Oct 18, 2023
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By: Troy MacNeill
ORLANDO, Fla. (October 18, 2023) – The Amateur Athletic Union is happy to announce our partners at the Orange County Convention Center have been approved for the Phase 5A completion of the Orange County Convention Center (OCCC).
On October 3, 2023, the Orange County Board of County Commissioners voted to approve allocating Tourist Development Tax funding for the $560 million expansion to the North and South Building at OCCC. The completion will allow AAU events to expand and offer opportunities for more teams to participate in beautiful Orlando, Florida.
The Phase 5A completion project will include enhancements to the North-South Building, featuring an enclosed, air-conditioned connection between the North and South concourses that includes 60,000 square feet of meeting space. The expansion will also feature a brand-new grand entrance to the North-South Building along Convention Way.
The Orange County Convention Center is the home of the AAU Junior National Volleyball Championships and many other events throughout the year. This past year, the 50th AAU Junior National Volleyball Championships broke the record for the largest sporting event ever held at the Orange County Convention Center.
“We are thrilled for our friends at the Orange County Convention Center,” said AAU President, Jo Mirza. “AAU events have grown exponentially, and that growth wouldn’t be possible without the dedication of our invaluable community partnerships. The OCCC, in the heart of Central Florida, is a perfect home for AAU events.”
The OCCC is an economic driver for the community and the AAU brings in millions of dollars in economic impact each year to Central Florida. This project will add to that impact and growth as this will provide the Center with more connectivity and additional space to grow events and host new AAU events.
“Our mission is economic development,” said Mark Tester, Executive Director of the Orange County Convention Center. “The approval to continue with Phase 5A will further our ability to fulfill that mission, while sharpening our competitive edge and maintaining the position of a leading destination for conventions, trade shows, sporting events and more.”
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The AAU was founded in 1888 to establish standards and uniformity in amateur sports. During its early years, the AAU served as a leader in international sport representing the U.S. in the international sports federations. The AAU worked closely with the Olympic movement to prepare athletes for the Olympic Games. After the Amateur Sports Act of 1978, the AAU has focused its efforts into providing sports programs for all participants of all ages beginning at the grass roots level. The philosophy of "Sports for All, Forever," is shared by nearly 800,000 participants and over 150,000 volunteers.
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