Florida Cup unveils partner roster for 2020
Orlando, Fla. – October 16, 2019 – At a special reception with local partners, dignitaries and media, officials with the 2020 Florida Cup, the sixth edition of Florida’s largest annual sports and music festival, announced its growing roster of partners, along with a newly added sponsor, all united to position Orlando as preferred destination for international football. Officials also announced that the economic impact of the 2019 Florida Cup was valued at $20 million.
Renewing partners include Universal Orlando Resort, Orlando City SC and Lennar Homes. In addition, Florida Cup has announced as its newest partner Gol Airlines, a Brazilian airline with new flights from multiple cities in Brazil to Orlando.
“As we enter the sixth edition of the Florida Cup, I am proud and honored to showcase such an important roster of partners for our event,” said Florida Cup CEO Ricardo Villar. “Together, we will work to not only showcase the Florida Cup as a preeminent event in the international soccer calendar, but further solidify Orlando as THE destination for global football, as demonstrated by the region’s bid to host the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Our goal is to build upon the economic impact from last year, which was estimated to be $20 million.”
Renewing Partners: Universal Orlando Resort, Orlando City SC and Lennar Homes
Universal Orlando Resort returns for its third year as a major partner and home to many of the Florida Cup’s top celebrations including the Florida Cup Fan Fest with Ivete Sangalo at the Music Plaza Stage in Universal Studios Florida on January 19. In the 2019 edition of the Florida Cup Fan Fest, the show by Ivete Sangalo brought together an audience of over ten thousand people who enjoyed the electric and contagious energy of her performance. Other events include the Legends 5v5 tournament and visits by participating teams, media and travelling fans.
Universal Orlando Resort VP of Sales and Marketing in Latin America Marcos Barros said, “We are proud to play an important part in the new heights reached by the event. The Florida Cup has become a relevant platform in some of our key international markets and we look forward to continue growing in this partnership.”
Orlando City also returns for its third year with the Florida Cup, with Exploria Stadium serving as the host venue for the international matches between participating teams in downtown Orlando. In addition to being home for Orlando City SC and Orlando Pride, Exploria Stadium hosts various international events including the MLS All-Star Game, the U.S. Men and Women’s National Teams, and more.
"Orlando City SC is very happy to be back for our third season as a host for Florida Cup, this is an exciting and entertaining event each year. We can't wait to bring our fans another opportunity to welcome these world-class teams to Exploria Stadium," Orlando City SC CEO Alex Leitão said.
National homebuilders Lennar Homes has also renewed its sponsorship. As one of the original partners of the Florida Cup, the company remains a committed long-term partner of the Florida Cup, and will continue as home to the official Florida Cup Foot Golf Tournament, which was a big success in January 2019.
“Lennar has a long-standing relationship with the Beautiful Game here in Orlando,” said Brock Nicholas, president of Lennar Homes in Orlando. “We are thrilled to continue to support this great global event and create unique experiences for our customers and fans alike.”
New Partner: Gol Airlines
Brazilian carrier Gol Airlines was announced as a new partner of the Florida Cup, joining an already stellar roster of sponsors for the event. Gol, who is the official partner of the Brazilian National Team, has signed to become also the Official Airline of the Florida Cup. Gol offers flights from multiple cities in Brazil to Orlando, the destination of most Brazilian soccer fans in the month of January over the past five years.
“Through this partnership we reinforce our support for the growth and development of the sport, together with our customers and fans, at home and abroad. We are the Brazilian national carrier, and we are very happy to be part of this important event,” said Luiz Teixeira, GOL Country Manager in the U.S.
“We are really happy to bring such a key partner to the Florida Cup. Gol Airlines has a strong history of logistically assisting top professional soccer events and this experience, tied to the value of a renowned brand, will add tremendous value to our event,” added Villar.
Additional Information:
The match schedule and other updates will be announced in the days that follow. Fans can stay updated on all the latest news by registering at www.FloridaCup.com.
In addition to the matches to be held at Exploria Stadium, fans will have a week filled with entertainment for all audiences and ages, including the FC Legends 5v5 and the Florida Cup Fan Fest featuring international star Ivete Sangalo.
ABOUT THE FLORIDA CUP
The largest annual international soccer event in the Sunshine State, the Florida Cup is already a January tradition in Orlando, Florida – a city that welcomed more than 75 million tourists in 2018. In six years, the Florida Cup has become a global platform that combines sports, music and entertainment.
In 2019, the event generated an estimated local economic impact of $20 million, supported by the total live attendance of the event exceeded 40 thousand people and matches broadcast live in 103 countries. Across social networks, the content posted by the official accounts of the event as well as the postings of the influencers present at the event had a reach of more than 100 million people. For more information on the Florida Cup, visit www.floridacup.com, or follow us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.
To date, 26 international clubs have participated in the Florida Cup: Flamengo (BRA), São Paulo (BRA), Corinthians (BRA), Atlético Mineiro (BRA), Fluminense (BRA), Vasco da Gama (BRA), Bahia (BRA), Internacional (BRA), Ajax (NED), PSV Eindhoven (NED) , Eintracht Frankfurt (GER), Bayer Leverkusen (GER), Schalke 04 (GER), Wolfsburg (GER), FC Köln (GER), Shakhtar Donetsk (UKR), Estudiantes de La Plata (ARG), River Plate (ARG), Atlético Nacional (COL), Millonarios (COL), Santa Fe (COL), Barcelona (ECU), Fort Lauderdale Strikers (USA), Tampa Bay Rowdies (USA), Rangers FC (SCO) and Légia Warsaw (POL). 2020 newcomers Palmeiras and Spartak Moscow will be the 27th and 28th clubs to participate in the Florida Cup.
INFORMATION AND NEWS
Press and fans can now register on the site www.floridacup.com to receive notice of the opening of sales and other news about the event.
