Host City: What do you think are the main considerations for rightsholders deciding where to host events?
Jason Siegel: While this could vary by rightsholder, for the most part, they are looking for a host city that will deliver a world-class experience for their constituents, athletes, officials, and partners and a city that will drive desired net revenue back to the rightsholder.
Using Orlando as an example, our tourism ecosystem seamlessly works together – hoteliers, restauranteurs, elected officials, transportation providers, and attraction operators all work closely to ensure a smooth and successful event for all stakeholders. This strong working relationship is reflected in the 74 million visitors who enjoyed Orlando in 2022 alone, a testament to our city’s ability to deliver.
When it comes to infrastructure, Orlando boasts an impressive 35+ sports venues across the region, ensuring flexibility and adaptability to your specific needs. With over 200,000 hotel rooms, timeshares, and vacation rentals, we can easily accommodate athletes, officials, and fans.
Ultimately, while rightsholders seek world-class experiences and revenue generation, they also value a collaborative and engaging environment. With its proven track record of hosting major events, experienced local organizing committee, and collaborative community spirit, Orlando stands out as the ideal choice to deliver on all fronts.
Host City: Why did Orlando want to host the US Olympic Trials for Marathon?
Jason Siegel: The opportunity to host an Olympic qualifying event fit perfectly in our strategic plan and aligns with our goal of bringing world-class sporting events to Orlando.
We also wanted to shine a spotlight on Downtown Orlando and boost the local economy. We are very proud of our incredible community here, and our economic impact so far has been tremendous. We also were confident in the return on investment the event would bring and the media value of hosting a nationally televised event.
We were thrilled that the event drew over 100,000 spectators. With the robust running community here in Orlando, we knew this event would be well-received not only by fans of the sport but by everyone.
Host City: What are Orlando’s wider event hosting ambitions?
Jason Siegel: From Premier League clashes like Aston Villa vs Fulham and international giants like Juventus and Real Madrid facing off in the Florida Cup to the electrifying spectacle of WrestleMania and the inspirational 2022 Special Olympics USA Games, Orlando has a proven track record of hosting major sporting events. We've also welcomed the pinnacle of wakeboarding and waterskiing with the IWWF World Championships in 2021 and 2023. These, alongside over 1,600 other events since 1993, demonstrate our commitment to driving economic impact, showcasing Orlando's vibrancy, and benefiting our residents and businesses.
With our elite venues and facilities, coupled with the entertainment powerhouses of Disney and Universal, Orlando offers an iconic backdrop for world-class events. We enjoy strong partnerships with local government and are passionate about collaborating with all stakeholders to bring even more exciting sporting experiences to our city, encompassing youth/amateur, Olympic, collegiate, international, esports, and everything in between.
Host City: How will you look to capitalise on the 2026 FIFA World Cup and LA28?
Jason Siegel: We have a longstanding relationship with FIFA and the USOPC, and both organizations know they can always count on Orlando to deliver exceptional results.
