Known as a world-class destination for fun, Orlando is also establishing itself as a sports hubs in the U.S., featuring major sporting events not to be missed in 2025 and bowl games to end the year.
The action-packed season includes three premier college football bowl games: the StaffDNA Cure Bowl, Pop-Tarts Bowl and Cheez-It Citrus Bowl, all in December. All-star contests highlight early 2025, with the collegiate Hula Bowl leading up to the highly anticipated 2025 NFL Pro Bowl Games in February.
Orlando also welcomes global soccer fans in 2025, as the FC Series will bring international soccer clubs from Brazil to the destination in January for exciting exhibition matches. That is a teaser for the summer, when Orlando hosts the inaugural FIFA Club World Cup competition at INTER&Co Stadium and Camping World Stadium.
“Orlando continues to deliver thrilling experiences for all visitors, especially sports fans who can come for the game and stay for the destination’s unique mix of world-famous theme parks, outdoor adventures, award-winning dining and rich cultural experiences,” said Casandra Matej, president and CEO of Visit Orlando. “Next year brings not only the excitement of our professional teams—Orlando Magic, Orlando City SC, and Orlando Pride—but also dozens of marquee matchups. Visitors can enjoy everything from a classic college rivalry to a once-in-a-lifetime FIFA Club World Cup game, as the tournament makes its historic U.S. debut at our venues in 2025.”
Here’s a breakdown of the various Orlando sporting events coming to Central Florida:
NCAA Football Showdowns:
- StaffDNA Cure Bowl (December 20th) – features the Ohio Bobcats facing the Jacksonville State Gamecocks live on ESPN.
- Pop-Tarts Bowl (December 28th) – Showcasing top ACC and Big 12 teams, part of the NCAA Division I FBS, and captivating television viewers nationwide with its infamous edible mascot, this bowl will pit the Miami Hurricanes against the Iowa State Cyclones.
- Cheez-It Citrus Bowl (December 31st) – Ring in the New Year with the 79th edition of Orlando’s New Year’s Classic, a high-stakes SEC vs. Big Ten showdown between the South Carolina Gamecocks and the Illinois Fighting Illini, airing on ABC.
- Hula Bowl (January 11, 2025) – This all-star game at UCF FBC Mortgage Stadium spotlights future NFL prospects.
NFL Pro Bowl Games:
- Orlando hosts the 2025 NFL Pro Bowl Games on February 2, 2025, at Camping World Stadium, capping off a weeklong schedule that includes skills challenges and flag football with the NFL’s brightest stars. Eli and Peyton Manning return as head coaches—a true highlight for fans of the game.
World-Class Soccer Matches:
- FC Series: In January, Orlando welcomes Brazilian soccer giants São Paulo FC, Atlético Mineiro, and Cruzeiro for a series of exciting exhibition matches at INTER&Co Stadium. Dates are as follows: Cruzeiro vs. São Paulo FC (January 15th), Atlético Mineiro vs. Cruzeiro (January 18th), and Orlando City SC vs. Atlético Mineiro (January 25th).
- U.S. Men’s National Team: Orlando will host one of two Florida-based friendly matches at Inter&Co Stadium against Costa Rica (January 22nd), which is set to broadcast live.
- FIFA Club World Cup: Orlando further builds its global soccer resume by hosting matches in the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup (June 17th, 20th, 24th, 26th, 30th and July 4th) as the tournament debuts in the U.S. next summer.
Visitors can come for the games and stay for endless adventures. Orlando’s vibrant neighborhoods, outdoor adventures and diverse arts and culture scene mean there’s always more to explore. No matter the outcome on the field, visitors always leave with a win.
In addition, tennis fans can check out the USTA National Campus in Lake Nona, a world-class facility open to all. Orlando is also a top golf destination, with over 100 courses, prestigious tournaments, and state-of-the-art attractions for pros and amateurs alike.