Orlando Makes a Play at Becoming the Sports Event Capital of the U.S.

Come for the game and stay for more fun with upcoming sporting events, including the 2025 NFL Pro Bowl and the FC Series with Orlando City SC and notable Brazilian soccer clubs

Long celebrated as the Theme Park Capital of the World, Orlando is now gaining an equal reputation as the Sports Event Capital of the U.S. The destination will host nearly a dozen major sports events in the coming months, including college football bowl games, international soccer matches and the NFL Pro Bowl Games.

Newly announced this fall, Orlando will welcome three renowned Brazilian soccer clubs — São Paulo FC, Atlético Mineiro, and Cruzeiro — in January as they compete in Orlando as part of the FC Series, commemorating its 10th anniversary with three exhibition matches. This event includes São Paulo FC’s highly anticipated return to Florida, the first-ever Superclássico Mineiro between Atlético and Cruzeiro in the U.S., and a showdown between Atlético and Orlando City SC, fresh off its 2024 MLS playoff run.

Orlando’s hosting resume also extends to the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup, with Inter&Co Stadium and Camping World Stadium preparing to welcome teams from around the globe as the tournament makes its U.S. debut next summer. Additionally, premier college bowl games and the NFL Pro Bowl will bring fans together at top venues, creating an unforgettable sports season in the city.

"Orlando continues to deliver exciting experiences for all kinds of visitors, especially sports fans, and we’re excited to host top international soccer clubs as part of the FC Series in 2025, further recognizing Orlando as a premier destination for sports enthusiasts." said Casandra Matej, president and CEO of Visit Orlando. "Not only can fans experience professional basketball and soccer matches, as well as intense rivalries in college sports, but they can also enjoy the destination’s unique experiences, including world-renowned theme parks, outdoor adventures and award-winning dining. Visitors can come for the game and discover so much more during their stay."

Visitors can take advantage of Visit Orlando’s complimentary and personalized vacation planning services to plan an epic Orlando itinerary for a sports-filled getaway.

UPCOMING SPORTING EVENTS IN ORLANDO

Here are some of the events visitors can plan their Orlando vacation around in the next few months:

International Soccer

The FC Series is coming to Orlando’s Inter&Co Stadium and will highlight distinct Brazilian soccer teams for three games: Cruzeiro v. São Paulo FC (Jan. 15, 2025), Atlético Mineiro v. Cruzeiro (Jan. 18, 2025) and Orlando City v. Cruzeiro (Jan. 25, 2025).

College Bowl Games

Orlando’s NCAA football matchups will showcase top college players at Camping World Stadium in downtown Orlando’s West Lakes Market Street District, as well as at UCF FBC Mortgage Stadium, located east of downtown. UCF’s stadium will also host a full season of UCF Knights Big 12 football.

The Florida Blue Florida Classic (Nov. 23) brings together college alumni, friends and families for an entire weekend of excitement. The main event features the Bethune-Cookman University Wildcats and Florida A&M University Rattlesnakes competing at Camping World Stadium in their long-standing annual rivalry.
More than just a game, the Cure Bowl (Dec. 20) raises funds for cancer research, having generated $4.14 million since its inception in 2015. Orlando plays a key role in these efforts, with over $1.6 million supporting the work of Dr. Annette Khaled, professor at the UCF College of Medicine’s Burnett School of Biomedical Sciences. Held at Camping World Stadium, this game will be broadcast live on ESPN.
Celebrating its 35th year, the Pop-Tarts Bowl (Dec. 28) will feature top teams, including the highest-ranked ACC selection outside the College Football Playoff (CFP) series, and the second highest-ranked Big 12 team outside the CFP. The event is part of the NCAA Division I Football Bowl Subdivision and will be televised, with more details to come.
The Cheez-It Citrus Bowl (Dec. 31) will see top teams from the Southeastern Conference and the Big Ten Conference face off. This seventh-oldest collegiate bowl game in the U.S., first held in 1947 as the Tangerine Bowl, will air on ABC and is part of the NCAA Division I FBS season.
The Hula Bowl (Jan. 11, 2025) will return to UCF FBC Mortgage Stadium, home of the UCF Knights, one of Florida’s most thrilling college football teams. Invitations for this NCAA all-star game are extended based on athletes' potential to join professional football rosters. The game, showcasing future NFL stars, will be broadcast on CBS.

Pro Bowl Games

The 2025 NFL Pro Bowl Games (Feb. 2, 2025) will take place at Camping World Stadium. This year’s event will feature multi-day competitions, including exciting skills challenges and action-packed flag football games with top players in the NFL.

VACATION LIKE A CHAMPION

Game-goers can visit Orlando for the gridiron matchups and take the fun into overtime with endless adventures that start with fresh reasons to visit and continue with other winning ways to play.

The destination offers plenty of opportunities for sports enthusiasts to bring their best game to the field. USTA National Campus in Lake Nona invites tennis lovers of all skill levels and ages to watch, learn and play at one of the world’s largest tennis facilities. Orlando is also a premier golf destination for pros and amateurs alike with over 100 golf courses, prestigious tournaments, state-of-the-art golf attractions and out-of-this-world mini-golf.

All-star accommodations like the new Villatel Orlando Resort—offering private villa rentals with hotel-style standards and amenities— Evermore Orlando Resort—Orlando’s first beach-like property with an 8-acre Crystal Lagoon— and Grand Bohemian Hotel in downtown Orlando—recently renovated with the upscale Altira Rooftop Pool Lounge and reimagined spaces—promise one-of-a-kind stays for everyone in the family.

Meanwhile, thousands of dining options, including MICHELIN Guide restaurants like Papa Llama, Bombay Street Kitchen and The Pinery, offer the perfect way to celebrate a win or unwind.

Visitors can also enjoy craft breweries like Crooked Can Brewing Company in historic downtown Winter Garden, wine bars like The Wine Room in picturesque Winter Park and the vibrant sports bar scene offered in bars like the new Tom’s Watch Bar boasting sky-high views and Stadium Club at Caribe Royale to catch the action.

Beyond the games, Orlando offers authentic neighborhoods, exciting outdoor adventures, diverse arts and culture and sensational shopping. No matter the outcome on the field, visitors always leave with a win.

ORLANDO’S LEGACY AS A SPORTS HUB

When it comes to hosting a sports event, Orlando has established itself as the No. 1 city in the U.S. Orlando’s rise as a premier sports event host took off in 1994, when the city outpaced Miami and Tampa to secure five FIFA World Cup matches. Since then, Orlando has continued to attract numerous international matches and is now home to Orlando City SC, the Orlando Pride and their state-of-the-art soccer stadium.

The 220-acre ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex at Walt Disney World has transformed Orlando's sports landscape, becoming a global model for multisport developments. Hosting over 200 annual events, the complex features soccer, baseball, softball, cheer, tennis, and golf tournaments, making it a premier venue for a variety of sporting competitions.

Orlando also serves as the spring training hub for the U.S. Women’s National Soccer Team, which boasts an undefeated 18-0 record in Orlando — a testament to the city’s deep connection to the sport.

With world-class football bowl games, high-energy courts of the NBA’s Orlando Magic and the exciting ice of the ECHL’s Orlando Solar Bears,along with venues like Kia Center, Camping World Stadium and Inter&Co Stadium hosting marquee events, Orlando is solidifying its place as the Sports Event Capital. Visitors can plan their Orlando vacations around thrilling sports moments—and extend their stay to enjoy the city’s unmatched attractions, award-winning dining, and diverse entertainment.

About Visit Orlando

Visit Orlando is The Official Tourism Association® for Orlando, the most visited destination in the United States, Theme Park Capital of the World® and No. 1 meeting destination in the country. A not-for-profit trade association that brands, markets and sells the Orlando destination globally, we represent more than 1,400 member companies comprising every segment of Central Florida’s tourism community.

Visit Orlando connects consumers and business groups with all facets of Orlando’s travel community, whether for a vacation or meeting. Home to seven of the world’s top theme parks — as well as refreshing water parks, activities to connect with nature, vibrant neighborhoods, a dynamic dining scene with Michelin recognized restaurants, and a robust calendar of entertainment and sports events — Orlando is a diverse, welcoming and inclusive community for all travelers. Find more information at VisitOrlando.com or OrlandoMeeting.com.

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