Sports

Inter&Co Stadium Ready to Welcome Back Orlando City and Orlando Pride for Regular Season Returns

Published

2 years ago

August 23, 2024

ORLANDO, Fla. (FNN SPORTS) — Regular season play is set to begin again in both the National Women’s Soccer League and Major League Soccer, with the Orlando Pride and Orlando City SC set to hit the field this upcoming weekend. The pair of clubs look to return from the Olympic break and continue their respective unbeaten streaks, each opening with a road game before each team returns to downtown Orlando next week for a back-to-back home weekend of soccer at Inter&Co Stadium.

Orlando Pride returns to regular season play as the lone unbeaten team remaining in the NWSL, riding a 17-game unbeaten run (dating back to the end of 2023) with an opportunity to set the league’s record for longest unbeaten streak on Friday, Aug. 23 at Houston. Should the Pride take a point when visiting the Dash, Orlando would not only set the record at 18-straight games but increase its undefeated start to the 2024 season.

On the men’s side, Orlando City will play the following day, traveling to face Sporting Kansas City on Saturday, Aug. 24 at Children’s Mercy Park. Going into the Leagues Cup 2024 break, the Lions held a five-game unbeaten streak, going 4-0-1 over the span and outscoring opponents 14-3 in that stretch, and will look to make it six-straight on Saturday. Notably, forward Ramiro Enrique has scored in four straight league matches and could set a new club record with a goal in Kansas City.

Returning Home & The Push for Playoffs:

After opening the return to the regular season on the road, the Orlando-based clubs will return to Inter&Co Stadium with respective home matches on Aug. 31 and Sept. 1, with the Lions getting things started on Saturday against Nashville (7:30 p.m.) before the Pride host NJ/NY Gotham FC on Sunday (6 p.m.).

Entering this weekend’s games, both clubs sit firmly in postseason position, with the Pride leading the NWSL table and Orlando City at No. 7 in the Eastern Conference standings. A playoff appearance for Orlando City would mark the club’s fifth-straight year in the postseason, all coming under Oscar Pareja, while the Pride are looking to make their first appearance since 2017 and first under head coach Seb Hines.

Ticketing Options for Everyone:

For fans looking to secure tickets to any of the upcoming matches at Inter&Co Stadium, many options are available from single-match tickets to flex packs for the remaining games.

Single-Match Tickets:
Individual tickets for any remaining match can be purchased at the links here:
Orlando City Single-Match Tickets
Orlando Pride Single Match Tickets

Flex Packs:
For those who wish to attend more than one match, Flex Pack options are a perfect fit, allowing the opportunity to secure tickets to multiple matches at a discounted rate. For City, Flex Packs start at just $70 for three matches, while Pride options are available for as little as $39 for three games.
Orlando City Flex Packs
Orlando Pride Flex Packs

2025 Season Ticket Memberships:
As recently announced, 2025 Season Ticket Memberships for next year’s Orlando City and Orlando Pride seasons are now on sale. Fans who purchase early will receive many benefits, including priority access to 2024 playoff tickets.
2025 Orlando City Season Tickets
2025 Orlando Pride Season Tickets

Remaining Theme Nights:

In addition to the excitement on the field, many theme nights remain for fans to enjoy while at a City or Pride match, including:

Sat. Aug. 31	Military Appreciation Night, presented by Circle K City vs. Nashville SC Kickoff: 7:30 p.m.	Tickets
Sat., Sept. 1	Halfway to Carnival, presented by Walt Disney World Pride vs. NJ/NY Gotham FC *ft. pre-game Olympian Welcome Back ceremony* Kickoff: 6 p.m.	Tickets
Fri., Sept. 13	Orlando Pride Eras Night, presented by Heart of Florida United Way Pride vs. Kansas City Current Kickoff: 8 p.m.	Tickets
Sat., Sept. 14	Hispanic Heritage Night, presented by Walt Disney World City vs. New England Revolution Kickoff: 7:30 p.m.	Tickets
Sat., Oct. 19	Fan Appreciation Night, presented by Publix City vs. Atlanta United FC Kickoff: 7:30 p.m.	Tickets
Sat., Nov. 2	Fan Appreciation Night, presented by Publix Pride vs. Seattle Reign FC Kickoff: 5 p.m.	Tickets

Fan Experiences at Inter&Co Stadium and More:

Concourse Activations:
Fans attending matches are encouraged to check-out some of the new additions to the Inter&Co Stadium concourse, including the Jersey History Experience presented by Orlando Health (Sec. 15), and the Selfie Station presented by Exploria Resorts (Sec. 9), for fans to capture photos with their favorite City and Pride players.

Memorabilia Pop-Up Shops:
The backend of the season will see the return of memorabilia pop-up shops, a fan-favorite opportunity that allows supporters the opportunity to purchase exclusive and authentic autographed City and Pride merchandise. The pop-up shops will be open on Oct. 2 (City vs. Philadelphia), Oct. 6 (Pride vs. Washington) and Oct. 19 (City vs. Atlanta).

Community Fan Events:
Ahead of Orlando City’s Sept. 14 home match against the New England Revolution, the Club will the Roar & Pour Pub Crawl, with fans able to get three complimentary drinks at three downtown locations. The event begins at 3 p.m., with more information and registration available here.

Additionally, Orlando City and Orlando Pride Watch Parties, presented by Heineken Silver, will be held for many remaining road matches, with fans able to cheer on the teams at the below events.

Fri., Aug. 23: Orlando Pride at Houston Dash (8 p.m.)
The Castle Irish Pub (2625 Edgewater Dr., Orlando, FL 32804)

Sat., Aug. 24: Orlando City at Sporting Kansas City (8:30 p.m.)
The Castle (2625 Edgewater Dr, Orlando, FL 32804)

Sun., Sept. 8: Orlando Pride at Chicago Red Stars (6 p.m.)
Hagan O’Reilly’s (16112 Marsh Rd., Winter Garden, FL 34787)

Sat., Sept. 21: Orlando City at Columbus Crew (7:30 p.m.)
Wolfhound Irish Pub (16909 High Grove Blvd, Clermont, FL 34714)

Sat., Oct. 5: Orlando City at FC Cincinnati (7:30 p.m.)
Fixtion (15 N Orange Ave, Orlando, FL 32801)

Sun., Oct. 20: Orlando Pride at NJ/NY Gotham FC (5 p.m.)
Pup’s Pub (317 N. Orange Ave., Orlando, FL 32801)

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.

(more…)

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.