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The Arnold Palmer Invitational will be held March 22-28. Don't miss out on the opportunity to witness the PGA Tour's finest compete on Arnold Palmer's recently renovated home course at Bay Hill. For more information check out their website.
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| A PERSONAL MESSAGE FROM SAM
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Just this morning a sellout crowd of more than 320 people, including officials from all five Central Florida counties, attended the first-ever "Business of Sports" breakfast at the Orlando Hilton. Attendees listened to a panel comprised of leaders from the Orlando Magic, UCF, Florida Citrus Sports, ESPN/Disney Wide World of Sports and Sun Sports/Fox Sports. The speakers addressed a wide range of issues. They included Orlando's new Amway Center, ESPN's new branding strategy at Disney World and the future of college football in Central Florida. Be sure to click here to see footage from this morning's breakfast.
As for Osceola County, January has once again proven to be an exciting month of sports activity in Osceola County, as the Central Florida Sports Commission and Kissimmee Convention & Visitors Bureau welcomed back three (3) major sporting events to Osceola County.
Starting the year off, Osceola County was once again the host community for Soccer Six's first tournament of their 2010 season, the Blizzard Blast Soccer Tournament. This was the 12th consecutive year the Blizzard Blast Soccer Tournament was staged in Osceola County at Austin-Tindall Regional Park. This year's event attracted 50 teams from as far away as Ohio, Virginia and Maryland. Soccer Six will return to Osceola County in May when they combine two (2) events, those being the Solar Soccer Shootout and Florida Cup Soccer Tournament.
Returning for the fourteenth (14) straight year, the U.S. Touch and Flag Football National Championships made their way back to Austin-Tindall Regional Park on January 15-17. This year's event attracted approximately 283 teams from across the United States to Osceola County. In addition, Rocky Mountain Nationals returned to Osceola County on January 16th as they hosted their Games of Rome wrestling meet at the Silver Spurs Arena. This is the second consecutive year we have had the pleasure of working with this event organizer. Approximately 300 athletes from across the State of Florida, and as far away as Ohio and Michigan, made their way to Kissimmee.
Thank you for your continued support as we continue to market Osceola County as the "Ultimate Sports Destination." |
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Best Regards,
Sam Stark
President/CEO
Central Florida Sports Commission |
| ECONOMIC IMPACT |
- Hotel Room Nights - 20,284
- Tax Recovery - $193,303.74
- Economic Impact - $13,634,313.96
- Number of Participants -7,640
- Number of Spectators - 13,424
Year to Date (through December, 2009)
- Hotel Room Nights - 51,566
- Tax Recovery - $552,237.45
- Economic Impact - $37,092,093.59
- Number of Participants - 25,052
- Number of Spectators - 28,195
- Number of Events - 15
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 IN THE PIPELINE |
| On the business development front, the Sports Commission is looking at several opportunities to host events with the NCAA. Fencing, volleyball and golf regional and/or national championships are a few events we are currently evaluating. Additional opportunities being reviewed by the Sports Commission include collegiate baseball and softball state championships, along with regional lacrosse tournaments. |
WINS & LOSSES
 (As of December, 2009)
Bids Submitted - 1
Wins - 2
Losses - 0
On the business development front, the Sports Commission is looking at several opportunities to host events with the NCAA. Fencing, volleyball and golf regional and/or national championships are a few events we are currently evaluating. Additional opportunities being reviewed by the Sports Commission include collegiate baseball and softball state championships, along with regional lacrosse tournaments.
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| UPCOMING EVENTS |
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Rebel Spring Games
February 27 - March 21, 2010
Osceola County Softball Complex &
Fortune Road Athletic Complex http://www.rebelspringgames.com/index.php
World Class Lacrosse 
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| COMMUNITY PROFILE |
The Kissimmee Valley Livestock Show and Fair is busy preparing for the upcoming 66th Annual Osceola County Fair to be held February 12 - 21 
at Osceola Heritage Park in Kissimmee. With over 80 daring thrill rides, a fun-filled kiddieland, prize winning games and spectacular shows, there's something for everyone!
The Osceola County Fair will feature World Champion Frisbee Dog "Harley Davidson", a children's Pet Show, a Pie Eating Contest, and commercial exhibitors will be selling goods from around the country. OHP's Exhibition Hall will be filled with Arts and Crafts from Osceola County residents.
Admission is $5 for adults, $3 for Seniors and Children 5-11, Children 4 and under are free. Parking is free. Unlimited ride armband specials are available everyday! Call 321-697-3050 for information or visit .
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