USA FENCING WILL KICK OFF 2026-27 SEASON IN ORLANDO

Orlando, FL (Oct. 29, 2025) — USA Fencing, in partnership with the Greater Orlando Sports Commission, Orange County Convention Center, and Visit Orlando is excited to announce that Orlando has been awarded the October 2026 North American Cup (NAC), the first tournament of the 2026–27 national events calendar.

The four-day competition is set for Oct. 9–12, 2026, at the Orange County Convention Center (OCCC) and will mark USA Fencing’s return to Orlando for the first time since 2023.

“We’re thrilled to be partnering with the Greater Orlando Sports Commission on our second tournament in four years in the area,” says Glen Hollingsworth, USA Fencing’s Director of Events. “Orlando is one of the country’s premier destinations for sports and leisure travel, and we’re looking forward to welcoming premier fencers from around the country, as well as their friends and family, for what promises to be an incredible weekend.”

“We’re proud to welcome back USA Fencing to the Orange County Convention Center for its 2026–27 season opener,” said Mark Tester, Executive Director for the OCCC. “This event adds to our growing portfolio of premier sporting events and reflects our ongoing commitment to hosting world-class competitions that elevate the attendee experience and strengthen our position as a leading destination for sports tourism.”

“Hosting the kickoff of the 2026–27 USA Fencing Season is a fantastic opportunity to showcase how Orlando’s world-class sports venues, exciting attractions, welcoming community and those special moments in between create the perfect setting for athletes and fans alike,” says Casandra Matej, Visit Orlando President & CEO. Whether you’re here for top-level competition, family fun or cultural adventures, there’s something for everyone. We look forward to showing the USA Fencing athletes and visitors why every experience here is truly Unbelievably Real.”

“We’re thrilled to welcome USA Fencing back to the Orange County Convention Center,” said Jason Siegel, President & CEO of the Greater Orlando Sports Commission. “Our community takes great pride in hosting world-class athletes and national governing bodies, and we’re honored that USA Fencing continues to choose Orlando as a destination for their elite competitions. Thank you to our partners at the Orange County Convention Center and Visit Orlando, as well as our local hoteliers for their continued collaboration and support in making events like this a success.”

As in past season openers, the tournament will feature a range of events and divisions. Expected competition categories include Division I (elite senior-level bouts featuring Olympians and other fencing elites from around the world and across the country) and Parafencing (wheelchair fencing), which will showcase some of the top adaptive athletes in the sport.

Full event combos and other event dates and locations for the 2026-27 season will be announced when available. For now, USA Fencing members are encouraged to mark your calendars for Oct. 9–12, 2026, and follow USA Fencing on social media for the latest updates as this exciting event approaches.

About USA Fencing

USA Fencing is the national governing body for the Olympic and Paralympic sport of fencing in the United States. Our mission is to grow and promote the sport of fencing in the United States, honor its rich traditions, and achieve sustained competitive international excellence. In USA Fencing, our athletes are strong and competitive both on the fencing strip and in life — a reminder that fencing provides physical and mental benefits that last a lifetime.

About the Greater Orlando Sports Commission

The Greater Orlando Sports Commission (GO Sports) is a private, non-profit organization established to attract and manage sports-related events, conferences and activities that drive positive economic development in the City of Orlando, Lake County, Orange County, Osceola County, and Seminole County. Founded in 1992-93, the organization has hosted or co-hosted more than 1,700 events in the Greater Orlando area with a total economic impact exceeding $3.86 billion in spending within the community. For more information, visit www.GreaterOrlandoSports.com.