ASL Sports Night

A large group of diverse people, including children and adults, gathered on a basketball court inside an arena, posing for a group photo with empty seats and electronic banners in the background.

What is ASL Sports Night?

ASL Sports Night is Deaf Florida’s flagship program - bringing the community together at live sporting events across Florida in a welcoming, accessible, and celebratory environment.

Partnering with major Florida sports organizations, each ASL Sports Night features ASL interpretation, a Deaf Performer for the National Anthem, fan experience, community gathering, and a shared experience that reminds us al that inclusion belongs in every arena.

More than just a night out - it is a movement. Every event builds visibility, strengthens community bonds, and sends a powerful message to organizations across Florida that the Deaf community shows up, engages, and deserves a seat at the table.

From the Orlando Magic to the Inter Miami, Tampa Bay Lightning to the Jacksonville Jaguars - Deaf Florida is proud to bring our community to the Sunshine State.

Two men standing on a basketball court inside a sports arena, smiling at the camera. One is wearing a black polo shirt and jeans, the other a black jacket and light-colored pants. There are other people and photographers in the background, with large screens displaying images and information overhead.

What is an ASL Sports Night Ambassador?

An ASL Sports Night Ambassador is a dedicated community leader who serves as the primary point of contact between Deaf Florida, Inc. and a partnering sports or entertainment organization. Each Ambassador is passionate about Deaf culture, American Sign Language, and creating inclusive experiences for the Deaf, hard-of-hearing, and DeafBlind community.

ASL Sports Night Ambassadors are responsible for:

  • Building relationships with their assigned partner organization to ensure the Deaf community feels welcomed, represented, and valued at every event.

  • Coordinating ASL Nights and accessibility initiatives, including interpreter placement, captioning services, and community outreach leading up to events.

  • Serving as a community connector, helping to grow attendance and engagement by spreading the word through local Deaf networks, social media, and word of mouth.

  • Providing feedback to Deaf Florida leadership on what is working, what can be improved, and what the community needs most from each partner organization.

  • Representing Deaf Florida's mission and values with professionalism, warmth, and a heart for service.

ASL Sports Night Ambassadors are the heartbeat of Deaf Florida's statewide reach, empowering local leaders to own their community relationships and create lasting impact, one organization at a time.

A man playing a saxophone on a basketball court with a woman standing nearby, and a crowd in the background at an event with bright stage lighting.

What is a National Anthem Performer in ASL?

A National Anthem Performer in ASL is a skilled and expressive American Sign Language artist who performs the National Anthem in ASL alongside a live vocal or instrumental performance at a professional sports or entertainment event. This role brings visibility and representation to the Deaf, hard-of-hearing, and DeafBlind community on one of the most prominent stages in sports and entertainment.

The National Anthem Performer in ASL:

  • Interprets the National Anthem in American Sign Language with artistry, accuracy, and cultural authenticity, ensuring the Deaf community experiences the full emotional weight of the performance.

  • Performs in front of thousands of fans on the arena floor, making a powerful statement that Deaf culture and ASL belong in mainstream sports and entertainment spaces.

  • Serves as a cultural ambassador for the Deaf community, demonstrating the beauty and expressiveness of American Sign Language to hearing audiences who may be experiencing ASL performance for the first time.

  • Collaborates with Deaf Florida, Inc. to ensure performance aligns with the mission of accessibility, inclusion, and Deaf representation across all partnering organizations.

  • Inspires Deaf youth and community members by showing that Deaf performers have a place and a spotlight in the world of professional sports.

The National Anthem performance in ASL is often the most visible and memorable moment of any ASL Night event, serving as a powerful reminder that inclusion is not just a value … it is a practice.