already includes the Buccaneers, Lightning and Rays.

The team name, branding and additional franchise details are expected to be announced as the organization continues building toward its first season.

– Nisey Spruill is a reporter and photojournalist for Florida National News (FNN), covering major news, sports and special events across Florida and nationwide. Contact sports@FloridaNationalNews.com

Central Florida News

Orlando Magic Announce $20 Tickets, $2–$7 Concessions for Home Games

Published

1 week ago

October 1, 2026

FNN SPORTS

New affordability options include ticket offers, merchandise deals and select concessions at Kia Center.

ORLANDO, Fla. (FNN SPORTS) — The Orlando Magic announced new affordability options Wednesday, including $20 ticket offers, select concessions priced from $2 to $7 and merchandise starting at $15, aimed at making home games more accessible to fans.

The initiative includes monthly ticket promotions, community ticket programs, designated concession value menus and retail deals at Kia Center.

“Making Magic games accessible to every fan has always been a priority for our organization, and this season we worked closely with the DeVos family to build on that commitment,” said Charlie Freeman, the Magic’s president of business operations.

$20 Ticket Offers and Community Programs

The Magic’s Monthly Steals Program will offer $20 ticket options for every home game, with offers released on the first of each month.

The team also will offer group ticket options, including complimentary tickets through the Jr. Magic and Honor Roll programs. Discounted tickets will be available to Orange County Public Schools staff and through OneBlood donations.

Fans can find more information at OrlandoMagic.com/MonthlySteals or by calling 407-89-MAGIC.

Concession Value Menu Features Items From $2 to $7

The Fan Favorites Value Menu will be available at Slam Dunk in Section 115 and Flavors of Orlando in Section 218.

Select food and beverage items will cost between $2 and $7. Options include hot dogs, pretzel bites, popcorn, nachos, cookies, chips, bottled water, soda and beer.

“From affordable ticket and concession options to retail merchandise deals, we want to make sure a Magic game remains within reach for families across our community,” Freeman said.

Merchandise Deals Start at $15

The Magic will offer an item of the game at every home game, with merchandise starting at $15.

Weekly deals at the Magic Authentics team shop at Kia Center also will feature a $15 hat or T-shirt. The team’s Eighty9 Collection, an affordable private-label merchandise line, will be available in the shop at each game.

SunRail Partnership Supports Game-Day Transportation

The Magic said they will continue working with SunRail to ensure trains operate after weeknight home games, allowing fans to ride free with a game ticket.

According to the announcement, SunRail serves 17 stations across Central Florida, including locations in DeLand and DeBary, and provides access near Kia Center.

Keeping Games Within Reach for Fans

Freeman said the affordability initiative reflects the ownership group’s commitment to maintaining access as the team grows.

“The DeVos family ownership has been clear that growth on the court should go hand-in-hand with keeping this experience affordable for the fans who support us every night,” he said.