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Florida may be renowned for its theme park glory and never-ending sunshine, however, it’s also home to some of the greatest sporting events in the States. From slam dunks to home runs, Florida boasts an exciting sports calendar that will make your holiday in a league of its own…
American football may be different from the one we know and love, but it’s every bit as entertaining in its own right. Florida has 3 teams competing in the NFL - the Miami Dolphins, Tampa Bay Buccaneers, and Jacksonville Jaguars, giving you triple the opportunity to experience the excitement of a live game.
The regular season kicks off in early September, and the 2025 - 2026 season is now in full swing. The season lasts for 18 weeks, concluding with the Super Bowl in February, so be sure to keep an eye on the upcoming fixtures.
Tampa is just a two-hour drive from Orlando, making it an easy option for a day trip. But whether you choose Miami, Jacksonville, or Tampa, catching an NFL game is the perfect excuse to explore more of Florida on one of our multi-centre holidays. We recommend the two-hour drive from Orlando to Jacksonville to experience American football at one of the largest arenas in the NFL, the EverBank Stadium. Situated in Downtown Jacksonville, it seats over 80,000 fans, creating a buzzing cauldron.
From the magic of Walt Disney World to a centre court seat watching the Orlando Magic, now that’s the dream. The Kia Center (formerly Amway Center) in downtown Orlando is the place to see all the action from one of the NBA’s top teams. Florida is represented in the NBA by two powerhouses: the Orlando Magic and the Miami Heat, with both teams having secured spots in the Eastern Conference playoffs in recent years.
With the new NBA season starting in October 2025, you can pair it with a host of Orlando Halloween attractions. And with the NBA 2025-2026 schedule now available, watch out for opportunities to see the Orlando Magic lock horns with some of basketball’s world-class names, such as the Chicago Bulls, LA Lakers, and New York Knicks.
For the quintessential American sports experience, a baseball match is a must. The two popular teams in Florida are the Miami Marlins and Tampa Bay Rays. The Miami Marlins play at LoanDepot Park, a retractable roof stadium located in the Little Havana neighbourhood of Miami. And the Tampa Bay Rays play at Tropicana Field (nicknamed "The Trop"), a domed multipurpose stadium located in St. Petersburg.
If you’re looking to catch an MLB game, the season runs from late March to early October.
For those heading over in early 2026, Florida also hosts Spring Training, where you can watch your favourite teams gear up for the next season. Typically starting in early February, a Spring Training match is great fun for all the family.
Early booking is advised for MLB and Spring Training games, especially for popular matchups.
Motorsports has a special place in Florida’s sporting calendar. The crown jewel is the Daytona 500. The annual stock-car race is a 500-mile event that marks the start of the NASCAR Cup Series season. It takes place every February at the iconic Daytona International Speedway in Daytona Beach.
The next edition of the Daytona 500 is scheduled for 15th February, 2026.
After the race, you can explore the stunning Daytona Beach area, home to glorious sandy shores, as well as a plethora of entertainment options, including arcades, a water park, and go-karts.
Over in Miami, you can now witness Formula 1 racing until at least 2032. In 2022, the Miami Grand Prix was added to the calendar on a 10 year contract, with the race scheduled to take place annually in early May at the Miami International Autodrome - a purpose-built circuit around the Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens.
The 57-lap race is spectator-friendly, including multiple straights, DRS zones, and elevation changes to encourage overtaking and close racing. You can also make a real day of it by exploring the many merchandise shops, food and beverage options, and even concerts. You may even spot a celebrity or two when you’re there, with famous faces such as World Cup winner, Zinedine Zidane, One Direction heartthrob, Zayn Malik, and American model, Kendall Jenner, having attended previous years. If you want to take the experience up a notch, you can also consider various hospitality packages, which offer premium experiences with gourmet dining, exclusive viewing areas, and luxury amenities.
The Major League Soccer (MLS) season starts in late February and ends with the MLS Cup final in early December.
And soccer (cough, football) is gaining popularity by the minute. The man of the moment at the centre of that popularity is the world-renowned Lionel Messi. After joining Inter Miami back in 2023, the 38-year old has shown he can still deliver moments of magic. With his contract set to expire in December 2025, there are indications that Messi will extend his contract beyond the 2025-2026 season. So, if you’ve always dreamed of seeing this football hero, and better yet, seeing him in the Art Deco capital, Miami, there’s no better time to book your Florida holiday.
If you're a theme park fan based in Orlando, you can also watch Orlando City SC in the Eastern Conference of the MLS.
When spending your Easter holidays in Florida, we recommend swinging by the Miami Open. Past winners include legends of the sport, Roger Federer, Novak Djokovic, and Andy Murray. Held at the spectacular 14,000-seat Centre Court in Hard Rock Stadium, this tournament is a breeding ground for young talent. For example, Jakub Mensik, at the age of 19, became the second youngest winner of the Miami Open in 2025. So, if you’re looking to catch a star in the making, you could very well find it here.
Aside from offering top-class matches between incredible players, the Miami Open also features an array of music, food, and art experiences perfect for family fun and holiday memories to last a lifetime.
Ready to be courtside Stateside? Check out our fabulous Florida holiday deals today.
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