Sports

Pitbull To Perform DAYTONA 500 Pre-Race Show

Published

1 year ago

January 26, 2024

DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. (January 26, 2024) – He knows you want to have a good time. And if you’re going to be at the 66^th running of the DAYTONA 500 you’ll get it, as Daytona International Speedway today announced that Armando Christian Pérez, Pitbull, will kick-off the Great American Race on Sunday, Feb. 18 by performing the pre-race show on the ballfield.

“There’s no better way to get the energy flowing than with Pitbull performing our pre-race concert for the Daytona 500,” said Daytona International Speedway President Frank Kelleher. “Pitbull has continued to release major hits for over a decade and has shown tremendous longevity as an artist over the years. He’ll bring all the South Florida vibes and culture up here to put on quite the show for the 66^th running of The Great American Race.”

Pitbull announced the next iteration of the “TRACKHOUSE” album series, set for release in February. The lyrics and cover of the EP titled “TRACKHOUSE: Daytona 500 Edition” reflect key elements of NASCAR’s biggest race. Pitbull joined Trackhouse Racing as a co-owner in 2021, connecting the world of music and racing to unite and inspire fans globally.

“It’s an honor to once again be part of the Great American Race, this time performing at the Daytona 500,” said Trackhouse team co-owner Armando Christian Perez (Pitbull).

“So Everyone start your engines, Get Ready and Dale!”

“Mr. Worldwide” has earned 46 total awards throughout his career, sold 25 million studio albums, has over 40 million monthly listeners on Spotify, and passed 18 billion YouTube views. Most recently his Billboard Hot 100 global hit “Give Me Everything,” featuring Ne-Yo, Afrojack and Nayer surpassed 1 Billion streams on Spotify, his third record to join Spotify’s billion streams club.

He’ll continue touring with fellow artists Enrique Iglesias and Ricky Martin on The Trilogy Tour during the first part of 2024.

Pitbull has collaborated with numerous famed artists including Jennifer Lopez, Usher, Enrique Iglesias, Kesha, Christina Aguilera, Ne-Yo and many more. Some of his most notable songs include “On the Floor,” “DJ Got Us Fallin’ In Love,” “I Like It,” “Timber,” “Feel This Moment,” and “Give Me Everything.” At the 2016 Grammy Awards, Pitbull’s second Spanish album Dale won the award for Best Latin Rock, Urban or Alternative Album.

Pitbull’s concert serves as just one of the many highlights during Speedweeks Presented by AdventHealth.

It all starts on Wednesday, Feb. 14, with DAYTONA 500 Qualifying Presented by Busch Light determining the front row for the DAYTONA 500. That’s followed up on Thursday, Feb. 15, with the Bluegreen Vacations Duel, where drivers in the NASCAR Cup Series battle it out for the chance to race on Sunday.

Friday, Feb. 16 sees the return of the NASCAR CRAFTSMAN Truck Series in the Fresh From Florida 250. Then, the racing continues with a doubleheader on Saturday, Feb. 17, with the ARCA Menards Series Race, followed by the NASCAR Xfinity Series United Rentals 300.

Then, on Sunday, Feb. 18 directly following Pitbull’s performance, drivers in the NASCAR Cup Series will make their 2024 season debut in the 66^th running of the DAYTONA 500 at 2:30 p.m. ET. The concert will take place on pit road, visible from the grandstands, but fans with a Hard Rock Bet Fanzone Pass can watch Pitbull’s set up-close. Fans can still purchase the Infield Admission and Hard Rock Bet Fanzone Access Package, even without grandstand admission, which also grants access to driver and VIP appearances, a glimpse into the NASCAR Cup Series garages, up-close access to driver introductions and more. Fans who have already purchased a grandstand admission to The Great American Race can upgrade to include Hard Rock Bet Fanzone access to their experience.

Fans are encouraged to reserve their place in history during Speedweeks Presented by AdventHealth by logging onto DAYTONA500.com or by calling 1-800-PITSHOP. Additionally, fans can buy or sell reserved seats for the DAYTONA 500 by visiting SeatGeek, the Official Ticket Marketplace of NASCAR.

Fans can stay connected with Daytona International Speedway via www.daytonainternationalspeedway.com on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram, as well as the NASCAR Tracks App, for the latest speedway news.

Sports

Osceola Magic Fall to Stockton Kings in NBA G League Finals, 118-110

Published

3 days ago

April 15, 2025

Willie David

Photo by Florida National News / Pierredens Jeune

KISSIMMEE, Fla. (FNN SPORTS) — The Osceola Magic’s historic run came to a close Monday night as they fell to the Stockton Kings, 118-110, in Game 3 of the NBA G League Finals presented by YouTube TV. The showdown at Osceola Heritage Park ended in front of a sellout crowd of 3,421 fans, marking a bittersweet finish to an electrifying season.

Game Highlights

Ethan Thompson led the charge for Osceola with 28 points on 8-of-17 shooting.
Myron Gardner notched a double-double with 20 points and 14 rebounds.
Dexter Dennis came off the bench to lead Stockton with 23 points, shooting 7-of-13 from the field and 3-of-5 from three.
Isaac Jones, on assignment from the Sacramento Kings, posted 21 points (8-of-11 FG) and 13 rebounds.
Mason Jones added 19 points and 13 assists for Stockton and was named NBA G League Finals MVP.

The game got off to a scrappy, high-energy start as both teams battled for momentum. Despite holding a narrow lead at halftime, the Magic struggled to contain the Kings’ bench unit in the fourth quarter, where Stockton surged ahead thanks to Dennis and Jones’s scoring bursts.

Game Highlights – Video

The Magic’s defensive efforts waned late, allowing the Kings to outpace them in fast breaks and capitalize on second-chance points. While Osceola pushed back in the final two minutes, the deficit proved too much to overcome.

What’s Next for Osceola Magic

With their season now complete, the Osceola Magic close out the 2024-25 NBA G League season with a 22-12 regular season record—a strong showing for the franchise since relocating to Kissimmee.

Fans interested in becoming part of the next chapter can secure 2025-26 season tickets now by visiting OsceolaMagic.com/2025-26-tickets.

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J Willie David, III
Pierredens Jeune, Vdeiographer
Sports@FloridaNationalNews.com

Sports

Mac McClung and Osceola Magic Fall 144-126 in Game 2, Set for Championship-Deciding Game 3

Published

6 days ago

April 12, 2025

Willie David

Getty Images: Osceola Mac McClung

STOCKTON, Calif. (FNN SPORTS) – The Osceola Magic fell short in Game 2 of the NBA G League Finals on Friday night, losing 144-126 to the Stockton Kings at Adventist Health Arena. With the series now tied 1-1, the championship will be decided in a winner-takes-all Game 3 on Monday, April 14 at Osceola Heritage Park in Kissimmee, Florida.

Despite the loss, the Magic saw four players score 20 or more points. Leading the charge was Mac McClung, who poured in 34 points and handed out 8 assists, showcasing the explosiveness that’s made him a three-time NBA Slam Dunk Champion. Jalen Slawson added 23 points against his former team, while Myron Gardner contributed 22 points, and Alex Morales chipped in 20.

However, the Stockton Kings were red-hot offensively. Mason Jones led the way with a 27-point, 12-assist double-double, while Skal Labissière added 26 points and 7 rebounds. The Kings were nearly unstoppable from the field, shooting a sizzling 56.7% overall and 58.5% from three-point range, knocking down 24 threes as a team.

WHAT’S NEXT FOR OSCEOLA MAGIC?
The NBA G League Finals, presented by YouTube TV, return to Osceola Heritage Park for a decisive Game 3 on Monday, April 14. Tipoff is set for 8:00 p.m. ET and the game will be broadcast nationally on ESPN2.

Fans attending the game will have the chance to snag exclusive merch—the first 1,000 fans in attendance will receive a limited-edition Osceola Magic G League Finals T-shirt, courtesy of AdventHealth.

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J Willie David, III
Sports@Florida National News.com

Sports

Osceola Magic Defeat Stockton Kings 129-118, One Win Away from G League Championship

Published

1 week ago

April 9, 2025

Willie David

Osceola Magic's Myron Gardner speaks with reporters after delivering a postseason career-high 30 points in Game 1 of the NBA G League Finals at Osceola Heritage Park in Kissimmee, Florida, on Tuesday, April 8, 2025. Photo by Florida National News / Pierredens Jeune.

KISSIMMEE, Fla. (FNN SPORTS) – The Osceola Magic are now just one win away from securing their first NBA G League Championship title. In Game 1 of the NBA G League Finals, Myron Gardner delivered a postseason career-high 30 points, including 21 in the second half, to power the Magic past the Stockton Kings 129-118 Tuesday night at Osceola Heritage Park.

Magic-Kings Highlights:

Myron Gardner scored 30 points and added six steals.
Mac McClung contributed 29 points and seven assists.
Osceola outscored Stockton 69-58 in the second half.
Terry Taylor led the Kings with 28 points on 11-18 shooting.
Skal Labissière posted a double-double with 18 points and 10 rebounds.

The game was tightly contested through the first half, with both teams knotted at 60 by halftime. But the Magic came out blazing in the third quarter, sparked by Ethan Thompson, who scored eight of Osceola’s first 12 points in the quarter. That surge gave the Magic the momentum they needed to pull away and never look back.

Osceola Magic’s Mac McClung scores 29 points in Game 1 of the NBA G League Finals at Osceola Heritage Park in Kissimmee, Florida, on Tuesday, April 8, 2025. Photo by Florida National News / Pierredens Jeune.

Mac McClung, the team’s reliable playoff performer, continued his dominant run by adding 29 points and seven assists, keeping the offensive tempo in Osceola’s favor. But the night truly belonged to Myron Gardner, who not only lit up the scoreboard but was a menace on defense with six steals.

Osceola Magic Coach Dylan Murphy speaks with his players during Game 1 of the NBA G League Finals at Osceola Heritage Park in Kissimmee, Florida, on Tuesday, April 8, 2025. Photo by Florida National News / Pierredens Jeune.

Head Coach Dylan Murphy praised his team’s unselfish play and high basketball IQ:

“Our guys really shared the ball. I think that’s the most important thing at any level of basketball. Then, they have a really good feel for when someone’s got it going… Tonight it was Myron [Gardner]. I’m just standing there, watching them call plays for each other.”

What’s Next for the Osceola Magic:

The team now heads west to Adventist Health Arena in Stockton, California for Game 2 on Friday, April 11 at 10 p.m. ET, which will air on ESPNews. A win would clinch the series and secure the championship for Osceola.

Other NBA News: Orlando Magic defeats Atlanta Hawks 119-112

Paolo Banchero and the Orlando Magic defeated the Atlanta Hawks 119-112 at the Kia Center in Orlando, Florida, on Tuesday, April 8, 2025. Photo by Florida National News / Harry Castiblanco.

If a Game 3 is necessary, the series will return to Osceola Heritage Park on Monday, April 14 at 8 p.m. ET, airing on ESPN2. The first 1,000 fans in attendance will receive an exclusive Osceola Magic G League Finals t-shirt, courtesy of AdventHealth.

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J Willie David, III and Pierredens Jeune
Florida National News and FNN News Network
Sports@FloridaNationalNews.com