The Orlando Magic, the city’s NBA team, plays regular-season games in Amway Arena. The games provide a great experience for both locals and visitors. Located in downtown Orlando, the arena is in a prime location and is easily walkable from most of downtown. The games are energetic, but here are a few facts and tips to help you fully enjoy your first Orlando Magic game.
Where do the Orlando Magic play, and how do I get there?
The Orlando Magic plays in Amway Arena, which is centrally located in downtown Orlando approximately 17 miles from Disney World and 9 miles from Universal Studios via I-4. Most people drive to the game; however, there is a rideshare pickup close to Amway Arena. Also, for most games, SunRail, the city commuter train, will offer extended hours. You can view the current SunRail schedule here: https://sunrail.com/
When do the Orlando Magic play?
Pre-season games begin in early October. The regular season runs from late October – April.
View the full schedule here .
Where can I park?
There is an abundance of paid parking lots and garages within walking distance to the arena. Also, the Geico Garage is connected to Amway Arena and accessible via a covered walkway. You can expect to pay $10.00 – $20.00 for parking on normal nights with $10.00 being the normal rate.
Click here for a map of parking lots and garages in downtown Orlando.
There is also an Uber drop-off and pick-up close to the arena.
Where can I eat in Amway Arena?
You will find a multitude of food options located inside Amway Arena, including nachos, hot dogs, burgers, fries, pizza, and tacos. One of the best local food stations in the arena is Gringos Locos, where you will find an array of nachos and tacos.
Amway also houses two full-service restaurants: The Magic Grill and Jernigan’s. Featuring burgers and wings, The Magic Grill is located on the ground level of the northwest side of the arena and is open to the public before and during the game. Jernigan’s is a buffet restaurant located inside the arena on the Chase Club Level. With an ever-changing menu, Jernigan’s features full tables and ledge seating that overlooks the court. Reservations are recommended.
If you are sitting in a Courtside or Ultimate seat, you also have access to the Fields Ultimate Lounge. With this pass, you will have access to unlimited beer and wine, as well as food. The menu changes per game, but in the past, we have seen carving stations and pasta bars, as well as hot dogs, nachos, and popcorn.
If possible, I highly recommend having dinner before the game at one of the multitudes of restaurants in the downtown area. On Church Street and Orange Street, you will find everything from tapas to pizza, most of which will be less expensive than the food inside of the arena. On the flip side, many downtown restaurants will still be open after the game ends.
Can I buy alcohol at the game?
Absolutely! Fortunately, Amway Center has a multitude of bars, and alcohol is widely available. On every level of Amway, you will find beer, wine, and liquor, and there are several large bars and many smaller bars located throughout the arena. Expect to pay at least $8.00 for domestic beer and $12.00-$13.00 for liquor drinks. There are also two beautiful outdoor lounges with views of downtown. These are great places to have a cocktail before the game.
Does the Orlando Magic have a mascot?
Yes, and he is fabulous! Stuff the Mascot, a bright green dragon, recently won NBA mascot of the year. Expect to see him on the court and in the crowds entertaining and keeping the atmosphere alive.
Where should I sit?
Well, that depends on how much you want to spend on tickets, and luckily there are tickets for every budget. Ticket prices vary by game but can range anywhere from $20 for the upper-level to $1,000 for courtside seats. If the Orlando Magic are playing a very popular team, the tickets will be more expensive.
Keep in mind that Amway Arena is a very large arena; thus, if you buy a ticket in the upper-level row 12, for instance, you will be very high up. You will likely still see the court, but you may find yourself watching more of the game on the big screen. If you can afford it, spring for lower-level tickets. You will feel like you are in the middle of the action, the atmosphere is fun, and you might even see yourself on the big screen!
How can I buy tickets?
It is always best to have tickets before making your way to the game. If there are still seats remaining, the best place to buy tickets is on the official Orlando Magic website at OrlandoMagic.com
If no seats are remaining, you may still be able to buy tickets on the Orlando Magic website through an authorized resell program. Note that you may pay more than the standard ticket price with this method; however, it is the most legitimate and safest method for resell ticket purchases. There are also third-party ticket sites available. Whichever method you choose, we recommend purchasing tickets from an authorized ticket agency only to avoid possible scams.
Can I find Magic gear at the game?
Yes! There are smaller shops within the arena, but the Magic Team Store is located on the lower level and is open before, during, and after the game. The store also has a great selection!
Is there anything for kids to do?
Yes! During the Magic games, there is a special area just for kids. On the Promenade level, you will find Stuff’s Magic Castle, a play area for kids over two years old and under 48″.
Can I bring my purse or bag?
Yes, but all purses and bags are thoroughly checked at security before you enter the arena. Purses or bags may not be larger than 14″ x 14″ x 6″ and backpacks are not allowed. Click here to view the Amway Center policy, which includes a list of prohibited items.
Is there anywhere to hang out after the game?
Since Amway Arena is located in downtown Orlando, you will have a wide option of restaurants, bars, or nightclubs to choose from for post-game fun. If the game is on a Friday or Saturday, check out One80 Lounge located on the top floor of Amway Arena or head down to Church Street, where you will find Harry Buffalos and The Lion’s Den. On the weekends, Orange Street fires up with an abundance of bars, restaurants, and clubs.