Sports
Greater Orlando Sports Commission’s CEO Jason Siegel To Receive CFHLA’S Highest Honor
Published
3 years agoon
ORLANDO, Fla – The Central Florida Hotel & Lodging Association (CFHLA) will be recognizing Jason Siegel, President & Chief Executive Officer of the Greater Orlando Sports Commission (GO Sports!) as the association’s 2022 Charles Andrews Memorial Hospitality Award recipient.
The award will be presented at the CFHLA Hospitality Gala on Saturday, December 17th at Disney’s Coronado Springs Resort.
This award is named after the first CFHLA Board of Directors Chairperson, Charles Andrews, and it is presented annually. It is the highest honor bestowed upon an individual by CFHLA, and it recognizes their achievements and contributions to Central Florida’s Hospitality Industry, as well as the community at large.
Under his leadership, the Greater Orlando Sports Commission has thrived as one of the largest regional sports tourism organizations in the country and has hosted more than 350 events during his six-year tenure. Additionally, GO Sports has driven more than $1 billion in economic impact from 2016-2022 for the City of Orlando, and Lake, Orange, Osceola, and Seminole Counties.
Furthermore, Siegel showed tremendous leadership throughout the pandemic, by helping to make Orlando the choice of some of the biggest professional leagues, as they re-launched professional sports in a safe and entertaining way. As a collaborative leader, Jason perfected the game plan and sought ways to support our community, by hosting more than 140 large scale sporting events (from 2020-2022) which resulted in $803M in positive economic impact.
Some of these recent marquee sporting events include:
• 2022 Monster Jam World Finals
• 2021 and 2023 NCAA D1 Men’s & Woman’s Tennis Championships
• 2023 NCAA Division I Men’s Basketball Championship First and Second-Rounds
• Copa America Centenario, ‘She Believes’ Cup, Florida Cup, and CONCACAF Gold Cup matches
• 2022 USMNT World Cup Qualifiers
• Multiple AAU Championships
• 2022 Special Olympics USA Games
• WrestleMania 33 & 36
• And most recently, the 2024 US Olympic Marathon Trials
In addition, it was recently announced that Orlando and GO Sports led all cities across the nation, by receiving a record 17 NCAA National Championship events from 2022-2026.
Furthermore, GO Sports is now managing a portfolio of future bids valued at over $1.5B in positive economic impact through 2033.
Known as a highly creative relationship builder and business development executive, Siegel was named by the Orlando Magazine as one of Orlando’s 50 Most Powerful (2021 and 2022) and in 2021 he was recognized by Orlando Business Journal as one of 50 of Central Florida’s most influential individuals. Moreover, Siegel currently serves on several local community boards including the Special Olympics USA Games, American Diabetes Association (past Community Chairman 2018 & 2019), and the Central Florida Commission on Homelessness.
On behalf of the Central Florida Hotel and Lodging Association, we are honored to present Jason Siegel with the 2022 Charles Andrews Memorial Hospitality Award and we sincerely thank him for all of his efforts.
Sports
GM Brands Dominate Detroit as Cadillac and Corvette Capture IMSA Chevrolet Detroit Sports Car Classic Wins
Published
2 weeks agoon
May 31, 2026DETROIT (FNN SPORTS) — Cadillac and Chevrolet celebrated a historic hometown sweep Saturday as both General Motors brands captured class victories in the IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship’s Chevrolet Detroit Sports Car Classic.
Competing in the shadow of General Motors’ Renaissance Center headquarters along the Detroit Riverwalk, the No. 31 Cadillac Whelen Cadillac V-Series.R driven by Jack Aitken and Earl Bamber dominated the 100-minute race to secure the overall victory and Grand Touring Prototype (GTP) class win.
In Grand Touring Daytona Pro (GTD PRO), Antonio Garcia and Alexander Sims powered the No. 3 Corvette Racing by Pratt Miller Motorsports Corvette Z06 GT3.R to victory, giving Chevrolet a celebrated win on its home turf.
Cadillac Continues Detroit Dominance
The No. 31 Cadillac controlled the race from start to finish, executing a near-flawless performance in front of General Motors executives, employees, and supporters.
The victory marked Cadillac’s fifth IMSA triumph in Detroit, adding to previous wins in 2017, 2018, 2021, and 2022. The result also extended the No. 31 team’s streak to seven consecutive GTP podium finishes.
“To do it here at the home of GM and Cadillac with so many friends and family with us, my team absolutely nailed it,” Aitken said after the race.
The No. 25 BMW M Team WRT BMW M Hybrid V8 finished second in class, while the No. 10 Cadillac Wayne Taylor Racing Cadillac V-Series.R completed the GTP podium.
Meanwhile, the No. 93 Acura Meyer Shank Racing with Curb Agajanian Acura ARX-06 earned the IMSA Michelin Sustainability in Racing Award with its fourth-place finish.
Corvette Capitalizes on Late-Race Drama
While Cadillac’s victory was largely under control, the GTD PRO race featured significant late-race drama.
Garcia nearly lost the lead when Jack Hawksworth attempted a pass entering Turn 1 in the No. 14 Vasser Sullivan Racing Lexus RC F GT3. Contact between the two cars triggered a penalty against Hawksworth, whose Lexus received a drive-through penalty for incident responsibility.
Despite the pressure, Garcia maintained control on the final restart to secure his first IMSA victory in Detroit and the 32nd IMSA win of his career.
“Super happy to be in victory lane in Chevrolet land,” Garcia said. “I think all the big bosses will be very happy, as we are. It was a fantastic drive by Alex, who put the car on pole and opened a big gap early.”
The late-race chaos opened the door for the No. 9 Pfaff Motorsports Lamborghini Temerario GT3 driven by Andrea Caldarelli and Sandy Mitchell to earn the new car’s first podium finish in second place.
The No. 65 Ford Mustang GT3 driven by Christopher Mies and Frederic Vervisch rounded out the GTD PRO podium in third.
Championship Battle Tightens Heading to Watkins Glen
Both class winners started from the Motul Pole Award position and successfully converted pole into victory despite two late caution periods that reshuffled the field and intensified competition during the closing laps.
The victory unofficially moves Aitken into the lead of the GTP championship standings, while the No. 4 Corvette pairing of Nicky Catsburg and Tommy Milner maintains the GTD PRO points lead, though by a reduced margin.
The IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship returns June 28 for the Sahlen’s Six Hours of The Glen at Watkins Glen International, one of the premier endurance races on the North American sports car calendar.
Sports
Dolphins Announce Free 2026 NFL Draft Watch Parties in Fort Lauderdale and Miami
Published
2 months agoon
April 16, 2026By
FNN SPORTSMIAMI GARDENS, Fla. (FNN SPORTS) — The Miami Dolphins will host their 2026 NFL Draft Party presented by Bud Light on Thursday, April 23 at 7 p.m. ET, offering fans two locations across South Florida to watch the first round of the NFL Draft.
The free events will take place at The Wharf Fort Lauderdale and Regatta Grove, providing fans in Broward and Miami-Dade counties an opportunity to gather and celebrate as the draft unfolds.
DRAFT PARTY DETAILS AND FAN EXPERIENCE
Te events are free and open to the public, with fans encouraged to reserve their spots in advance due to limited capacity. Activities will include interactive games, giveaways, photo opportunities, and appearances by the Dolphins mascot and cheerleaders.
Both venues will also feature live panel discussions with current players and team alumni, offering insight, analysis and personal stories related to the draft.
Season ticket members will receive select complimentary food and beverage offerings during the event.
DOLPHINS’ STRONG DRAFT POSITION
Miami enters the 2026 NFL Draft with significant capital, holding 11 total selections, including two first-round picks at Nos. 11 and 30.
The team also holds a second-round pick (No. 43), four third-round selections (Nos. 75, 87, 90 and 94), a fourth-round pick (No. 130), a fifth-round pick (No. 151) and two seventh-round picks (Nos. 227 and 238).
With seven selections in the top 100, this marks one of the franchise’s most anticipated drafts in recent years.
COUNTDOWN TO THE NFL DRAFT
The draft party marks the start of the team’s one-week countdown to the 2026 NFL Draft, as fans prepare to see how Miami builds its roster for the upcoming season.
The dual-location format is designed to expand fan access and engagement across South Florida, bringing together supporters for a shared viewing experience.
Sports
Las Vegas to Host Super Bowl LXIII at Allegiant Stadium in 2029, NFL Announces
Published
2 months agoon
March 30, 2026By
Willie DavidNEW YORK (FNN SPORTS) — The National Football League announced that Las Vegas will host Super Bowl LXIII in 2029 at Allegiant Stadium, marking the second time the city will stage the league’s championship game.
The announcement was made during the NFL’s Annual Meeting in Phoenix, following a review by the league’s Fan Engagement & Major Events Committee and a vote by NFL team owners.
“We’re excited to bring the Super Bowl back to Las Vegas and provide our fans another incredible experience in one of America’s greatest sports and entertainment destinations,” said Roger Goodell, commissioner of the NFL. “Super Bowl LVIII demonstrated the scale, energy and hospitality the city brings to global events, and we look forward to working alongside the Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority, the Raiders and the community to deliver an even greater experience this time around.”
LAS VEGAS RETURNS AS SUPER BOWL HOST
The 2029 championship will mark the second Super Bowl hosted in Las Vegas. The city debuted as a Super Bowl host in 2024 with Super Bowl LVIII, which attracted more than 330,000 visitors and generated over $1 billion in economic impact, according to the Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority.
“We’re proud the NFL has selected Las Vegas to host Super Bowl LXIII,” said Steve Hill, president and CEO of the LVCVA. “Our first Super Bowl showcased the unique energy and scale only this destination can offer, bringing together world-class sports, entertainment and hospitality in one place. Las Vegas was built for moments like this, and we look forward to delivering another exceptional experience for fans in 2029.”
RAIDERS, COMMUNITY PREPARE FOR GLOBAL EVENT
Las Vegas Raiders owner Mark Davis said the return of the Super Bowl reflects the success of the city’s first hosting effort and the collaboration between the NFL, local leaders and the community.
“It’s a testament to the Raiders, the LVCVA, civic leaders, the community and the NFL working together,” Davis said. “Super Bowl LVIII set a high bar, and for Super Bowl LXIII we are committed to raising it even further.”
FAN EXPERIENCES AND HOSPITALITY PROGRAMS
In the lead-up to Super Bowl LXIII, Las Vegas will host a series of major events across the metropolitan area, including NFL Honors, Super Bowl Experience, and Super Bowl Opening Night, along with community initiatives such as NFL Source, the league’s procurement program supporting local and underrepresented businesses.
Meanwhile, On Location, the NFL’s official hospitality partner, has launched its Priority Access deposit program for Super Bowl LXIII hospitality packages. The program offers fans early access to premium seating, exclusive entertainment, luxury hospitality experiences and other curated game-day packages.
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