Orlando Pirates to honor first responders at Heroes Night finale

The Orlando Pirates will close their 2026 home schedule on July 5 at the Kia Center with a Heroes Night matchup against the Green Bay Blizzard. The game will spotlight military members, veterans, first responders and healthcare workers while giving Orlando one last home crowd showcase before the regular season ends on the road.

Why it matters: - The final home game gives the Orlando Pirates one more chance to defend an unbeaten home record and build momentum before the postseason push. - Heroes Night ties the team’s biggest remaining home date to a community recognition event for people who serve and protect Central Florida. - A BOGO ticket offer lowers the barrier for families and groups to attend the season finale.

What happened: - The Orlando Pirates will host the Green Bay Blizzard on Sunday, July 5, at the Kia Center in Orlando. - Kickoff is set for 7:30 p.m. EDT. - The game is the Pirates’ final home contest of the 2026 Indoor Football League regular season. - The event is being held as the team’s Heroes Night celebration.

The details: - Heroes Night will honor military members, veterans, law enforcement officers, firefighters, healthcare professionals and first responders. - The Orlando Pirates have used themed home events throughout their inaugural Orlando season, including Youth Night and Brazilian Night. - The Pirates enter the game after a 54-42 win over the Jacksonville Sharks on Brazilian Night. - That win extended the Pirates’ undefeated home record. - Quarterback Paxton DeLaurent has 2,015 passing yards, 38 touchdown passes and a 72.0% completion rate through 12 games. - DeLaurent also has 10 rushing touchdowns. - Running back Pooka Williams has rushed for 390 yards and 16 touchdowns and contributes on special teams. - Wide receivers Nyqwan Murray, Thomas Owens and Teo Redding remain among the Indoor Football League’s top receiving threats. - Defensively, Mike Mason, Destin Mack, DJ Daniel and Leon O’Neal have helped the Pirates make key stops throughout the season. - The Green Bay Blizzard are led by quarterback Daquan Neal, a dual-threat playmaker. - The teams met earlier this season in Orlando, where the Pirates won 49-46. - The game is presented in partnership with Fentanyl Free America. - The celebration will also highlight efforts aimed at healthier and safer communities. - Fans can buy one ticket and get one free for the game. - The venue is the Kia Center, 400 W Church Street, Orlando, FL 32801.

Between the lines: - The Pirates are using home games to build a local identity quickly in Orlando by pairing football with community themes and family-friendly programming. - The team’s offensive numbers suggest why Orlando has become one of the league’s most watchable teams. - Green Bay has the profile of an upset threat, which adds meaning to a finale that is already built around celebration.

What's next: - The Pirates will close the regular season on the road after the July 5 home finale. - The outcome of the Blizzard game will shape how much momentum Orlando carries into the postseason. - Fans seeking media, interview or credential information are directed to Catalina Maya PR.

The bottom line: - Orlando’s last home game of the season combines a meaningful salute to community heroes with a high-stakes football matchup and a strong chance to keep the Kia Center unbeaten.