Sports
Colton Herta, Marcus Ericsson, and WNBA Star Caitlin Clark to Appear at The ANNIKA at Pelican
Published
1 year agoon
By
FNN SPORTS
BELLEAIR, Fla., (FNN SPORTS) – Gainbridge® and tournament officials at The ANNIKA driven by Gainbridge at Pelican announced today that Andretti INDYCAR drivers Colton Herta and Marcus Ericsson will attend the LPGA Tour event and participate in various tournament week festivities at Pelican Golf Club, Nov. 11-17.
Herta, the 2021 Firestone Grand Prix of St. Petersburg winner, and Ericsson, the 2022 Indianapolis 500 winner and 2023 Firestone Grand Prix of St. Petersburg winner, will walk inside the ropes as guest caddies during the Wednesday Pro-Am with WNBA star and Gainbridge® ambassador Caitlin Clark and tournament host Annika Sorenstam. Wednesday’s Pro-Am is open to the public, with tickets on sale Wednesday-Sunday at www.TheAnnika.com.
“It’s not every day that you get to be inside the ropes, and I can’t wait to witness the LPGA Tour players’ skills and strategies up close on the course,” said Herta. “Gainbridge® has played such a significant role in my INDYCAR career, and I’m proud to be a part of a brand that has a strong commitment to racing and women’s sports.”
“As a fellow Swede, I grew up watching Annika Sorenstam play, and she has been an inspiration to me all my life,” said Ericsson. “Colton and I get a lot of unique opportunities as INDYCAR drivers and representing the Group 1001 family in Tampa Bay next month is going to be an experience to remember.”
Herta and Ericsson will also participate in autograph sessions for fans during Thursday’s opening round (9-10 a.m. ET) and photo opportunities. Herta’s No. 26 Gainbridge Honda and Ericsson’s No. 28 Delaware Life Honda will both be showcased at the main entrance throughout tournament week.
“Having Colton and Marcus join Annika and Caitlin is an opportunity for Gainbridge® to showcase the variety in our sports sponsorship portfolio,” said Mike Nichols, Group 1001 Chief of Sponsorship Strategy and Activation. “The Tampa/St. Pete market is the perfect spot to do this as it hosts the start of the INDYCAR season and our premier LPGA Tour event. I know racing fans will enjoy watching Colton and Marcus caddie, and we’re thankful to Andretti Global for bringing the No. 26 Gainbridge Honda and No. 28 Delaware Life Honda on site for golf fans.”
Herta and Ericsson will enter their seventh seasons of NTT INDYCAR SERIES competition in 2025. Herta, a second-generation driver, is a nine-time INDYCAR race winner, while Ericsson is a four-time INDYCAR race winner.
Aligning with some of the biggest names in sports, Gainbridge® is a sponsor of The ANNIKA driven by Gainbridge at Pelican, and the Billie Jean King Cup by Gainbridge, known as the World Cup of Women’s Tennis. Both events coincide with Parity Week by Gainbridge. In November, the 21 Parity Week grant recipients will host events that support girls and women through sports and education. To learn more about Parity Week, visit https://paritynow.co/parityweek.
Hosted by World Golf and LPGA Hall-of-Famer Annika Sorenstam, The ANNIKA will feature a field of 120 of the world’s best female professional golfers competing for a share of the $3.25 million purse, one of the largest purses on the LPGA Tour. World No. 1 and two-time champion Nelly Korda, defending champion and World No. 2 Lilia Vu, former World No. 1’s Lydia Ko and Ruoning Yin, and three-time winner in 2024 Hannah Green headline a stacked field of early commitments for The ANNIKA.
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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
