WATCH FOR the Florida State Seminoles, Central Florida Knights and Bethune-Cookman Wildcats continue their successful runs through the regular season and into the post-season. FSU closes out its regular season this weekend against the Florida Gators and await an opponent in the ACC Championship Game, December 7 in Charlotte, NC. UCF has two regular season games remaining against the South Florida Bulls and SMU Mustangs. With two wins, the Knights will be the American Conference Champions and be in line for a BCS Bowl Game. Bethune-Cookman finished its regular season with a 10-2 record and is currently ranked 12th in the FCS Polls. The Wildcats will meet the Coastal Carolina Chanticleers in the first round of the FCS Playoffs, Saturday in Conway, SC. Other Florida teams with post-season aspirations include the Miami Hurricanes and Florida Atlantic Owls. Follow the 2013 seasons of all 19 football teams in Florida at Florida Football Central.
WATCH FOR registration numbers to continue to climb past 1,700 as Online Registration deadlines have been extended for all sports except Tennis. Check the Florida International Senior Games & State Championships Sports and Registration page to see the updated registration deadlines. Most extended deadlines fall between November 29 and December 3. Once those deadlines pass schedules should start appearing on www.flasports.com. As of Monday, November 25, a total of 1,618 Florida senior athletes, age 50 and over, have registered to compete at the 2013 Games, to be held in Lee County, December 7-15.
WATCH FOR one of the largest sporting events in the world to come to Palm Beach County when USA Field Hockey (USAFH) partners with the Palm Beach County Sports Commission to host the National Hockey Festival at the International Polo Club in Wellington.
Over Thanksgiving weekend, over 260 teams, 4,400 athletes and 8,500 total visitors from the U.S., Canada, Europe, and the Caribbean will will contend for titles in women’s and men’s divisions, including women’s age group (Under 16 and Under 19), boy’s age group (Under 16), and women’s open and mixed (adult).
The International Polo Club maintains over 200 acres of land, consisting of nine (9) polo fields. The venue was a key ingredient in Palm Beach County’s successful bid. USA Field Hockey will layout 33 field hockey pitches over 6 polo fields.
Last year, the Festival generated $8.25 million of direct visitor spending and 11,569 hotel room nights to the local economy. Due to the increase in teams for 2013, this year’s Festival is expected to increase. Palm Beach County has hosted a version of the National Hockey Festival eight (8) previous times.
WATCH FOR the final Florida Spring Training schedules to be announced as the 100-Day Countdown continues. Currently 12 of the 15 Florida Grapefruit League teams have schedules posted. The World Champion Boston Red Sox announced their schedule last week, which begins with the annual doubleheader game against hometown college teams, Northeastern and Boston University on February 27 at Jet Blue Park.
WATCH FOR thousands of Floridians to take to the streets on Thanksgiving morning for annual Turkey Trot Road Races throughout Florida before spending the day with family and friends. Miami’s Baptist Health South Florida Turkey Trot expects approximately 6,000 local residents to be at the start line at Tropical Park Thursday morning and more than 5,000 runners are expected to participate in the 38th Annual Tallahassee Turkey Trot. The Florida Sports Foundation wishes all Floridians a Happy Thanksgiving.
The Weekly “What to Watch For in Florida Sports,” is compiled by Florida Sports Foundation Director of Communications, Nick Gandy. Follow the Florida Sports Foundation on Facebook and on Twitter #fla_sports. Visit www.flasports.com for more information about the Florida Sports Foundation and the vibrant sports industry in the Sunshine State. Florida is Where The World Comes to Play.
floridasportsfoundation 