Saddened to hear of the passing of Andre Lacroix, one of the greatest players in World Hockey Association history, at the age of 81. The WHA’s all-time leading scorer, Lacroix recorded 798 points (251 goals, 547 assists) in 551 games and was the only player in league history to register six 100-point seasons. His career in the league earned him a place among the inaugural inductees into the World Hockey Association Hall of Fame in 2010.

Banana Ball is swinging back into Walt Disney World in 2027! The wildly entertaining baseball phenomenon returns to ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex April 15–18 for the second consecutive year as part of its 2027 world tour. Known for its outrageous antics, nonstop entertainment, fan interaction and high-energy atmosphere, Banana Ball delivers a baseball experience unlike any other. Expect plenty of laughs, unforgettable moments and a whole lot of dancing in the stands. For Disney visitors looking to add something different to their spring vacation, this is one experience you won’t want to miss!

On this day in 2019, The Vortex roller coaster at Kings Island gave its last rides. For more than three decades, The Vortex stood as a symbol of roller coaster innovation and a rite of passage for thrill-seekers. When it opened on April 11, 1987, this Arrow Dynamics steel giant didn’t just join the lineup—it redefined it, ushering in a new era of record-breaking thrills. At its debut, The Vortex was unlike anything the amusement world had seen. Rising 148 feet into the sky, it claimed the title of the world’s tallest full-circuit roller coaster. But that was only part of its legacy. With six inversions—the first coaster ever to push riders through so many upside-down moments—it was a technological marvel that blended ambition with adrenaline. Riders braced for a heart-racing 138-foot drop before being catapulted through vertical loops, corkscrews, a boomerang turn, and a dramatic ascending helix, hitting speeds up to 55 miles per hour. The ride’s history carried an extra layer of significance. The Vortex was built on hallowed ground, replacing The Bat, the world’s first suspended roller coaster. Its arrival coincided with a milestone year for Kings Island—attendance surged past 3 million in 1987, cementing the park’s reputation as a must-visit destination in the Midwest. Over the years, The Vortex became more than a thrill ride—it became a memory maker. More than 46 million guests experienced its twists and turns, together generating over 275 million upside-down moments. For many, it was their first “big coaster,” an initiation into the world of loops, drops, and g-forces. For others, it was a nostalgic favorite, revisited year after year. But like many icons, time eventually caught up. Its retirement left a gap in Kings Island’s skyline—and in the hearts of its fans.

This one is shaping up to be a good old-fashioned butt-whipping!

Time is running out to experience Land of Illusion Haunted Scream Park in Middletown, Ohio! Six haunted attractions, a mile-long haunted trail, and more than 200 monsters await — but only until October 31. Don’t let Halloween slip away without one last scream! landofillusion.com/last-chan…

Holiday World’s $22 million Cannonball! water coaster is taking shape, with its 90-foot lift hill reaching a major milestone. themeparksbydon.com/holiday-…

The largest single-attraction investment in Holiday World history, the $22 million Cannonball! water coaster will send riders soaring 90 feet into the air before racing along more than 1,000 feet of track and finishing with a massive splashdown. tristatehomepage.com/news/lo…

On this day 51 years ago—October 25, 1975—daredevil Evel Knievel made history at Kings Island with a record-breaking motorcycle jump over 14 Greyhound buses. Broadcast live on ABC’s Wide World of Sports, the stunt captured the nation’s attention, achieving the highest ratings in the show’s history with a 22.3 rating and 52 percent share. This iconic jump marked the final large-scale stunt of Knievel’s legendary career and remains one of his most celebrated achievements.

The Baltimore Ravens will be without two-time NFL MVP Lamar Jackson for Sunday’s AFC North battle against the Cincinnati Bengals. Jackson, sidelined by a high ankle sprain, will miss his third consecutive game. Tyler “Snoop” Huntley, who has a 6-8 record as a fill-in starter for Baltimore, will get the start in his place. Bengals fans, how much does Jackson’s absence change your outlook on Sunday’s game?

From a breathtaking living Nativity and dazzling ice skaters to magnificent horses and a visit from Santa Claus, Dolly Parton’s Stampede is bringing the spirit of Christmas to Pigeon Forge, Tennessee. themeparksbydon.com/dolly-pa…

On this day 51 years ago — October 23, 1975 — Rick Dudley scored two goals just eight seconds apart in the second period and added an assist to lead the Cincinnati Stingers to a 6–4 victory over the Edmonton Oilers in their World Hockey Association home debut before 8,776 fans at Riverfront Coliseum.

Cincinnati Reds first baseman Sal Stewart has been named The Sporting News’ 2026 National League Rookie of the Year after hitting .263 with 32 home runs, 111 RBIs and a .787 OPS. Stewart earned the honor over JJ Wetherholt, Carson Benge, J. Rumfield and Nolan McLean. The Baseball Writers’ Association of America will announce its 2026 American League and National League Rookie of the Year winners on Monday, Nov. 9.

Kings Island’s WinterFest is extending the holiday magic this season with expanded weekend hours! The park will be open from noon to 10 p.m. on Saturdays and Sundays, giving guests even more time to enjoy the festive sights, sounds and attractions.

The final days of Dollywood’s Harvest Festival are here! Don’t miss your chance to soak in the sights, sounds, and flavors of fall. It’s one of Dollywood’s most beloved seasonal celebrations—every corner of the park is alive with the spirit of fall. dollywood.com/calendar

Happy International Sloth Day! At Wild Adventures Theme Park in Valdosta, Georgia, two-toed sloths Oscar and Maya are helping guests discover what makes these fascinating animals so unique. Known for sleeping 15 to 18 hours a day, two-toed sloths have just five to six neck vertebrae and a body temperature that can vary significantly. New this year, Wild Adventures offers an exclusive animal encounter where guests can get an up-close look at Oscar and Maya and even feed them some of their favorite fruits. It's a memorable opportunity to connect with wildlife while learning more about these remarkable creatures.

Will Tampa Bay punch its ticket to the World Series tonight, or will Cleveland force a Game 7?

On this day 60 years ago, Bobby Orr made his NHL debut with the Boston Bruins, recording one assist. Few athletes have ever changed the way their sport is played — and Orr is one of them. He remains firmly in the conversation as hockey’s greatest player of all time.

There’s something about a clown’s painted-on smile that can turn an innocent encounter into a terrifying experience. At Land of Illusion Haunted Scream Park in Middletown, Ohio, that fear takes center stage inside Killer Klowns Haunted Maze, a twisted carnival nightmare where the laughter is anything but comforting. landofillusion.com/killer-kl…