Finding His Voice: Scott Lienard's Journey to the Mic
Many kids idolize sports heroes, dreaming of the day when they grow up to be the next Michael Jordan, Peyton Manning or Caitlin Clark. Scott Lienard harbored no such ambitions. But he was drawn to sports at a young age through the voices of the game. The announcers. He tuned into their cadence and pitch, at the ripe old age of 6. He was particularly smitten by Paul Porter, the longtime voice of the Orlando Magic. And he was hooked. “That's my guy,” Lienard says today. “Yeah, he started me down
August's Good Morning Seminole Kicks Off New Chamber Year Right
The first Thursday of the month is always reserved for Good Morning Seminole, but the first Thursday of August was special. This month, we featured a discussion on the new Tourism Improvement District, an effort by Seminole County government and the local tourism industry to grow our sports tourism industry. Featuring a panel discussion led by well-known former Sentinel sports writer George Diaz, our attendees learned how this new effort will impact them. Nearly 250 people came to hear our
Greater Orlando Sports Commission Announces Award Winners for 2025 Celebrating Women in Sports Luncheon Presented by Orlando Health Jewett Orthopedic Institute
The Greater Orlando Sports Commission (GO Sports) has announced five award winners that will be honored during the 2025 Celebrating Women in Sports luncheon presented by Orlando Health Jewett Orthopedic Institute. The 7th annual luncheon will be hosted at UCF’s Addition Financial Arena on Wednesday, September 17 at 11:00am. The luncheon will recognize the honorees in three categories: Chrissy Elliott (Florida Citrus Sports), Heather Fagan (City of Orlando), and Sherry Wheelock (Special Olympics Florida)
Greater Orlando Sports Commission Announces Retirement of CFO Gary Cohen, Welcomes Jeanine Scharpf as New Chief Financial Officer
The Greater Orlando Sports Commission (GO Sports) today announced the retirement of Chief Financial Officer Gary Cohen after more than a decade of dedicated service. The organization also proudly welcomes Jeanine Scharpf as its new CFO, bringing with her over 30 years of experience in financial management and strategic planning. Gary Cohen has been a cornerstone of GO Sports’ financial operations since joining the organization in 2014, playing a critical role in its success over the past 11 years. An
Greater Orlando Sports Commission Extends Partnership With Lake County Through 2030
The Greater Orlando Sports Commission (GO Sports) is proud to announce a five-year contract extension with Lake County, continuing the successful partnership that began in 1996. The agreement extends the collaboration through 2030, reinforcing a shared commitment to growing sports tourism in the region. Over the past five years, the partnership has driven a significant number of hotel room night stays annually, underscoring Lake County’s status as a premier destination for championship-caliber events.
Orlando Hosts World’s Largest Volleyball Tournament, Bolstering its Hosting Credentials for Major Events
Orlando has reaffirmed why it’s one of the world’s premier international sports destinations, hosting the 2025 Amateur Athletic Union (AAU) Junior National Volleyball Championships, the world’s largest volleyball tournament. The event, which ran from June 13 to July 7, attracted over 6,500 teams and 325,500 estimated athletes, coaches, and spectators from all 50 states and multiple countries to Orlando, setting new participation and attendance records. Hosted at the Orange County Convention Center, one
Two Greater Orlando Venues Named To Newsweek’s Best Youth Baseball Complexes Of 2025
Central Florida has once again proven itself as a premier destination for youth sports, with two venues recognized among the Best Youth Baseball Complexes in America by the 2025 Newsweek Fans’ Choice Awards. Boombah Sports Complex in Seminole County earned the #1 national ranking, while ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex at Walt Disney World Resort in Osceola County was honored at #8 on the prestigious list.Boombah Sports Complex’s top ranking is a testament to its state-of-the-art facilities, including 15
WBCA Announces Teams for Second Annual WBCA Showcase College Women’s Basketball Event at Walt Disney World Resort
Baylor, Central Missouri, Davidson, Iowa, Miami (Florida), Missouri, Washington State and West Florida will compete in the second annual WBCA Showcase at Walt Disney World Resort, the Women’s Basketball Coaches Association announced today. The college women’s basketball event played at ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex will be held Thursday through Sunday, Nov. 20-23, 2025. Baylor, Davidson, Iowa and Miami each will play two NCAA Division I games on Thursday and Saturday. Missouri and Washington State
A Foot in the Door
Internships open windows to opportunities. The stereotypical punch line may be ‘pick up the dry cleaning’ and coffee runs, but it does not come close to defining the experience of a collaborative effort between a company and an intern. At the Greater Orlando Sports Commission (GO Sports), interns are viewed as valuable contributors who dip those proverbial toes into a myriad of opportunities. With eyes wide open, opportunities arise, and career paths are launched. The GO Sports internship program has
Greater Orlando Sports Commission Announces Misty May-Treanor as Featured Speaker for ?2025 Celebrating Women in Sports Luncheon
The Greater Orlando Sports Commission (GO Sports) is proud to announce that the 7th Annual Celebrating Women in Sports luncheon presented by Orlando Health Jewett Orthopedic Institute will be hosted at Addition Financial Arena on Wednesday, September 17, 2025. In addition to Orlando Health Jewett Orthopedic Institute returning as the presenting sponsor, Florida Blue is returning as the sponsor of the fireside chat with featured speaker, Misty May-Treanor. Last year's luncheon sold out with more than 725
2026 USA Volleyball Open National Championship to be Hosted in Orlando
USA Volleyball is excited to announce that the 2026 USA Volleyball Open National Championship will take place at the Orange County Convention Center in Orlando, Florida, from May 22–27, 2026. Celebrating its status as the longest-running adult volleyball championship in the United States, the event will bring together athletes of all skill levels, ages, and backgrounds for an unforgettable week of competition. The Open National Championship, known for its vibrant atmosphere and inclusive spirit, will
FHSAA Partners with Seminole County and Greater Orlando Sports Commission for 2025 Softball State Championships
The Boombah-Soldiers Creek Park in Longwood has been selected to host the 2025 Florida High School Softball State Championships. In partnership with Seminole County and the Greater Orlando Sports Commission (GO Sports), Florida’s best high school softball teams in 2025 will seek a conclusion to their season within the friendly confines of Seminole County. The 2025 championship event featuring 32 teams will take place Tuesday, May 20th through Saturday, May 24th. Developed in 2017 and conveniently located
Orlando Welcomes FIFA President Gianni Infantino, Showcases Readiness for 2025 FIFA Club World Cup
Orlando Mayor Buddy Dyer and the Greater Orlando Sports Commission (GO Sports), alongside partners at the City of Orlando, Orange County, Inter&Co Stadium, Camping World Stadium, Florida Citrus Sports, and Visit Orlando, yesterday welcomed FIFA President Gianni Infantino to Orlando for a visit ahead of the FIFA Club World Cup 2025™. As a part of a nationwide trophy tour for the tournament, FIFA President Gianni Infantino visited Inter&Co Stadium and Camping World Stadium, both venues which will host
Seminole County Commission Champions Tourism Improvement District
The Seminole County Board of County Commissioners has approved the establishment of the Seminole County Tourism Improvement District (TID), a dedicated funding mechanism designed to strengthen the County’s position as a premier sports tourism destination. The initiative, years in the making by the Office of Economic Development & Tourism, has the potential to generate an estimated $3.2 million annually through a $1.75 per room, per night assessment on qualifying hotel properties (60+ rooms). These funds
Greater Orlando Sports Commission Unveils New Logo
The Greater Orlando Sports Commission (GO Sports) is proud to announce the launch of its new logo, a bold and modern design that reflects the organization’s ongoing commitment to enhancing sports tourism in the region. In their most recent list of “Best Sports Business Cities,” Sports Business Journal ranked Orlando the No. 1 city in the United States for Attracting and Hosting Events. “With the announcement of today’s rebrand, we’re excited to embrace a fresh new look and the opportunities it brings,”
Orlando's Rise as a Global Sports Hub: A New Era of Economic and Cultural Impact
GO Sports President & CEO Jason Siegel was interviewed by Ayishatu Zakaria of AIPS Media to share insights into Orlando's strategic positioning as an international sports hub, and the significance of hosting FIFA Club World Cup matches in 2025. "We were certainly thrilled to be awarded six matches and an added bonus was the fact that we're only one of four cities hosting a quarter final." - Jason Siegel President & CEO, Greater Orlando Sports CommissionREAD THE ARTICLE
Rebekah Arthur Named to Sports Commission Advisory Board
As one of Central Florida's largest chambers of commerce, the Seminole County Chamber prides itself on being a part of regional efforts for economic development. Last week, our CEO & president, Rebekah Arthur was named to the advisory board of the Greater Orlando Sports Commission, the regional organization that works to attract amateur sporting events to Seminole County and the rest of Central Florida. "The Greater Orlando Sports Commission has shown time and time again their impact on our
Greater Orlando Sports Commission Announces Promotions and New Hire for 2025
The Greater Orlando Sports Commission (GO Sports) has announced a series of promotions and one new hire as it prepares for its 2025 event calendar. "We are thrilled to announce the well-earned promotions of our outstanding team members," said President & CEO Jason Siegel. "These individuals have shown remarkable dedication, leadership, and skill, playing a key role in our organization’s achievements. Their promotions are a testament to their hard work and our commitment to supporting growth and
Greater Orlando Sports Commission Announces 31 New Board Members For 2025
The Greater Orlando Sports Commission (GO Sports) has announced 31 incoming members to its Executive and Advisory Board of Directors, bringing the total to 137 board members. Incoming members will provide leadership, influence and counsel, and play a vital role in supporting the organization’s mission on behalf of the City of Orlando and Lake, Orange, Osceola and Seminole Counties. “As Chairman, I am proud of this organization’s ongoing success in bringing together some of the most diverse, talented, and
Greater Orlando Sports Commission Announces 2024-25 Executive Committee Officers
The Greater Orlando Sports Commission (GO Sports) has announced its 2024-25 Executive Committee officers. This team will provide vision, guidance and counsel when it comes to attracting and managing sports-related events, conferences and activities that are designed to drive positive economic development and visitation to the greater Orlando area. They will also be focused on marketing the destination that extends across the City of Orlando and Lake, Orange, Osceola and Seminole Counties. “We are
Greater Orlando Sports Commission Reveals Winners Of 2024 Sportys During Broadcast On WKMG-Tv News 6
The 2024 SPORTYS: Greater Orlando’s Night of Champions presented by Orlando Health Jewett Orthopedic Institute aired last night on WKMG’s ClickOrlando.com. Viewers watched as 12 category winners were revealed from a field of 68 finalists. The Greater Orlando Sports Commission also hosted an in-person Watch Party and Sports Industry Reception, sponsored by AAU, at the Orlando Museum of Art to coincide with the broadcast. See below for the complete list of winners. The 2024 SPORTYS honored sports business
U.S. Paralympics Swimming Returns to Rosen Aquatic Center in Orlando for 2024 National Championships Presented by Toyota
For the second consecutive year, U.S. Paralympics Swimming will host the U.S. Paralympics Swimming National Championships, presented by Toyota, at the Rosen Aquatic & Fitness Center (RAFC) in Orlando, Florida. The competition is set to run from Dec. 13-15, 2024 and will be the second time U.S. Paralympics Swimming has hosted an event in Orlando, Florida, following the 2023 edition of the event. “We are excited and honored to once again be hosting the U.S. Paralympics Swimming National Championships
Pat Williams, Tom Draper To Be Honored As Part Of Greater Orlando Sports Commission's 2024 SPORTYS Awards
The Chairman’s Award of Excellence and Sports Tourism Alliance Award will be presented alongside 10 other award categories during the 2024 SPORTYS on Wednesday, December 4 Orlando, Fla. (November 12, 2024) – The Greater Orlando Sports Commission (GO Sports) has announced the recipients for the Chairman’s Award of Excellence and the Sports Tourism Alliance Award as part of the 2024 SPORTYS: Greater Orlando’s Night of Champions presented by Orlando Health Jewett Orthopedic Institute, which airs on
Greater Orlando Sports Commission Unveils List Of 68 Finalists For 2024 Sportys Awards
Orlando, Fla. (October 16, 2024) – The Greater Orlando Sports Commission (GO Sports) has unveiled the list of 68 finalists for the 2024 SPORTYS: Greater Orlando’s Night of Champions presented by Orlando Health Jewett Orthopedic Institute. The finalists were selected by a voting committee made up of members of the GO Sports board of directors. Representing 34 different organizations throughout Greater Orlando, the finalists are listed below. “Congratulations to all of the finalists announced today,” said
EMERGENCY INFORMATION & COMMUNITY RESOURCES FOR HURRICANE MILTON
At a press conference held Tuesday, October 7 at 1:30pm, Orlando Mayor Buddy Dyer declared a State of Emergency in the City of Orlando. The city’s Emergency Operations Center will move to a Level 2 Activation on Tuesday, October 8, at 10am and expects to move to a Level 1 Full Activation on Wednesday, October 9 at 12pm. City and County Emergency Information: City of OrlandoOrange CountySeminole CountyLake CountyOsceola County Other Local Resources: Orlando-based Rosen Hotel brand is offering
2028 March Madness, 2027 DII Women’s Golf To Be Hosted In Orlando As NCAA Reveals Site Selections For 2026-2028 Championship Events
The NCAA announced today that Orlando was selected to host the First-and-Second Rounds of the 2028 NCAA DI Men’s Basketball Championship, as well as the 2027 Division II Women’s Golf Championship. The Division I Men’s Basketball Championship, also known as March Madness, will return to Kia Center in 2028, co-hosted by UCF. Orlando most recently hosted First-and-Seconds Round games in 2023, 2017 and 2014, and 2004. The 2027 Division II Women’s Golf Championship will be held at Mission Resort + Club in Lake
Orlando Bolsters Position as Top Soccer Destination with Two Venues Selected to Host 2025 FIFA Club World Cup Matches
ORLANDO, Fla. (Sept. 28, 2024) — The Fédération Internationale de Football Association (FIFA) has announced the 11 cities and 12 venues that will host matches during the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup, with Orlando's Inter&Co Stadium and Camping World Stadium both set to welcome competition as the 32-team tournament makes its U.S. debut next summer. The lineup was unveiled Saturday as part of the Global Citizen Festival in New York City. Recently named the nation's No. 1 city for hosting events by Sports
Greater Orlando Sports Commission Announces Date And Watch Party Location For 2024 Sportys: Greater Orlando’s Night Of Champions
Nominations are now being accepted for awards show to honor sports business professionals from Greater Orlando’s sports ecosystem ORLANDO, Fla. (August 22, 2024) – The Greater Orlando Sports Commission (GO Sports) has opened nominations and announced the date for the 2024 SPORTYS awards. With Orlando Health Jewett Orthopedic Institute returning as the presenting sponsor, the 2024 SPORTYS: Greater Orlando’s Night of Champions will be streamed on WKMG News 6’s website ClickOrlando.com and streaming
Welcome Coach Malzahn to Good Morning Seminole in June
Yesterday morning, we heard a great presentation on the business of sports from the Greater Orlando Sports Commission and the impact it has on our economy. We're keeping with the sports theme with a very special guest, UCF Head Football Coach Gus Malzahn to our June 6 Good Morning Seminole event. If you don't know Coach Malzahn, he has built a successful program along the way, including leading Auburn University to an SEC Championship and a National Title Game appearance in 2014. This fall
