Walt Disney World Resort to sponsor MLS new boys Orlando City
New Major League Soccer franchise Orlando City will be hoping for some magic on the soccer field in its debut MLS season after announcing Walt Disney World Resort as a founding sponsor of the club.
A multiyear agreement will see Walt Disney World Resort become the official theme park and resort destination of Orlando City, Disney Cruise Line the official cruise line, and Disney Vacation Club the official vacation club.
Disney will have a major presence at Orlando City home matches at the Citrus Bowl during the season as well as the club’s future downtown stadium starting in 2016.
The timely sponsorship agreement comes just days ahead of the new MLS season which kicks off this Sunday.
Disney will host regular sports and community events at the ESPN Wide World of Sports complex at Walt Disney World Resort with Orlando City.
"Orlando City Soccer Club is writing an exciting new chapter in our region’s history," said George A. Kalogridis, president of Walt Disney World Resort.
"We are proud to be part of the community-wide team effort to help the Lions become Central Florida’s next great success story."
"This collaboration further strengthens the existing bond between the two Orlandos – the one known around the world as Disney theme parks and the metropolitan, vibrant growing downtown represented by Purple Pride," said Orlando City founder Phil Rawlins.
"Over 60 million tourists visited Orlando last year – with many coming from Brazil. There’s a natural synergy here to showcase all the wonder that is the City Beautiful."
The Orlando City partnership will help boost Disney’s profile in the growing South American market, where soccer is followed religiously.
Orlando team captain and star signing Kaka is still revered in his native Brazil.
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Editor for TravelMole North America and Asia pacific regions. Ray is a highly experienced (15+ years) skilled journalist and editor predominantly in travel, hospitality and lifestyle working with a huge number of major market-leading brands. He has also cover in-depth news, interviews and features in general business, finance, tech and geopolitical issues for a select few major news outlets and publishers.
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