Orlando Bolsters Position as Top Soccer Destination with Two Venues Selected to Host 2025 FIFA Club World Cup Matches

ORLANDO BOLSTERS POSITION AS TOP SOCCER DESTINATION 

WITH TWO VENUES SELECTED TO HOST 

2025 FIFA CLUB WORLD CUP MATCHES

ORLANDO, FLORIDA [2024] — The Fédération Internationale de Football Association (FIFA) 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 number-one city for hosting events by Sports Business Journal, the City Beautiful continues to thrive as a host for premier competition, including flagship soccer events on both the club and federation levels. Notably, Orlando will be the only 2025 FIFA Club World Cup host city with tournament matches in multiple venues. 

Earlier this year, Inter&Co Stadium the home of Major League Soccer’s Orlando City SC and the National Women’s Soccer League’s Orlando Pride, served as a host venue for Copa America 2024. In January, Orlando City also hosted Brazilian side Flamengo in partnership with Florida Cup. 

Additionally, in June, Camping World Stadium drew 60,016 fans for the Allstate Continental Clásico, a marquee matchup between the U.S. and Brazil Men’s National soccer teams. The venue also welcomed a sellout crowd of 63,237 for July's FC Series friendly between European powerhouses Barcelona and Manchester City.

The FIFA Club World Cup will be the largest stand-alone global club football event ever staged in the United States and globally, with the best 32 clubs from all over the world participating. The tournament kicks off on Sunday, June 15, 2025, with all roads leading to the MetLife Stadium on Sunday, July 13, 2025, where the FIFA Club World Cup 2025 will be played, just over a year before the venue stages the FIFA World Cup 26 final.

With the draw set for December, only two of the 32 teams are yet to be confirmed: one from South America, the other representing the host country. Further information regarding the draw, which will see the 32 best clubs in the world divided into eight exciting groups of four, will be released in due course. The tournament match schedule will be published shortly after the draw.

Fans can visit FIFA.com/tickets to register for FIFA Club World Cup 2025 ticket and hospitality information.

 

WHAT THEY'RE SAYING:

Orlando Mayor Buddy Dyer

"We are thrilled to welcome the FIFA Club World Cup to both of our Downtown stadiums next summer. Events like these solidify our city's reputation for hosting world-class competitions and offering unforgettable experiences, and we look forward to working with our community partners to put Orlando’s best foot forward for fans, top clubs and FIFA delegates from around the globe." 

 
Orange County Mayor Jerry L. Demings

“We are excited to have the FIFA Club World Cup coming to our community next year. Hosting this prestigious event highlights our community's ability to shine on the global stage and reinforces our shared commitment to bringing world-class sports and entertainment to our residents and visitors alike.”

 
Orlando City SC, Orlando Pride & Inter&Co Stadium President of Business Operations, Jarrod Dillon

“All of us at Inter&Co Stadium are very excited and humbled to be one of only four soccer-specific stadiums selected to host matches in the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup, one of the most exciting club tournaments in all of sports. Each day we strive to make Inter&Co Stadium a top destination for soccer events, and we are proud that our venue is being recognized on this global stage. We cannot wait for our fans and our broader community to show the world why Orlando is one of the best soccer markets in the world. We would also like to congratulate our colleagues at Greater Orlando Sports Commission, Florida Citrus Sports and Orlando Venues, as we continue to prove why the City Beautiful was selected as the number one sporting destination in the United States.” 

Florida Citrus Sports Chief Executive Officer Steve Hogan

“To be selected to host the FIFA Club World Cup in 2025 is a tremendous win for Orlando. Events like these are a testament to our local leadership and our sports community's shared commitment to bringing the biggest events on earth to Central Florida. We look forward to providing an unforgettable experience for fans and showcasing our city's passion for the game on a global stage.”

 

Greater Orlando Sports Commission President & Chief Executive Officer, Jason Siegel

“Orlando is incredibly proud and honored to have been chosen by FIFA to host matches for the first ever FIFA Club World Cup in 2025. Inter&Co Stadium, Camping World Stadium, and our world class tourism community are ready to welcome some of the best clubs and their fans from around the world next summer. Thank you to our friends and long-term partners at FIFA for once again putting their trust in Orlando to be a part of this new era in club football.”

Visit Orlando President and CEO Casandra Matej

“As the most visited destination in the U.S., Orlando has a proven track record of hosting major international events. We are grateful to FIFA for the opportunity to host 2025 FIFA Club World Cup games at two of our exceptional venues and look forward to working with our local partners to showcase how in Orlando you can come for the game and stay for the fun.” 

 

About Inter&Co Stadium

Opened in March 2017, Inter&Co Stadium is home to Orlando City of Major League Soccer (MLS) and Orlando Pride of the National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL). The soccer-specific stadium is located in the heart of Downtown Orlando and was the first MLS stadium to open with five consecutive victories. 

 
Inter&Co Stadium was 100 percent privately funded at a cost of $155 million. It features a 360-degree lower bowl, North America’s first safe-standing supporters’ section – dubbed “The Wall” – and a four-sided canopy roof to keep the noise in and weather out. In Section 12, there are 49 rainbow-colored seats to memorialize the victims of the tragedy at Pulse Night Club. The stadium also houses the Club’s Front Office. 

 
Since its opening, the venue had already seen a number of guest experience upgrades, highlighted by the “Orlando Made” food and beverage program, featuring local favorites for fans to enjoy all that the City Beautiful has to offer under one roof. 

To date, the stadium has hosted U.S. Men’s National Team's 2018 & 2022 World Cup Qualifiers, the U.S. Women's National Team in the 2018, 2020 & 2023 SheBelieves Cup, as well as the 2017 NWSL Championship, 2017 NCAA Women’s College Cup, 2018 & 2019 MLS Combines, multiple editions of the Florida Cup, the 2019 MLS All-Star Game, the 2019, 2021 & 2022 Cure Bowl, the Orlando Philharmonic and the 2022 Special Olympics USA Games Opening Ceremony.

 

About Camping World Stadium

Camping World Stadium is owned and operated by the City of Orlando. Since opening in 1936 as a Works Progress Administration project by President Franklin D. Roosevelt at a cost of $115,000 and a capacity of 8,900, the stadium has undergone numerous expansions and name changes over the years. The historic venue underwent a massive $207.7 million reconstruction in 2014, which yielded 90% all-new construction and a completely modernized stadium. Its sustainable design achieved a LEED Silver Certification for new construction from the U.S. Green Building Council. In 2021, the stadium underwent an additional $60 million in construction upgrades and enhancements that included adding approximately 3,800 permanent seats on the North Plaza deck, creating a new premium Club Level on the east and west sides and installing more restrooms and concession areas for general admission. The continued investment has bolstered Camping World Stadium's ability to draw high-profile events like neutral-site college football games, the NFL Pro Bowl Games, WrestleMania, Monster Jam World Finals, Over the last three years, the stadium has hosted four international soccer matches with crowds over 60,000: Chelsea vs. Arsenal (2022 -- 63,811); Real Madrid vs. Juventus (2023 -- 63,503), US Men’s National Team vs. Brazil (2024 -- 60,016) and Manchester City vs. Barcelona (2024 – 63,237) and big-name concerts while retaining its signature annual bowl games and events. For more information, visit Camping World Stadium.

Contemporary Christian Artist TobyMac Announces Hits Deep 2025 Tour - Includes Return Visit to Orlando's Kia Center on January 30, 2025 - Tickets On Sale Now

ORLANDO, FLORIDA [2024] – Multi-award-winning Christian artist TobyMac announces his highly-anticipated Hits Deep 2025 Tour. Produced by Awakening Foundation, the 32-date tour kicks off on Thursday, January 23 in Pensacola, FL and includes a return visit to Orlando’s Kia Center on Thursday, January 30, 2025, for one night only. Tickets on sale now.

 

“The Hits Deep tour is back for another year, and this one will be crazy special,” shared TobyMac. “We have invited some of our favorite artists to bring their hits to the stage–can't wait to share who they will be very soon. Every one of these artists has written songs echoing through the halls of my home. And yes, I may even have some new songs to share releasing over the next few months. Let’s gooooo!”

 

TobyMac’s impact on the music industry is undeniable with numerous albums going platinum and gold and several chart-topping singles. His live performances are renowned for their high energy, powerful messages and connection with his fans. The Hits Deep Tour 2025 will not only feature his biggest hits but also introduce new music showcasing the depth of his songwriting. Fans can expect an evening filled with worship, celebration and the positive messages that have become synonymous with TobyMac’s music.

 

With more than 16 million albums sold and seven GRAMMY® Awards, TobyMac’s career continues to run on the fast track. His most recent project, “Life After Death,” debuted at number one on Billboard’s Christian Albums chart in August 2022, earned him his 17th GRAMMY® nomination and has amassed more than 475 million global streams. Named Pop/Contemporary Album of the Year at the 54th Annual GMA Dove Awards, the album boasts an incredible five number-one songs, “The Goodness” (feat. Blessing Offor), whose music video won the Dove Award for Short Form Music Video of the Year, “Help Is On The Way (Maybe Midnight)” peaked at number one across five charts, “Promised Land,” “Cornerstone’ (feat. Zach Williams) and “Faithfully,” which held onto the top spot for nine consecutive weeks.

 

Tickets: starting at $15.00 Ticket pricing is subject to change based on market demand. All tickets are reserved. Buy tickets at the Kia Center box office or at Ticketmaster.com. All dates, act(s) and ticket prices are subject to change without notice. All tickets are subject to applicable taxes, service, handling and facility fee charges. For Kia Center box office and ticket information, visit KiaCenter.com (phone purchases are not available through the Kia Center box office). Kia Center is located at 400 West Church Street and the box office is located on the north side of the Kia Center, near the intersection of Church Street and Hughey Avenue. 

 

About Awakening Foundation

The Awakening Foundation exists to share the message of hope and resources with individuals and families in local and international communities by bringing together artists, fans, and like-minded organizations through live events and missional endeavors to serve and empower those in need. All Awakening Foundation events are powered by Awakening Events. Consistently ranked among the top promoters in America, and reaching as high as No. 3 in the world in total tickets sold Awakening Events is a leader in the live faith-based entertainment industry. Be sure to find out more atAwakeningFoundation.com.  

 

About World Vision

World Vision is a Christian humanitarian organization dedicated to working with children, families, and their communities worldwide to reach their full potential by tackling the causes of poverty and injustice. With staff in nearly 100 countries, World Vision serves all people, regardless of religion, race, ethnicity, or gender. For more information, please visit  WorldVision.org. 

 

About Altrua Healthshare

Altrua HealthShare is part of Altrua Ministries, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. As a nationally recognized, faith-based Health Care Sharing Ministry of individuals and families, a collaborative community of health-conscious people, providers, dentists, nurses, staff, and members, we are dedicated to a single purpose: improving your health by “Caring for One Another.” Our membership opportunities are developed and based on Biblical principles established for living a healthy and honorable lifestyle, and members must believe in our Statement of Standards to join. Find out more ataltruahealthshare.org.

 

About Kia Center

Kia Center, owned and operated by the City of Orlando on behalf of the Central Florida community, hosts major national events, concerts and family shows since its opening in the Fall of 2010. The Orlando Magic served as the developer and the facility was designed to reflect the character of the community, meet the goals of the users and build on the legacy of sports and entertainment in Orlando. The building’s exterior features a modern blend of glass and metal materials, along with ever-changing graphics via a monumental wall along one facade. A 180-foot tall tower serves as a beacon amid the downtown skyline. The 875,000 square foot, Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) Gold-certified building features a sustainable, environmentally-friendly design and unmatched technology, including 1,100 digital monitors, the tallest high-definition video board in an NBA venue and multiple premium amenities available to all patrons in the building. Kia Center was honored with the International Association of Venue Managers' Venue Excellence Award, which is bestowed upon facilities that excel in the management and operation of public assembly venues. Kia Center was the only arena to garner this distinction. Additionally, the arena has earned numerous awards, which most notably includes TheStadiumBusiness Awards’ 2013 Customer Experience Award and was named SportsBusiness Journal's 2012 Sports Facility of the Year. For more information about the Kia Center, visit KiaCenter.com.

Asher Hong, Hezly Rivera, Shane Wiskus and Yul Moldauer Join Simone Biles and America’s Best Gymnasts for 30-City U.S. Tour Including Orlando's Kia Center on Sat, Oct 12 - Tickets On Sale Now

ASHER HONG, HEZLY RIVERA, SHANE WISKUS AND YUL MOLDAUER 

JOIN SIMONE BILES AND AMERICA’S BEST GYMNASTS FOR 30-CITY U.S. TOUR

 

The Athleta Presents Gold Over America Tour Brings Superstars from 

Women’s and Men’s Gymnastics to Arenas Across the Country This Fall

 

Coming to Orlando’s Kia Center on Saturday, October 12 for One Show ONLY

ASHER HONG, HEZLY RIVERA, SHANE WISKUS AND YUL MOLDAUER 

JOIN SIMONE BILES AND AMERICA’S BEST GYMNASTS FOR 30-CITY U.S. TOUR

 

The Athleta Presents Gold Over America Tour Brings Superstars from 

Women’s and Men’s Gymnastics to Arenas Across the Country This Fall

 

Coming to Orlando’s Kia Center on Saturday, October 12 for One Show ONLY

 

 

ORLANDO, FLORIDA – The Athleta Presents Gold Over America Tour (GOAT), starring Simone Biles and the best-of-the-best female and male competitors from the gymnastics world, will be leaping into 30 arenas around the U.S. this fall with a high-energy and high-flying, gymnastics-meets-pop-concert spectacle. Producers today announced new cast additions including Asher Hong, Hezly Rivera, Shane Wiskus and Yul Moldauer. They will join Biles, Jordan Chiles, Jade Carey, Fred Richard, Brody Malone, Paul Juda, Joscelyn Roberson, Katelyn Ohashi, Peng-Peng Lee, Mélanie Johanna De Jesus Dos Santos and Casimir Schmidt and bring their talents from the world stage to the GOAT stage to entertain audiences around the country. Stephen Nedoroscik, who was previously confirmed and announced, will no longer be part of the tour.

 

Produced by MagicSpace Entertainment and AEG Presents/Concerts West, the Athleta Presents Gold Over America Tour — or GOAT, its sublime acronym — brings an exhilarating display of jaw-dropping athletic brilliance and high-energy choreography coupled with inspirational messages of hope, strength, resilience and determination. Every tumble, twist and gravity-defying trick will have audiences on the edge of their seat at every performance. The tour kicks off on Monday, September 16 in Oceanside, CA, before vaulting, tumbling and swinging its way through the country including Orlando’s Kia Center on Saturday, October 12, for one show only. Tickets are on sale now at Ticketmaster.com.

 

“I’m so honored and excited to welcome these incredible and courageous athletes to the tour for an amazing and unforgettable journey,” says Biles. “This tour is not only about amazing performances, but connecting with communities and building up the confidence of the next generation of athletes. We are so excited to be a part of the Athleta Presents Gold Over America Tour and can’t wait to take a victory lap around the U.S. and celebrate with all the fans this fall. I can’t wait to see you all out there.”

 

The creative team for the tour includes Director Mark “Swany” Swanhart and Associate Director Louanne Madorma, along with world-renowned gymnastics coach Valorie “Miss Val” Kondos Field, who serves as Supervising Choreographer for the tour.

 

Biles’ long-term apparel partner, Athleta, returns as the title sponsor supporting the brand’s “Find Your Movement” rally cry and mission to build confidence, strength and belonging through movement. Gold sponsors include SPIETH and GK; SPIETH is the global leader in gymnastics equipment with over 190 years of tradition, innovative design and athlete-proven performance. GK is the largest gymnastics apparel brand in the world and has been crafting the best fitting apparel for more than 40 years. Supplier sponsor K18 is a biology-first haircare company with clinically proven, high-performance results that transform hair routines and lives. The sponsors represent a commitment to excellence and innovation and reflect the tour's dedication to empowering athletes and fans alike.

 

Follow the tour @GoldOverAmericaTour on Instagram and Facebook; #GoldOverAmericaTour.

 

Tickets: starting at $31.00 Ticket pricing is subject to change based on market demand. All tickets are reserved. Buy tickets at the Kia Center box office or Ticketmaster.com. All dates, act(s) and ticket prices are subject to change without notice. All tickets are subject to applicable taxes, service, handling and facility fee charges. For Kia Center box office and ticket information, visit KiaCenter.com (phone purchases are not available through the Kia Center box office). Kia Center is located at 400 West Church Street and the box office is located on the north side of the Kia Center, near the intersection of Church Street and Hughey Avenue. 

 

About MagicSpace Entertainment

MagicSpace Entertainment, a LiveCo Company, is a boutique producing and presenting firm focused on first-class properties and productions. Based in Park City, UT, the company has produced and presented national tours, Broadway shows, concerts, museum exhibits and sporting events worldwide for over 40 years with a powerhouse producing team focused on providing creative, marketing, and general management expertise. www.magicspace.net

 

About Concerts West & AEG

Concerts West and AEG Presents are world leaders in the music and entertainment industries. Operating across five continents, CW + AEG have an unparalleled commitment to artistry, creativity, and community, and their tentpole festivals set the bar for the live music experience: Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival, British Summer Time Hyde Park, and New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival, and more. Global tours include The Rolling Stones, Roger Waters, Celine Dion, Justin Bieber, and more. With a wide network of clubs, theaters, arenas, and stadiums, CW + AEG caters to artist development and audience satisfaction.

 

About Athleta

A certified B Corporation, Athleta is a premium performance lifestyle brand with a purpose of inspiring and empowering women and girls to find confidence, strength, and wellbeing through movement. Athleta’s versatile performance apparel is designed for women by women, with inclusivity at its core. Founded in 1998, Athleta integrates performance and technical features across its collection to support women across their entire lifestyle—from yoga and training to travel and recovery. In 2016, the company launched Athleta Girl mirroring its signature performance in styles for the next generation. Based in San Francisco, CA and a Gap Inc. brand (NYSE: GPS), Athleta apparel is available at its more than 250 retail stores across the United States and Canada and at Athleta.com.

 

About Kia Center

Kia Center, owned and operated by the City of Orlando on behalf of the Central Florida community, hosts major national events, concerts and family shows since its opening in the Fall of 2010. The Orlando Magic served as the developer and the facility was designed to reflect the character of the community, meet the goals of the users and build on the legacy of sports and entertainment in Orlando. The building’s exterior features a modern blend of glass and metal materials, along with ever-changing graphics via a monumental wall along one facade. A 180-foot tall tower serves as a beacon amid the downtown skyline. The 875,000 square foot, Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) Gold-certified building features a sustainable, environmentally-friendly design and unmatched technology, including 1,100 digital monitors, the tallest high-definition video board in an NBA venue and multiple premium amenities available to all patrons in the building. Kia Center was honored with the International Association of Venue Managers' Venue Excellence Award, which is bestowed upon facilities that excel in the management and operation of public assembly venues. Kia Center was the only arena to garner this distinction. Additionally, the arena has earned numerous awards, which most notably includes TheStadiumBusiness Awards’ 2013 Customer Experience Award and was named SportsBusiness Journal's 2012 Sports Facility of the Year. For more information about the Kia Center, visit KiaCenter.com.

Trans-Siberian Orchestra's "Lost Christmas Eve" Winter Tour 2024 - A Triple Celebration With Their All-New Show Returns to Kia Center on Dec 14 for Two Shows - Tickets On Sale Now

TRANS-SIBERIAN ORCHESTRA”S “THE LOST CHRISTMAS EVE” WINTER TOUR 2024 -

A TRIPLE CELEBRATION WITH THEIR ALL-NEW SHOW

ORLANDO, FLORIDA [2024] – This year, the multi-platinum rock group Trans-Siberian Orchestra (TSO) kicks off a monumental winter tour on November 13. This year marks a triple celebration: 20 years of their beloved rock opera, The Lost Christmas Eve, reaching 20 million concertgoers and surpassing a phenomenal $20 million donated to charity. TSO returns to Orlando’s Kia Center on Saturday, December 14 for its annual holiday celebration with two performances at 2:30 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. Tickets on sale now.

 

The Kia Center pre-sale begins Thursday, September 12 from 10 a.m. ET – 10 p.m. ET. Additionally, a portion of the proceeds will benefit local charities and beginning with the public on sale, a limited number of specially priced $49.99* tickets will be available for one week or while supplies last. (*plus applicable taxes and fees)

 

TSO remains true to the vision of their late founder, Paul O’Neill, by being one of rock's most generous bands. Their ongoing commitment to philanthropy is driven by their tradition of donating at least $1 from every ticket sold.

 

This year's tour marks the grand return of The Lost Christmas Eve to the stage for the first time since 2013. Expect an all-new, dazzling spectacle packed with pyrotechnics, lasers, and the incredible storytelling synonymous with TSO. The celebration continues with a high-energy second set featuring the group's greatest hits and fan favorites.

 

“The Lost Christmas Eve” is a product of the imagination of and based on TSO’s double-platinum CD of the same name. The plot resonates with people deeply over the holiday season. Alone on Christmas Eve, a bitter old businessman wandered New York City. Once a rising star, he’d traded love, family, and joy for a life of solitude and regret. The tragic loss of his wife hardened his heart, pushing him away from his infant son and into decades of isolation. Then, a chance encounter with a mysterious girl led him to a life-altering phone call. His son, who he abandoned decades ago, was alive, a gentle soul caring for troubled newborns in a maternity ward. After seeking him out, the son gives a silent and forgiving gaze to his long-lost father. As they sit together comforting innocent infants, a new reunited life begins.

 

For fans who want to take the TSO magic at home, there is more good news. To commemorate its 20^th anniversary, Rhino, the catalog development and marketing division of Warner Music Group, will release special vinyl pressings of “The Lost Christmas Eve” hitting retail stores nationwide beginning September 13. These collector's editions come as a two-LP set housed in stunning gatefold jackets with a deluxe 20-page book. Music lovers can choose from the standard black vinyl, cobalt or crystal-clear vinyl pressing. For the ultimate collector's experience, fans can also head directly to the TSOstore on September 13 for an exclusive “The Lost Christmas Eve” vinyl package. This premium package boasts a sculpted embossed sparking foil gatefold jacket housed in a protective slipcase. Inside, fans will discover not only the two LPs on “solar flare” colored vinyl, but also the deluxe 20-page book, plus an extra insert filled with exclusive content.

 

Tickets: starting at $15.00 Ticket pricing is subject to change based on market demand. All tickets are reserved. Buy tickets at the Kia Center box office or at Ticketmaster.com. All dates, act(s) and ticket prices are subject to change without notice. All tickets are subject to applicable taxes, service, handling and facility fee charges. For Kia Center box office and ticket information, visit KiaCenter.com (phone purchases are not available through the Kia Center box office). Kia Center is located at 400 West Church Street and the box office is located on the north side of the Kia Center, near the intersection of Church Street and Hughey Avenue. 

 

About Kia Center

Kia Center, owned and operated by the City of Orlando on behalf of the Central Florida community, hosts major national events, concerts and family shows since its opening in the Fall of 2010. The Orlando Magic served as the developer and the facility was designed to reflect the character of the community, meet the goals of the users and build on the legacy of sports and entertainment in Orlando. The building’s exterior features a modern blend of glass and metal materials, along with ever-changing graphics via a monumental wall along one facade. A 180-foot tall tower serves as a beacon amid the downtown skyline. The 875,000 square foot, Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) Gold-certified building features a sustainable, environmentally-friendly design and unmatched technology, including 1,100 digital monitors, the tallest high-definition video board in an NBA venue and multiple premium amenities available to all patrons in the building. Kia Center was honored with the International Association of Venue Managers' Venue Excellence Award, which is bestowed upon facilities that excel in the management and operation of public assembly venues. Kia Center was the only arena to garner this distinction. Additionally, the arena has earned numerous awards, which most notably includes TheStadiumBusiness Awards’ 2013 Customer Experience Award and was named SportsBusiness Journal's 2012 Sports Facility of the Year. For more information about the Kia Center, visit KiaCenter.com.

aespa Expands 2024-2025 aespa Live Tour - Synk: Parallel Line to North America and Europe Following Global Success - Includes Only Florida Date at Orlando's Kia Center on February 6

aespa Expands 2024 – 2025 aespa Live Tour – Synk: Parallel Line

to North America and Europe Following Global Success

 

South Korean All-Girl K-Pop Group Makes Debut at Orlando’s Kia Center on February 6, 2025

 

ORLANDO, FLORIDA [2024] – SM Entertainment’s girl group aespa is expanding the scale of their second world tour, driven by the extraordinary launch in Seoul and sold-out shows in Japan, Singapore, Hong Kong, Taiwan, Indonesia, Australia and Macau. At midnight today, aespa unveiled the poster for their 2024-2025 aespa Live Tour – Synk: Parallel Line – on their official fan club community and social media platforms, generating excitement with a preview of their upcoming tour. The tour features 41 performances across 29 destinations, including the U.S., Mexico, Canada and Europe, with stops in the UK, France, the Netherlands, Germany and Spain. aespa makes their debut at Orlando’s Kia Center on Thursday, February 6, 2025, with their only Florida date. Tickets go on sale to the general public Friday, October 4 at 10 a.m. ET.

 

The Weverse, the South Korean mobile app and web platform specializing in interaction between artists and fans, pre-sale begins on Thursday, October 3 at 10 a.m. ET – 3 p.m. ET.

 

aespa is a South Korean K-pop girl group formed in 2020. The group consists of four members: Karina, Giselle, Winter and Ningning. Their debut single, “Black Mamba,” quickly gained international attention, showcasing their futuristic sound and dynamic visuals. The group solidified their presence with follow-up hits, including “Next Level” and “Savage,” which further developed their metaverse narrative. Their music combines elements of EDM, pop and trap, combined with their distinctive fashion and aesthetics, which are often characterized by a sci-fi and avant-garde style.

 

Tickets: starting at $65.50 Ticket pricing is subject to change based on market demand. All tickets are reserved. Buy tickets at the Kia Center box office or Ticketmaster.com. All dates, act(s) and ticket prices are subject to change without notice. All tickets are subject to applicable taxes, service, handling and facility fee charges. For Kia Center box office and ticket information, visit KiaCenter.com (phone purchases are not available through the Kia Center box office). Kia Center is located at 400 West Church Street and the box office is located on the north side of the Kia Center, near the intersection of Church Street and Hughey Avenue. 

 

About Kia Center

Kia Center, owned and operated by the City of Orlando on behalf of the Central Florida community, hosts major national events, concerts and family shows since its opening in the Fall of 2010. The Orlando Magic served as the developer and the facility was designed to reflect the character of the community, meet the goals of the users and build on the legacy of sports and entertainment in Orlando. The building’s exterior features a modern blend of glass and metal materials, along with ever-changing graphics via a monumental wall along one facade. A 180-foot tall tower serves as a beacon amid the downtown skyline. The 875,000 square foot, Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) Gold-certified building features a sustainable, environmentally-friendly design and unmatched technology, including 1,100 digital monitors, the tallest high-definition video board in an NBA venue and multiple premium amenities available to all patrons in the building. Kia Center was honored with the International Association of Venue Managers' Venue Excellence Award, which is bestowed upon facilities that excel in the management and operation of public assembly venues. Kia Center was the only arena to garner this distinction. Additionally, the arena has earned numerous awards, which most notably includes TheStadiumBusiness Awards’ 2013 Customer Experience Award and was named SportsBusiness Journal's 2012 Sports Facility of the Year. For more information about the Kia Center, visit KiaCenter.com.

Orlando's Kia Center to Host 2028 March Madness As NCAA Reveals Site Selections For 2026-2028 Championship Events

ORLANDO’S KIA CENTER TO HOST 2028 MARCH MADNESS

AS NCAA REVEALS SITE SELECTIONS

FOR 2026-2028 CHAMPIONSHIP EVENTS

 

ORLANDO, FL [October, 2024] – The NCAA announced today Orlando was selected to host the First and Second Rounds of the 2028 NCAA Division I Men’s Basketball Championship. The Men’s Basketball Championship, also known as March Madness, returns to Kia Center in 2028, co-hosted by UCF. Orlando previously hosted First and Second Round games in 2023, 2017, and 2014 and 2004. 

 

"As the nation's premier sports destination, we're looking forward to welcoming student-athletes and fans from around the country to downtown Orlando for NCAA March Madness,” said Orlando Mayor Buddy Dyer. “We can't wait to continue to showcase our vibrant community on the national stage and attract even more visitors to our region."

 

“On behalf of our Chairman, Sharon Line Clary, our Board of Directors and our partners at UCF, Rollins College, the City of Orlando, Orlando Venues, Orange County, Visit Orlando, Discover Lake County, Mission Resort + Club and the Florida Sports Foundation, we want to thank the NCAA for awarding these championships to our region,” said Jason Siegel, President & CEO of the Greater Orlando Sports Commission. “The NCAA knows our community will come together to provide an exceptionally positive experience for the student-athletes that participate, as well as their families, alumni and fans who travel to watch them compete.”

 

“We are absolutely thrilled to see the NCAA March Madness coming to Orlando! This is a testament to our community’s passion for sports and our commitment to providing an unforgettable experience for athletes and fans from all over the world,” said UCF Vice President and Director of Athletics, Terry Mohajir. “Hosting such a prestigious event not only highlights Orlando as a premier sports destination, but also strengthens our collective efforts to further enhance our college athletics brand. We look forward to showcasing the excitement of March Madness in our vibrant city!”

 

This iteration of the NCAA championships bidding process saw 293 individual organizations submit bids to host at least one of the organization’s 87 championships available for the 2026-27 and 2027-28 academic years.

 

More than 1,000 bids were submitted by schools, sports commissions, municipalities and other organizations, according to data provided to Sports Business Journal by the NCAA. The bidders came from 47 states and D.C. This two-year bidding cycle was adjusted from what had been a four-year window when more than 450 preliminary and final host sites were awarded for the 2022-23 through 2025-26 academic years.

 

NCAA championship events attract spectators and families throughout the state of Florida and from across the United States, driving significant impact on hotels, restaurants and attractions in the Greater Orlando community. Until COVID-19 caused the cancellation of the NCAA’s spring 2020 championships, GO Sports had hosted at least one NCAA national championship or regional championship every year since 1996.

 

About the Greater Orlando Sports Commission

The Greater Orlando Sports Commission (GO Sports) is a private, non-profit organization established to attract and manage sports-related events, conferences and activities that drive positive economic development in the City of Orlando, Lake County, Orange County, Osceola County, and Seminole County. Founded in 1992-93, the organization has hosted or co-hosted more than 1,660 events in the Greater Orlando area with a total economic impact exceeding $3.3 billion in spending within the community. For more information, visit www.GreaterOrlandoSports.com.

 

About Kia Center

Kia Center, owned and operated by the City of Orlando on behalf of the Central Florida community, hosts major national events, concerts and family shows since its opening in the Fall of 2010. The Orlando Magic served as the developer and the facility was designed to reflect the character of the community, meet the goals of the users and build on the legacy of sports and entertainment in Orlando. The building’s exterior features a modern blend of glass and metal materials, along with ever-changing graphics via a monumental wall along one facade. A 180-foot tall tower serves as a beacon amid the downtown skyline. The 875,000 square foot, Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) Gold-certified building features a sustainable, environmentally-friendly design and unmatched technology, including 1,100 digital monitors, the tallest high-definition video board in an NBA venue and multiple premium amenities available to all patrons in the building. Kia Center was honored with the International Association of Venue Managers' Venue Excellence Award, which is bestowed upon facilities that excel in the management and operation of public assembly venues. Kia Center was the only arena to garner this distinction. Additionally, the arena has earned numerous awards, which most notably includes TheStadiumBusiness Awards’ 2013 Customer Experience Award and was named SportsBusiness Journal's 2012 Sports Facility of the Year. For more information about the Kia Center, visit KiaCenter.com.