Your Ultimate Guide to Winning with Live Sports in Orlando
Get the score on Orlando’s biggest sports events, including the Arnold Palmer Invitational, NCAA bowl games, professional teams and more.
If you’re passionate about sports and the thrill of victory, Orlando is your next destination.
State‑of‑the‑art venues host major annual events—from the NCAA bowl games and tennis championships to professional golf tournaments. Plus, you can catch home games for the Orlando Magic (NBA), Orlando City SC and Orlando Pride (MLS & NWSL), the UCF Knights (NCAA Division I football), and the Orlando Solar Bears (ECHL).
Major Annual Sports Events in Orlando
Camping World Stadium in Orlando (Photo: Ben Tanner)
Major NCAA Games (November – January)
While Orlando isn’t the official home of NCAA football, it hosts four marquee games each year. The season opens with the Florida Blue Florida Classic in November at Camping World Stadium, pitting the Florida A&M Rattlers against the Bethune‑Cookman Wildcats in the nation’s largest HBCU football matchup.
The Cheez‑It Bowl in December showcases top teams from the Atlantic Coast Conference (outside the CFP) and the Big 12, while the VRBO Citrus Bowl on New Year’s Day pairs leading Big Ten and SEC teams that are not in the CFP.
Exploria Stadium—normally a European football hub—transforms for the Cure Bowl in December, matching the American Athletic Conference with the Sun Belt and supporting the Breast Cancer Research Foundation.
Arnold Palmer Invitational Presented by Mastercard (March)
The Arnold Palmer Invitational is one of the PGA Tour’s crown jewels, drawing a top international field. Past champions such as Fred Couples, Phil Mickelson, Ernie Els, Tim Herron, and Tiger Woods have all competed here.
Proceeds benefit the Arnold Palmer Hospital for Children and Winnie Palmer Hospital for Women & Babies, both located in Orlando. The tournament is staged at Arnold Palmer’s Bay Hill Club & Lodge, just 15 minutes west of Universal Orlando Resort.
Tournaments at USTA National Campus (Year‑Round)
Located in Orlando’s Lake Nona neighborhood, the USTA National Campus spans 64 acres and boasts 100 tennis courts. In addition to free‑to‑play courts by reservation, it hosts professional, collegiate, and amateur tournaments throughout the year.
In spring 2019, the campus hosted the NCAA Division I Men’s and Women’s Tennis Championships, scheduled to return in 2021, with Division III championships following in 2022.
Major Sports Teams in Orlando
Orlando Magic (Oct – Apr)
The Magic—Orlando’s longest‑running pro team—plays 44 home games a season (incl. preseason) at Amway Center. The franchise has earned five division titles, an Eastern Conference championship in 1995, and one in 2009. Even during lean years, the team remains a community pillar, donating over $2 million annually to local causes.
Orlando City SC & Orlando Pride (Mar – Oct)
Since joining MLS in 2015, Orlando City SC has called Exploria Stadium home. The venue, known for its world‑class design, fuels an electrifying atmosphere for fans. Orlando Pride, the NWSL sister club, stars Alex Morgan and has captured U.S. World Cup titles in 2015 and 2019.
UCF Knights – NCAA Division I Football (Sep – Dec)
The UCF Knights, a nationally ranked program, host home games at Spectrum Stadium, 30 minutes east of downtown. Their rivalry with the University of South Tampa, known as the “War on I‑4,” draws passionate crowds.
Orlando Solar Bears (Oct – Apr)
The ECHL’s Orlando Solar Bears, affiliated with the NHL’s Tampa Bay Lightning and AHL’s Syracuse Crunch, play at Amway Center. Their games are a budget‑friendly, high‑energy option for hockey fans.
Beyond professional play, Orlando offers ample opportunities to compete in golf, tennis, volleyball, and more. Follow our blog for the latest on how to get in the game during your visit!
