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No. 25: Orlando
Score: 30.8
As an event host, Orlando is versatile and affordable (although the city’s average daily hotel room rate last year rose 18.5% compared to 2019). Home to 11 sports properties, the area has the ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex, which hosted the entire NBA and MLS “bubble” seasons in 2020. The NCAA in 2020 awarded the region eight golf and tennis postseason championships, and the 2019 MLS All-Star Game was a big win as well. Annual events in Orlando include the PGA Tour Arnold Palmer Invitational and the Cheez-It Citrus Bowl, which the busy Camping World Stadium has hosted since 1947. The Atlanta Braves moved their spring training operations out in 2019.
Sponsors (12): Central Florida has one of our study’s lowest concentrations of sponsors. Walt Disney World is the Orlando Magic’s jersey sponsor and is a critical partner in attracting international visitors to the city and to Amway Center. Additionally, Exploria and AdventHealth each have a venue naming-rights deal.
What they’re saying: “The tourist taxes add up, but you can’t beat the hospitality or the facilities.” — D.B.