Sports

General Tire Heavy Hitters on Kissimmee Lakes Nominated for Best Pro Sports Event Award

Published

2 years ago

August 15, 2024

KISSIMMEE, Fla. – The 2024 Major League Fishing (MLF) General Tire Heavy Hitters Presented by Bass Pro Shops event that took place in May on the Kissimmee Chain of Lakes in Kissimmee, Florida, is one of six event finalists nominated for the 2024 SportsTravel Award in the category of Best Professional Sports Event.

The SportsTravel Awards honor the best events, venues and hosts in the sports-event industry. Winners of the awards will be announced at TEAMS ’24, September 23–26, in Anaheim.

MLF is asking for fan votes to help earn this honor. This is an opportunity to demonstrate the passion of the fishing and outdoors audiences for the sports world to see. The General Tire Heavy Hitters event is competing against other major professional events including the NFL Draft in Detroit, Michigan, the International Surfing Association World Games, and the X Games.

The star-studded General Tire Heavy Hitters Presented by Bass Pro Shops was hosted by Experience Kissimmee and featured 30 anglers who qualified from MLF’s Bass Pro Tour. This one of kind tournament format set a new MLF record of more than 21 million minutes viewed on MLF platforms, passing the previous record set in 2023. The event, held on the Kissimmee Chain of Lakes, yielded more than 840,000 video views and 9.8 million social media impressions – a 42% increase over the prior year.

Fans are encouraged to cast their vote through Monday, August 19 by clicking here.

MLF also asks you to share this with your family and friends to help celebrate this exciting event in bass fishing and professional sports.

Nominees for Best Professional Sports Event
2023 MLS/Liga MX Leagues Cup, Various Sites
The tournament was staged by both Major League Soccer and Liga MX, the professional soccer league in Mexico. Led by Lionel Messi, Inter Miami won the tournament by defeating Nashville SC at Geodis Park in Nashville. The event featured 77 matches across the U.S. and Canada, attended by more than 1.3 million.

2024 International Surfing Association World Games, San Juan, Puerto Rico
The event held in Puerto Rico created an exceptional impact on the global surfing community and the local economy. The event attracted top surfers from over 40 countries, showcasing a high level of athletic performance and sportsmanship.

2024 Major League Fishing General Tire Heavy Hitters, Kissimmee, FL
The event set a new MLF record of more than 21 million minutes viewed on MLF platforms, passing the previous record set in 2023. The event yielded more than 840,000 video views and 9.8 million social media impressions, a 42 percent increase over the prior year.

2024 NFL Draft, Detroit, MI
The NFL Draft held in downtown Detroit drew an estimated record 775,000 people and generated an estimated $213 million economic impact, including $161 million from visitors coming to Michigan. Hotel occupancy hit a high of 92 percent on the Friday night of the draft with 30 percent traveling more than 100 miles to attend.

2024 Serie del Caribe, Miami, FL
The Serie del Caribe baseball tournament was a celebration of Latin American culture, sportsmanship and community spirit. Throughout the 25 games played at loanDepot Park, over 220,000 people enjoyed the best of professional baseball from top Caribbean teams. It also served as a catalyst for promoting cross-cultural understanding and collaboration, highlighting the positive impact of sports in bridging communities.

2024 X Games Ventura, Ventura, CA
The X Games Ventura returned to the California coastline featuring the world’s leading skateboard, BMX and moto X athletes and an appearance by Tony Hawk. The city of Ventura partnered on the event that included a variety of community events that served to engage fans and spectators at the event including concerts by Wiz Khalifa and Kaskade.

Television coverage of the General Tire Heavy Hitters 2024 Presented by Bass Pro Shops premiered on Discovery on Saturday, Aug. 10, with new two-hour episodes from the event premiering each Saturday at 7 a.m. ET through Sept. 14.

Proud sponsors of General Tire Heavy Hitters 2024 Presented by Bass Pro Shops at the Kissimmee Chain of Lakes include: Abu Garcia, B&W Trailer Hitches, Barbasol, Bass Pro Shops, Berkley, BUBBA, Fishing Clash, General Tire, Kubota, Lowrance, Lucas Oil, Mercury, Mossy Oak Fishing, NITRO, Onyx, Plano, Power-Pole, REDCON1, Star brite, Toyota, U.S. Air Force and YETI.

Central Florida News

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

Published

4 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

7 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

2 weeks 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.