Kia Center
4.6(17K)google
4.0(488)yelp
ConcertDowntownSports
Overview
Located in the heart of downtown Orlando, the Kia Center (formerly known as the Amway Center) is a premier, state-of-the-art sports and entertainment arena. Serving as the proud home venue for the NBA's Orlando Magic, this architecturally impressive facility boasts massive high-definition video displays, excellent sightlines, and premium hospitality spaces. Beyond thrilling basketball games, the arena regularly hosts major concerts by international superstars, family ice shows, and large-scale community events.
Practical Info
Suggested DurationAbout 2.5-4 hours
Best TimeBest visited from October to April during the NBA regular season to catch an Orlando Magic home game. Arrive 1 to 1.5 hours before the event starts to clear security smoothly and browse the official team shop.
Getting ThereLocated in the heart of Downtown Orlando. Take the SunRail commuter train to Church Street Station and walk west for about 5 minutes. Drivers can park in the attached GEICO Garage or nearby downtown lots.
Travel Tips
- Strictly enforces an anti-bag policy (formerly Amway Center). Backpacks, purses, and camera cases exceeding 4.5"x6.5" are barred at the security screening gates. No complimentary lockers are provided; oversized bags must be stored in paid mobile storage pods outside.
- Avoid parking on loose gravel lots due to predatory municipal towing. Pre-book parking online at the adjacent Geico Garage; its 5th floor features a direct, covered pedestrian bridge leading inside Kia Center, bypassing street level gridlocks entirely.
- Operates on a 100% cashless execution; cash currency is entirely rejected at merchandise and concessions registers; utilize major bank cards or Apple Pay. Alcohol orders prompt mandatory age verification via physical valid passports or U.S. state IDs only.
Reviews
Positive
- As the home of the Orlando Magic, the massive suspended LED screens deliver incredible visual impact; watching an NBA game is incomparably fun.
- The interior is highly modern with bright multilingual dynamic signs; wheelchair-accessible lanes and elevators are plentiful, with top-tier maintenance.
- The security screening is extremely strict and regulated, order management is structured, and ample safety personnel make you feel very secure.
- Located in the heart of downtown Orlando, it is surrounded by budget restaurants and public transit links, making its location convenience flawless.
Heads up
- Parking fees in official garages during games or major concerts are robbery, and post-event departures trigger severe traffic congestion.
- On-site secondary spend on craft beer and hot dogs is outrageously inflated, bordering on a tourist trap; eating outside beforehand is recommended.
- Standard economy seating rows are relatively narrow and tight; taller spectators will find sitting for long hours uncomfortable for their legs.
- The entry queues for high-profile games are long; failing to arrive an hour early easily gets you stuck at security, missing the opening player intros.