Why Orlando Magic Isn’t Just About The Basketball

There’s plenty of magic involved with any Orlando holiday. From the wonderful memories that families make every day to the Magic Kingdom itself, this is a totally enchanting proposition. But there is also another magical experience on offer at this time of year, and it revolves around a different kind of sorcery - the sporting kind.

If you’re a big fan of basketball, you’ll already know that the NBA season is back for another year. But you don’t need to be a sports fan to spend an evening watching Orlando Magic play at the Kia Center!

“What’s the great attraction with a basketball game?” you might ask, and the simple answer would be: Razzamatazz!

That’s because American sport isn’t just about what happens on the field of play, it is also an exercise in pure entertainment, starting well before the game and often continuing afterwards. Game Day is all about fun and excitement, both on and off the court. This will especially appeal to those who are on their second, third - or more - Orlando visit and are looking for that “something different” factor. And it’s all just 25 minutes away from the major Orlando theme parks. 

What is the Kia Center? 

The Kia Center is the home of Orlando Magic. This ultra-modern venue is highly recommended at any time to see the astounding level of comfort, facilities and technology packed into its fabulous 17,500-seat arena, which maxes out at a whopping 875,000 square feet.

Opened in 2010, the Kia Center is one of the most impressive and high-tech stadium facilities in the United States, boasting a massive central LED display board with 18 individual screens and a flexible seating design that can accommodate multiple events. As well as basketball, the venue can host ice hockey and indoor American Football, while it is also a superb stage for big-name concerts (the likes of Lady Gaga, Andrea Bocelli and Elton John have all performed here), WWE wrestling and mixed martial arts shows.

The $380 million arena is packed with user-friendly features… the toilets even have their own TV screens, so you won’t miss a moment of the action! 

If you don’t arrive as an NBA fan, we guarantee that after experiencing all the Kia Center has to offer you’ll be one by the time you leave! Here’s some of what you can expect: 

Fan Fest 

Before every Orlando Magic game, the fun begins outside the Kia Center with Fan Fest, where the whole family can get in the spirit with live music, interactive activities, face painting and the chance to shoot some hoops of your own. In 2019, the arena was voted as number 1 for fan experiences and with events like this we can see why! 

Stuff’s Magic Castle

If you’re visiting with young kids who might not be able to concentrate for the full duration of a basketball game (usually around 2-2.5 hours), Stuff’s Magic Castle has got you covered! This indoor play area offers soft play, ball pits, slides, climbing frames and mini basketball hoops to keep little ones entertained. There are a number of concession stands throughout the arena that are focused on kids too so they can purchase a fun memento or two to remember their first NBA game. 

Entertainment 

If you want a true taste of classic Americana then an Orlando Magic basketball game is the place for you. Just like you see on TV and at the cinema, the entertainment at the Kia Center is one of the highlights of the evening. Cheerleaders, drummers, dancers and a hype squad get the crowd amped up and ready to see the players take to the court. 

And then there are fun diversions during breaks in the action, with more cheerleader sessions, a half-time show and the essential excitement of the T-shirt cannons - hand-held devices that the cheerleading team can fire into the audience, offering the lure of a free T-shirt if it comes your way.

Dining 

An evening out wouldn’t be complete without some good food and drinks, and the Kia Center has plenty for you to choose from! There are a total of nine restaurants and bars at the arena including a rooftop bar, and Jernigan’s restaurant that looks directly down to the arena bowl during Orlando Magic games! Plus, if you book Ultimate Seating, you’ll get all-inclusive food and drink, including beer and wine before, during and after the game. 

Orlando Magic Basketball Schedule 2024/25

But of course, we can’t forget about the basketball itself! With over 40 games taking place at the Amway Center throughout the season, there will be plenty of opportunities to catch Orlando Magic going head to head with some of the NBA’s most well known teams, including the New York Knicks, Chicago Bulls, and Miami Heat. 

There are pre-season games on October 11th and 18th, before it all officially kicks off on October 25th. The season runs until April 9th, so there are plenty of opportunities to catch a game if you’re visiting Orlando in the next 7 months. 

Here’s the full 2024/25 schedule (although game dates and times may be subject to change) 

With tickets starting at just £17 per person and five different seating categories to choose from, you can enjoy an evening of Orlando Magic no matter your budget.