Sports
Inter&Co Secures Long-Term Naming Rights for Orlando’s Soccer-Specific Stadium
Published
2 years agoon
By
FNN SPORTSORLANDO, Fla., — Inter&Co, a leading provider of financial and digital commerce services, Orlando City SC, and the Orlando Pride today announced a long-term agreement to name the teams’ home venue Inter&Co Stadium. In September, Inter&Co became the Official Financial Institution of Orlando’s Major League Soccer and National Women’s Soccer League teams.
The enhanced relationship in Orlando designates Inter&Co as the first international partner for the Club. Inter&Co is also the first financial institution with Latin-American roots to own the naming rights of a major stadium in the United States.
“It’s only fitting that as we enter our 10th season in the MLS here in Orlando and ninth in the NWSL that we would partner for the next decade with a global company, not only committed to our community, but with a shared vision for the future,” said Chairman Mark Wilf. “We are truly excited about what we will build together, enhancing the fan experience in the venue and further connecting our soccer cultures in meaningful ways.”
“We are excited to take our partnership with Orlando to the next level. This is a breakthrough moment for our company as we expand our presence in the United States — it will allow us to connect with Orlando’s young and diverse population, including a vibrant Latino community, through our shared love for soccer,” said João Vitor Menin, CEO of Inter&Co. “And we could not have asked for a better partner to build upon this state-of-the-art venue where Central Floridians come together and visitors from all over the world have memorable experiences,” Menin added.
Inter, which is part of the Inter&Co economic group, is a digital banking pioneer in Brazil serving more than 30 million clients with the convenience of paying bills, saving, investing, shopping, and earning rewards in a single app. The company has a long history of supporting and investing in soccer, including relationships with Athletico Paranaense, Fortaleza Esporte Clube, and the MRV arena, home to Clube Atlético Mineiro. In the United States, clients can open no-fee digital accounts and send remittances to 60+ countries through the Inter&Co app, among other services.
“As we look for ways to build on our Club’s successes, we know Inter&Co will be a vital partner in continuing to grow the Orlando City and Orlando Pride brands in the global landscape, both on the field and off,” Wilf added. “We look forward to collaborating on ways to not only expand our business profiles in Latin and South America, but we are excited for the future benefits that our soccer sides will reap through expanded competition, scouting and brand awareness opportunities.”
State-of-the-Art Technology
Backed by partnership investments from Club ownership, Inter&Co Stadium has begun an enhancement project that will bring greater technology to the venue. Upgrades include five million new LED pixels, a new state-of-the-art video board, new fascia LED throughout the bowl, a 16’x9’ LED wall in the West Club, as well as over 200+ new TV monitors throughout the suites, premium spaces, concession stands and lower-level concourse.
Additionally, fans will experience new, interactive concourse displays; Wi-Fi 6 and 6E, the most up-to-date technology available today; 5G antennas for increased cell phone coverage; and new hospitality options such as “The Terrace” in Section 1. Additional enhancements will be announced prior to the start of the regular season.
The venue will officially re-open to the public on January 27 when Orlando City SC will host a preseason FC Series friendly against Brazil’s Clube de Regatas do Flamengo. The 2024 MLS home opener is slated for Feb. 24, when Orlando City SC hosts CF Montreal, with the Pride season set to kick off in March 2024.
World-Class Entertainment
Inter&Co, Orlando City, and the Orlando Pride envision the stadium, located in the heart of Downtown Orlando, as a world-class sports and entertainment venue. In addition to MLS, NWSL and marquee international soccer matches, the stadium will continue to expand its profile by bringing cultural and music events, starting with a post-game concert for ticketholders following a 2024 Orlando City match.
A Financial Partner to Fans
As the Official Sponsor for accounts, debit and credit cards, mortgages, and remittances, Inter&Co will be a financial partner to Orlando fans, who will get exclusive access to a full suite of products on the company’s Super App, as well as rewards, perks, and unique experiences at Inter&Co Stadium. “We make it accessible, easy, and convenient to manage your money well, in a single app. Most Americans tend to be under served and over charged in their banking relationship. And we want to change that, just like we did in Brazil for over 30 million clients,” said João Vitor Menin, CEO of Inter&Co.
Commitment to Community
As part of its commitment to the greater Orlando community, Inter&Co will join forces with the clubs to introduce new grassroots initiatives to enrich and support neighbors of Inter&Co Stadium. Inter&Co will enhance local financial literacy programs for youth with other programs announced in the coming months.
“By putting our name on the stadium, we are making a pledge to the Orlando community,” Menin added. “We believe in the transformative power of financial education and technology to unlock possibilities, and we’re here to do that for each and every Central Floridian.”
Exploria Resorts, the venue’s previous naming rights partner since June 2019, will continue as the Exclusive, Official Vacation Club of Orlando City SC and Orlando Pride.
About Inter&Co, Inc.:
Inter&Co is the holding company of Inter Group and indirectly holds all of Banco Inter’s shares. Inter is the premier Super App providing financial and digital commerce services to more than 30 million customers. We offer a complete range of solutions, including banking, investments, credit, insurance and cross-border services, in addition to a marketplace that brings together the best retailers in Brazil and the United States. To learn more, visit https://inter.co/en/us/
About Orlando City SC & Orlando Pride:
In November 2013, Orlando City Soccer Club was awarded a Major League Soccer (MLS) franchise, becoming the league’s 21st franchise. The team began play in March 2015, with 62,510 fans packing the then-Orlando Citrus Bowl for the club’s MLS debut.
The 2024 season will mark the Club’s 10th as a member of MLS, with the team having reached the postseason in four-consecutive seasons (2020-23), qualified for the Concacaf Champions Cup (formerly Concacaf Champions League) in both 2023 and 2024, and reached its first final in 2020 during the MLS is Back Tournament. In 2022, Orlando City won its first championship of its MLS era, lifting the Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup trophy, which also marked the first championship by any professional team in the City Beautiful. Prior to its time in MLS, Orlando City boasted a decorated history in the United Soccer League, winning the league’s championship in both the 2011 and 2013 seasons.
In October 2015, the Orlando Pride was announced as the 10th team in the National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL), bringing professional women’s soccer to the state of Florida for the first time. The team began play in April 2016, setting a then-league single-game attendance record in its first-ever home game, with 23,403 fans witnessing the Club’s first win.
The Pride features a star-studded roster of domestic and international talent, captained by Brazilian legend Marta, a six-time Women’s World Player of the Year and the all-time leader in Women’s World Cup goals. Former Orlando City defender Seb Hines serves as the team’s head coach, the first Black head coach in league history.
In 2017, both teams moved into its privately-owned, soccer-specific venue – Inter&Co Stadium – located in the heart of downtown Orlando.
In July 2021, the Club – which includes Orlando City SC, the Orlando Pride, Orlando City B (MLS NEXT Pro) and Inter&Co Stadium – was purchased by the Wilf Family, who also own the Minnesota Vikings of the National Football League.
For more information on Orlando City SC and Orlando, visit OrlandoCitySC.com or Orlando-Pride.com.
About Inter&Co Stadium:
Opened in March 2017, Inter&Co Stadium is home to Orlando City of Major League Soccer (MLS) and Orlando Pride of the National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL). The soccer-specific stadium is located in the heart of Downtown Orlando and was the first MLS stadium to open with five consecutive victories.
Inter&Co Stadium was 100 percent privately funded at a cost of $155 million. It features a 360-degree lower bowl, North America’s first safe-standing supporters’ section – dubbed “The Wall” – and a four-sided canopy roof to keep the noise in and weather out. In Section 12, there are 49 rainbow-colored seats to memorialize the victims of the tragedy at Pulse Night Club. The stadium also houses the Club’s Front Office.
Since its opening, the venue had already seen a number of guest experience upgrades, highlighted by the “Orlando Made” food and beverage program, featuring local favorites for fans to enjoy all that the City Beautiful has to offer under one roof.
To date, the stadium has hosted U.S. Men’s National Team’s 2018 & 2022 World Cup Qualifiers, the U.S. Women’s National Team in the 2018, 2020 & 2023 SheBelieves Cup, as well as the 2017 NWSL Championship, 2017 NCAA Women’s College Cup, 2018 & 2019 MLS Combines, multiple editions of the Florida Cup, the 2019 MLS All-Star Game, the 2019, 2021 & 2022 Cure Bowl, the Orlando Philharmonic and the 2022 Special Olympics USA Games Opening Ceremony.
For more information on Inter&Co Stadium, visit www.interco-stadium.com.
South Florida News
Uruguay, Saudi Arabia Play to 1-1 Tie as World Cup Atmosphere Electrifies Miami Gardens
Published
2 weeks agoon
June 16, 2026By
FNN SPORTSMIAMI GARDENS, Fla. (FNN SPORTS) — Hard Rock Stadium felt more like Montevideo than South Florida on Monday as tens of thousands of Uruguayan supporters packed the venue for Uruguay’s World Cup opener against Saudi Arabia.
FIFA World Cup 2026, Uruguay vs Arabia Saudita, Miami, Florida. Photo by Harry Castiblanco / Florida National News
A crowd of 62,764 fans created a vibrant international atmosphere, with Uruguay supporters draped in giant blue-and-white flags and chanting “U-ru-guay! U-ru-guay!” throughout the match. Despite the passionate backing, Uruguay was forced to settle for a 1-1 draw against Saudi Arabia.
The stadium was awash in light blue as Uruguayan fans filled much of the venue, transforming Miami Gardens into a home-away-from-home for La Celeste. Meanwhile, a spirited contingent of Saudi supporters occupied sections of the south stands, waving green flags and providing energetic support for their national team.
FIFA World Cup 2026, Uruguay vs Arabia Saudita, Miami, Florida. Photo by Harry Castiblanco / Florida National News
WORLD CUP ATMOSPHERE IN SOUTH FLORIDA
The match showcased South Florida’s growing reputation as an international soccer destination, drawing fans from across the globe and creating a World Cup-like environment inside Hard Rock Stadium.
Both teams battled evenly throughout the contest, with neither side able to find a decisive breakthrough. The result leaves Uruguay and Saudi Arabia with a point apiece as they continue their tournament campaigns.
FIFA World Cup 2026, Uruguay vs Arabia Saudita, Miami, Florida. Photo by Harry Castiblanco / Florida National News
FANS DELIVER MEMORABLE SCENE
While the match ended in a draw, the atmosphere was among the day’s biggest highlights. The sea of blue-and-white and the nonstop chants from Uruguay supporters were matched by the enthusiasm of Saudi fans, producing a memorable international soccer showcase in Miami Gardens.
Sports
Orlando Storm Quarterback Jack Plummer Named 2026 UFL Most Valuable Player
Published
3 weeks agoon
June 12, 2026By
Willie DavidORLANDO, Fla. (FNN SPORTS) — The United Football League has named Orlando Storm quarterback Jack Plummer the 2026 UFL Most Valuable Player after a record-setting regular season that helped lead the franchise to the league’s best record.
Plummer becomes the third quarterback to earn the UFL’s highest individual honor, following Bryce Perkins of the Michigan Panthers in 2025 and Adrian Martinez of the Birmingham Stallions in 2024.
The award was selected by a panel of league and team executives, coaches, players, media members and broadcast partners based on performances during the recently completed 10-game regular season.
Plummer Credits Team, Coaches
“It is an incredible honor to be named the 2026 UFL Most Valuable Player,” Plummer said. “While my name may be on this award, it truly belongs to so many people who have helped me along this journey.”
Plummer thanked his teammates and coaching staff, specifically Orlando Storm head coach Anthony Becht, for helping him reach the milestone.
“I also want to extend a special thank you to Coach Becht,” Plummer said. “His leadership, trust and belief in me have had a tremendous impact on my development as a player and as a person.”
Dominant Season Under Center
In the Storm’s inaugural season, Plummer guided Orlando to an 8-2 record and the No. 1 seed entering the postseason.
He led the UFL in passing yards (2,188), completions (195) and quarterback rating (104.1) while throwing 17 touchdown passes. Plummer completed 65% of his passes and threw just one interception all season.
The Storm offense led the league with an average of 208.3 passing yards per game.
“Jack personifies exactly what an elite UFL quarterback should look like,” Becht said. “His leadership, his ability to process information and make plays at any moment made him the most valuable player in the UFL.”
Historic Numbers and Signature Moments
Plummer scored or accounted for a touchdown in every game this season and threw at least one touchdown pass in nine of Orlando’s 10 regular-season contests.
He completed 75% or more of his passes in three games and recorded three-touchdown performances in victories against the Louisville Kings and D.C. Defenders.
Among his most impressive accomplishments was setting a UFL record with 255 consecutive pass attempts without throwing an interception.
Plummer also earned UFL Offensive Player of the Week honors in Week 8 after leading Orlando to a 34-21 victory over the Dallas Renegades that clinched a playoff berth.
In that game, he threw for 238 yards and rushed for two touchdowns, including a spectacular 71-yard touchdown run that remains the longest rushing play by a quarterback in the UFL this season.
Storm Set for Playoff Run
With Plummer leading the offense, Orlando enters the playoffs as the league’s top seed and one of the favorites to compete for the 2026 UFL Championship.
Sports
USMNT Opens FIFA World Cup 2026 With Historic 4-1 Victory Over Paraguay
Published
3 weeks agoon
June 12, 2026By
FNN SPORTSLOS ANGELES (FNN SPORTS) — The U.S. Men’s National Team opened its FIFA World Cup 2026 campaign in impressive fashion, defeating Paraguay 4-1 before a crowd of 70,492 at Los Angeles Stadium.
Forward Folarin Balogun scored twice in the first half, while midfielder Gio Reyna added a late goal as the United States collected three points in its Group D opener and moved to the top of the standings.
The crowd was the seventh-largest ever to watch the USMNT in a FIFA World Cup match and the largest since the 1994 World Cup. The four-goal performance also marked the highest-scoring World Cup match in U.S. men’s national team history.
Fast Start Sets the Tone
The match began at a frantic pace, with both teams creating scoring opportunities in the opening minutes. Paraguay tested goalkeeper Matt Freese less than two minutes into his World Cup debut, but the Americans responded immediately.
The United States opened the scoring in the seventh minute when Paraguay midfielder Damián Bobadilla redirected a pass into his own net following a dangerous attacking sequence involving Christian Pulisic and Weston McKennie.
The Americans continued to control possession and create chances, eventually doubling their lead in the 31st minute.
Balogun Makes World Cup History
Pulisic delivered a pinpoint cross into the penalty area, where Balogun finished clinically into the lower-right corner for his first FIFA World Cup goal.
Balogun struck again in first-half stoppage time after receiving a long pass from Malik Tillman. The striker fought through a challenge, beat another defender and curled a left-footed shot into the upper-left corner to give the United States a commanding 3-0 halftime lead.
The brace made Balogun the first American player to score two goals in a World Cup match since 1930.
Defense Holds Strong
Head coach Mauricio Pochettino made one lineup change from the team’s final World Cup send-off match against Germany, inserting center back Chris Richards after his recovery from an ankle injury.
Richards anchored a defense that included veteran captain Tim Ream and World Cup debutants Alex Freeman and Matt Freese. The U.S. limited Paraguay to just one shot on target throughout the match.
Paraguay’s lone goal came in the 73rd minute when Mauricio capitalized on a loose ball following a free-kick sequence to cut the deficit to 3-1.
Reyna Finishes the Job
The Americans continued pressing for a fourth goal deep into stoppage time. In the eighth minute of added time, substitute Gio Reyna received a pass from Alex Freeman, turned toward goal and curled a brilliant shot into the left side of the net to seal the 4-1 victory.
The United States outshot Paraguay 16-9 and dominated much of the match while allowing only one shot on goal.
Group D Standings
With the victory, the United States temporarily sits atop Group D. Australia and Türkiye were scheduled to play later in the day at BC Place in Vancouver.
The Americans continue group play on June 19 in Seattle against Australia before returning to Los Angeles on June 25 to face Türkiye in the final Group D match.
Goal Scorers
- 7′ — Own Goal (Damián Bobadilla), USA leads 1-0
- 31′ — Folarin Balogun (Christian Pulisic), USA leads 2-0
- 45’+ — Folarin Balogun (Malik Tillman), USA leads 3-0
- 73′ — Mauricio (Julio Enciso), Paraguay cuts deficit to 3-1
- 90+8′ — Gio Reyna (Alex Freeman), USA wins 4-1