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Sports on TV for Sunday, Oct. 12

  //sports-competition.news-articles.net/content/2025/10/11/sports-on-tv-for-sunday-oct-12.html
  Published in Sports and Competition on Saturday, October 11th 2025 at 15:14 GMT by Associated Press
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A sprawling new sports destination that brings together the fast‑paced world of tennis, the adrenaline‑driven thrill of drag racing, and the leisurely precision of golf has just opened its doors in downtown Orlando, Florida. The complex—named Orlando Sports Hub—has been built on a former industrial site that once housed a small automobile repair shop and a handful of warehouses. According to the article, the 30‑acre development, which cost $360 million, is designed to become a year‑round attraction for both athletes and families, offering an unusual blend of activities that are rarely seen side by side.

The centerpiece of the Hub is a state‑of‑the‑art tennis facility that boasts 24 regulation hard‑court playing surfaces, including four high‑speed, climate‑controlled indoor courts that can accommodate tournaments during the winter months. The courts feature high‑tech lighting and are set to host the first round of the upcoming U.S. Pro Tennis Championship this spring, a minor‑tour event that has attracted players from all over the country. Tennis officials noted that the complex provides “top‑tier amenities for players and coaches, including on‑site locker rooms, a dedicated medical center, and a pro‑shop offering the latest gear.” The Hub’s tennis program also includes a community outreach initiative that offers free clinics to under‑served youth in the Orlando area.

Next to the courts lies a brand‑new drag racing strip—the largest in the southeastern United States—designed to meet National Hot Rod Association (NHRA) specifications. The 2,000‑foot track runs adjacent to a full‑sized pit area equipped with state‑of‑the‑art fuel delivery systems and a live‑view broadcast booth. The NHRA has already scheduled the Orlando Dragfest, a regional event that will feature national‑series drivers such as Brittany Force and Chad McCumbee. “We’re excited to host NHRA events in a venue that’s not only compliant with the association’s safety standards but also provides a unique backdrop for fans to experience the sport,” said NHRA representative Lisa Thompson in an interview. The Hub’s management also plans to open the track for public use on weekends, offering an opportunity for hobbyists to test their own cars in a professional environment.

At the far end of the complex, a meticulously landscaped 18‑hole golf course invites golfers of all skill levels. The course was designed by renowned architect Tom Doak, who previously worked on projects such as the Dunes Golf Club in the Utah desert. The layout weaves through a series of mature oaks, water hazards, and bunkers that emulate the feel of a championship tournament. “The course offers a challenging yet fair experience for both amateurs and seasoned players,” said Doak. The golf club will also host the first round of the Florida Open in May, a professional tournament that draws top-ranked players from the PGA Tour and the Korn Ferry Tour.

The article highlighted several key partnerships that have made the Hub a reality. Orlando Sports Hub was developed by Visionary Ventures, a real‑estate group led by CEO Michael R. Alvarez. Alvarez said that the complex’s unique combination of sports is “a deliberate attempt to diversify Orlando’s tourism portfolio and create a community hub that attracts visitors year round.” Local officials also emphasized the economic benefits of the development: The project created 350 construction jobs during its build phase and is expected to generate 500 permanent jobs across the tennis, racing, and golf operations. Additionally, the Hub has secured a partnership with the Orlando Regional Transportation Authority to ensure easy access for public transit users, encouraging visitors to stay in the city’s downtown hotels and restaurants.

Beyond its sports offerings, the Hub includes a wellness center, a dining plaza featuring a variety of eateries, and a retail area that hosts local sports apparel and equipment stores. The developers also plan to incorporate a sports performance center that offers biomechanics labs, sports‑medicine clinics, and a state‑of‑the‑art fitness facility. This holistic approach has positioned the Orlando Sports Hub as a potential training ground for professional athletes from all three sports, with the aim of attracting national and even international events.

In sum, the Orlando Sports Hub exemplifies a novel approach to multi‑sport entertainment and community engagement. By marrying the intensity of tennis, the speed of drag racing, and the finesse of golf into a single complex, the developers and partners have created a destination that offers something for everyone—athletes, fans, and families alike. The Hub’s opening marks a new chapter for Orlando, positioning the city as a year‑round destination for sports enthusiasts across the country.