Get ready to cheer, stomp, and dance your way to the Kia Center, Orlando’s premier arena fit for any basketball fan and music lover! Here’s your guide for the perfect date night at the Kia Center.
Kia Center Photos and Info
About the Arena
You might recognize the Kia Center by its previous name…The venue opened as the Amway Center in 2010, an upgrade and replacement of the Amway Arena. In partnership with Kia America, the arena was renamed the Kia Center in 2023.
Now, the arena glows inside and out. You can see the massive venue while walking around Downtown Orlando or driving down I-4 from either direction. Once you step inside the arena and an attendant scans your ticket, your senses will be greeted with the aroma of popcorn, honey-roasted peanuts, and excitement in the air.
Look up from the ground level, or peer across the concourse from an upper level, and you’ll see hundreds of spheres lit up, hanging from the ceiling. These spheres change colors: blue and white for Orlando Magic games, pink for some concerts, and other colors for special events, themed accordingly.
Sporting Events: Basketball & Hockey
Home to the Orlando Magic and Orlando Solar Bears, fans erupt with cheers and screams at every game, with the NBA Eastern Conference Champions and Turner Cup Champions banners swaying from the rafters.
Inside, you’ll find team gear and shops, including the Orlando Magic Team Shop, Orlando Magic memorabilia with the Magic Hall of Fame, and plenty of Orlando-themed photo ops. You’ll also see nods to Disney World due to the arena’s partnership with the theme park.
Keep an eye out for mascots, Stuff the Magic Dragon or Shades, to snap a photo with them before the game.
Concerts
Artists such as Taylor Swift, Jonas Brothers, Paul McCartney, Andrea Bocelli, Shakira, Carrie Underwood, Ariana Grande, Fall Out Boy (with Pete Wentz donning a vintage Magic jersey), and many more have performed at the Kia Center. It’s a popular venue for big names with everything from a simple, one-stage setup to elaborate, multi-stage, multi-shape, and raised setups.
Special Events
Outside of sporting events and concerts, you’ll also find special events ranging from Pro Wrestling, Monster Jam, comedy shows, and the Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey circus. Every event will also feature fun merch for purchase, from hats to shirts to cups as souvenirs to remember the night. Check the Kia Center calendar for a full list of upcoming events to plan your night out.
Choosing Your Seats
For sporting events, preview seats with the interactive venue seating chart. For all events, A View From My Seat is a great resource to see fan-submitted photos of the arena, right from their seat. You can search right down to the section and scroll to view different rows, seats, and angles.
Almost any seat is a great seat at the arena. For concerts, floor seats are fun if you want to be closer to the performances and dance the night away. Lower levels are great for an elevated view, close enough to the action, with a comfy seat. The upper levels on the right side of the stage are budget-friendly and still close to the stage/performances.
For basketball games, almost any section is a solid option to watch the game, except for lower level seats directly behind the basket. You’ll miss some of the action sitting behind the basket, even on an angle, so look for seats that face the court when available.
For value seats and a Magic fan experience, go for the Ozone deck in section 201. For an upgraded experience, look for premium and club seating, which will give you access to private floors, food, and drinks.
Purchasing Kia Center Event Tickets
Most tickets are electronic, and you can purchase tickets in person at the box office or online from Ticketmaster.
Kia Center Box Office
The Box Office is open Monday-Friday from 9 am to 6 pm and 3 hours before an arena event. Buying tickets directly from the box office can help you save money on ticket fees.
When my husband and I bought tickets to an event, we checked the seats on Ticketmaster and A View From My Seat to get a feel for the seats and availability. Then, we went to the box office, parked in a 15-minute parking spot, and gave the box office attendant the exact section, row, and seats we wanted. We received electronic tickets and saved on some ticket fees that we would've paid if we bought the tickets online!
Ticketmaster Tips
For popular concerts, sign up for artist presales or newsletters to get notified of ticket sales. Most artists will send a presale code by email or text, giving you a better chance of getting tickets. Some credit card companies also give special access to concert presales.
Most ticket sales start at 10 am, so be sure to set a reminder on your phone for 9:30 or 9:45 am, or sign up for a reminder from Ticketmaster. You can sign up for text and/or email reminders to help you remember to buy tickets on the day of the sale.
Another tip: Log in to your Ticketmaster account early and navigate to the ticket page, ideally on a laptop or desktop computer instead of a phone. You’ll be entered into a queue, which will help you access the seating map and tickets quickly.
Kia Center Parking
You have a few parking options for Kia Center events:
- GEICO Garage
- This is one of the easiest options, where you can purchase parking when you buy event tickets or separately if parking is still available.
- The GEICO Garage connects the Kia Center to the parking garage by a covered pedestrian bridge, so you won’t have to walk outside the arena or worry about getting wet if it’s raining.
- Other Parking Garages
- Metered Parking
- Parking is free after 6 pm. If you’re at a metered space before 6 pm, pay for the time you’ll be there before 6 pm, and then the rest of the night is free!
- For a limited time, Downtown Orlando is offering up to 2 hours of free metered parking. Learn more about the free parking program.
- Once you’ve parked, walk over to the arena, and bring an umbrella if it’s a rainy day or bring a jacket if it’s a chilly evening!
Ride the SunRail to a Magic Game
Ride for free with the SunRail’s “Train-to-the-Game” service! The southbound train runs later for weeknight Magic games, so all you need to do is show your game ticket to a SunRail conductor, and you’ll be on your way to the game. The train drops you off at Church Street, about a 10-15-minute walk from the Kia Center.
Door Opening Times
Doors open 1 hour before the event start time. Check your event ticket and email on the day of the event for the most up-to-date information.
Once you're inside the arena, you might just find some fun photo ops for concerts and special events.
Arena Policies
As of now, bags are not permitted inside the arena. However, small clutches (4.5″ x 6.5″ x 1″ or less) and medical and parent bags (max. 14″ x 14″ x 6″) are permitted. Check the website for the latest policies.
Places to Eat at the Arena
Whether you’re planning dinner before, during, or after the event, there are plenty of dining options at and around the Kia Center.
Orlando Table
Look for the “Certified Local” icon to find local eateries within the arena, including Gringos Locos, JJ’s Fresh from Scratch, Black Rooster Taqueria, Kelly’s Homemade Ice Cream, and more.
Kelly's Homemade Ice Cream is located at section 104 promenade level at the Kia Center.
Jernigan's
This buffet-style restaurant overlooks the arena bowl and is exclusive to Club Level guests, with seating available before concerts and events, and during Magic games, a great option for a sit-down meal without rushing to catch an opener or the tip-off. Reservations are required.
O3 Bar
A fan-favorite located next to the Ozone deck, enjoy drinks where you can watch the game on one side, and look out at the city on the other side.
Sire Spirits SkyLounge
This bar and lounge is open during and after events, featuring panoramic views of the city.
Places to Eat Near the Kia Center
Quick Bites
Tin & Taco
40 W Washington St, Orlando, FL 32801
This downtown spot is the original location of fresh tacos, craft beer, and craft soda, serving up creative bites. Stop by before or after the event—they’re open late! Open until midnight, Sunday – Thursday, and 3 am Friday – Saturday. Try the Tacosaurus or the Mac Attack tacos.
Tropical Smoothie Cafe
63 W Washington St, Orlando, FL 32801
Order a fresh Baja chicken wrap and a protein-infused smoothie for an energy boost before the event. This spot closes at 8 pm most nights, so visit before you go to the arena.
Gitto’s Pizza
120 S Orange Ave, Orlando, FL 32801
Grab fresh, hand-tossed pizza by the slice with a buttery garlic knot at this staple. Go before or after the event, as Gitto’s stays open until 2 am Monday-Tuesday and 3 am Wednesday-Sunday.
Sit-Down Restaurants
Kres Chophouse
17 West Church Street Orlando, Florida 32801
Looking for an upscale dining experience? You'll find filet mignon, New York Strip steak, lobster tail, and more at Kres Chophouse. The restaurant was named best late-night dining and best steakhouse in Orlando, and it’s open until 11:30 pm Monday-Saturday, and 10:30 pm on Sundays.
The Boheme
325 S Orange Ave, Orlando, FL 32801
Located inside the luxury hotel, the Grand Bohemian Orlando, The Boheme offers European-inspired cuisine, including lobster and crab bisque, prime filet, salmon, and more. The restaurant sets a romantic tone for the evening, adorned with elegant chandeliers, archways, and soft lighting. Stop by before heading to the arena, as the restaurant is open until 10 pm Monday-Sunday.
Plan Your Night Out
Ready for a great night out? Now’s the fun part! Check out the calendar, choose your favorite event, get your tickets, and plan your next date at the Kia Center. A magical night awaits!
Kia Center
400 West Church Street
Orlando, Florida 32801
https://www.kiacenter.com/
