By John Nassivera
July 2, 2026
The thrills of Orlando come in many forms besides its iconic theme parks, including the high-octane showcases of the city’s top athletes.
Summer is coming to an end, which means the season of our favorite sports is on the horizon. Trade in your beach and swimwear for your favorite athlete’s jersey and spend your next adventure in The City Beautiful watching top-tier professional and college athletes in action.
Whether you’re in the mood for a game of football, soccer, or basketball, fall has something for every fan. With the amenities and dining options of Rosen Plaza Hotel, you’re fueled for each day of athletic spectacles.
Gear up for an exciting assortment of sporting events in Orlando to enjoy this fall.
Key Takeaways
- College Football
- Professional Basketball
- Minor League Hockey
- College Volleyball
- Professional Soccer
- It’s Game Time in Orlando
College Football
Roll the tide with fellow college football fans as the University of Central Florida (UCF) Knights kick off the season with a home game against Bethune-Cookman University on September 3, 2026.
Those visiting Orlando later in the month can catch the Knights battling Georgia State University on September 19. The team will also take on TCU on September 26 in this year’s Big 12 Conference kickoff.
Stopping by in October? Grab your favorite snacks and cheer for the Knights in their Homecoming game against BYU on October 24.
Planning a Halloween vacation in The City Beautiful? The Knights’ “Mission X” Space Game against Baylor on October 30 continues UCF’s exciting tradition of space-themed football games.
The end of the season includes a matchup against Arizona State University on November 14. Dress up in your best Knights gear for their final home game against Iowa State on November 20.
Professional Basketball
It’s nothing but net for basketball fans visiting Orlando for a break from the season’s sweater weather.
If you want to watch the Orlando Magic in action during the pre-season, October is the best time for your stay.
The Magic’s first pre-season game is set against the Cleveland Cavaliers on October 13. Grab some burgers, hotdogs, and nachos from the snack bar to stay fueled for a showdown of 3-pointers and slam dunks.
Make it a week-long sports fan adventure and stick around for the Magic’s game against the Miami Heat on October 16. Imagine jumping up as the Magic score the winning basket before the buzzer goes off, celebrating the big “W” with fellow hoop heads.
Minor League Hockey
If you’re wondering what Orlando’s hockey scene is all about, the East Coast Hockey League’s Orlando Solar Bears will show you.
The Solar Bears begin the season against the Florida Everblades on October 18. Make the following week a minor league hockey retreat with showdowns against the South Carolina Stingrays on October 24 and a rematch against the Everblades on October 25 at the Kia Center.
November sets the stage for multiple Solar Bears home games against rivals such as the Atlanta Gladiators, Savannah Ghost Pirates, and Jacksonville Icemen.
Looking for fun ways to spend your Thanksgiving vacation in Orlando? The Solar Bears’ back-to-back home games against the Greenville Swamp Rabbits on November 27 and 28 offer a spectacle of snap shots and backhand shots for your festive adventures.
College Volleyball
While volleyballers will have to wait until next summer for fun in the sand, the UCF Knights are serving up exciting games to enjoy in the meantime.
The Knights women’s volleyball team will square off against Kansas State at home on September 24.
The fall season continues with more opportunities to watch the Knights in Orlando, including October 9 against Cincinnati, October 11 against Kansas, and October 18 against West Virginia.
The Knights will have their work cut out for them with matchups throughout the next month against Iowa State (November 5), Houston (November 8), and Colorado (November 22).
Save time during your Orlando Thanksgiving for watching the Knights spike their way to victory against BYU on November 25 and Utah on November 27.
Professional Soccer
The FIFA World Cup may be over for the year, but fans who are still looking to scratch that soccer itch have plenty of sporting events in Orlando to enjoy.
Inter&Co Stadium is the place to be, with Orlando City Soccer Club (SC) taking on San Diego on September 5 and Toronto a week later on September 12. International Drive is also full of sports bars and restaurants where you can enjoy a hearty meal and refreshing drinks while watching a game with the Lions.
Bring your good luck soccer gear and help Orlando win against Columbus on October 10, D.C. United on October 17, and New York City on October 24.
Orlando City SC will square off against New England in their last game of the year on November 7, so don’t miss the chance to yell “Goal!” as they land the winning shot.
Women’s soccer fans join the fun with several Orlando Pride (NWSL) games at Inter&Co Stadium throughout the fall.
Watch NWSL’s best show off their volley and inside foot shots against the Houston Dash on September 6 and the Portland Thorns on September 19. The soccer extravaganzas continue on October 2 against the San Diego Wave and October 25 against the Gotham FC.
It’s Game Time in Orlando
Sports fans of all ages unite in Orlando this fall to cheer on the city’s best athletes in college and the pros.
Spectacles of touchdowns, power drives, and slam dunks spark reminders of what made you a fan. With all of Orlando’s options for sporting events this season, there’s a chance to become a new fan around every corner.
Rosen Plaza has the luxurious accommodations you need to recharge after each exhilarating showdown. Whether you want to fuel up with a breakfast buffet before the game or celebrate your team’s victory with fine dining or meals by the pool, we have you covered.
Book your fall vacation with us today and witness Orlando’s best athletes in action.