Essential Guide to Florida Sporting Events for UK Holidaymakers

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  

American football may be different to 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. Although the 2024/2025 season is over, the action kicks off again in early September, 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.
   

Basketball 

From the magic of Walt Disney World to a seat centre court for 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: Orlando Magic and 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 being released in July, watch out for opportunities to see them lock horns with some of basketball’s world-class names, such as LA Lakers, Chicago Bulls, and New York Knicks. 

Baseball  

For the quintessential American sports experience, a baseball match is a must. The two iconic teams in Florida are the Miami Marlins and Tampa Bay Rays. If you’re looking to catch an MLB game, the season runs from late March to early October. 

If you're travelling over the summer, be sure to catch some exciting matchups like the Tampa Bay Rays facing off against the LA Dodgers from 1st to 3rd August 2025, and the Miami Marlins taking on the Atlanta Braves from 25th to 27th August 2025.

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 

Motorsports has a special place in Florida’s sporting calendar. While the 2025 Daytona 500 race has come and gone, you can still visit the Daytona International Speedway for high-octane action at the NASCAR Xfinity Series Wawa 250 on 22nd August and the Coke Zero Sugar 400 on 23rd August 2025. After the race, you can explore the stunning Daytona Beach, home to glorious sandy shores, as well as a plethora of entertainment options, including arcades, a water park, and go-carts. And if you're planning a 2026 visit, mark your racing calendars for 15th February to catch the next Daytona 500.

And as of 2022, you can now see Formula One in the Sunshine State. In 2025, the Miami Grand Prix is the first of threes race in the United States, alongside Austin and Las Vegas, and highlights the growing popularity of the sport on this side of the Atlantic. Running under a 10-year contract through 2032, you can expect the Miami Grand Prix to take place annually in early May.

With 57 laps, you can 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, why not opt for one of the various hospitality packages, which offer premium experiences with gourmet dining, exclusive viewing areas, and luxury amenities? 

Soccer

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, whispers are that he will sign an extension to his contract into 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. Summer travellers can watch Inter Miami battle against New York Red Bulls on 19th July 2025, and take on the current champions of LA Galaxy on the 16th August 2025.

If you want a bit of theme park action, as well as sporting action, Orlando is home to Orlando City SC. 10th August 2025 sees the team compete against Inter Miami, so this game promises to be an electrifying atmosphere.

Tennis

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.