Orlando named Best Sports Business City for attracting events
Orlando was announced as the winner of the prestigious Best Sports Business City award during a press conference held at ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex on March 18, 2024.
City of Orlando Mayor Buddy Dyer, the Greater Orlando Sports Commission, Sports Business Journal, and Walt Disney World Resort invited guests to the ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex to celebrate the achievements of local sports partners, stakeholders, and the Orlando community.
The ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex at Walt Disney World Resort functions as one of the more than 35 sports venues in the greater Orlando area, making it an ideal place for this announcement.
Sports Business Journal 2024 Best Sports Business City Award
Sports Business Journal announced its 2024 Best Sports Business City for Attracting Events with Orlando topping the list, ahead of Las Vegas, Los Angeles, Atlanta, and Indianapolis. In bestowing this award, Sports Business Journal highlighted Orlando’s exceptional achievements, the city’s landscape, and the area’s role in Orlando’s ever-growing sports business industry.
Mayor Dyer stated that the award confirms what many Orlando residents already knew.
“We recognize that sports have the power to bring residents together, promote memorable experiences, showcase our city’s hospitality and vibrancy and drive economic growth by helping welcome more visitors to our region,” Dyer said. “The recognition from the Sports Business Journal highlights the important role that sports plays in our community and is something that all of Orlando can be proud of.”
Greater Orlando Sports Commission
Jason Siegel, CEO and president of the Greater Orlando Sports Commission, reiterated those sentiments by stating this highly reputable Sports Business Journal award proved what a great sports city Orlando has become.
According to Abe Madkour, publisher, and executive editor at Sports Business Journal, Orlando’s elevation to the top spot this year served as a testament to the vibrant collaboration between world-class venues like ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex at Walt Disney World Resort, dedicated sports commissions, and the enthusiastic community that makes Orlando a standout destination for sports business.
Leaders at the press conference held at ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex stated that Orlando’s ascent to the top position is due to the concerted and strategic effort to create a premier destination for sports events, and by working to attract and host events such as NCAA competitions in various sports, major league championships, and industry conference, the Greater Orlando Sports Commission has played a pivotal role.
The rankings by Sports Business Journal are the result of an extensive database that factored in 1,500 events that took place or were awarded from Jan. 1, 2017 through Dec. 31, 2023, while considering cities with their own convention space, sports venues, and dedicated sports commission/CVB staff as stand-alone markets.
“This is a testament to our world-class venues, our diverse and talented workforce, and our vibrant and resilient community,” said Orange County Mayor Jerry L. Demings. “Orlando is not only the ultimate destination for visitors, but also a premier location for sports events, teams, and businesses. We will continue to invest in our infrastructure, our people, and our partnerships to ensure that Orlando and Orange County remain the leaders in sports business for years to come.”
To learn more about this award, visit sportsbusinessjournal.com.
What do you think of Orlando being named number one by Sports Business Journal?
