Orlando Magic

Orlando Magic Travel Guide: Kia Center

How to Get There

• Flying In: You will fly into Orlando International Airport (MCO). It is a massive global hub and offers direct flights from virtually everywhere. It is heavily serviced by domestic carriers like Southwest, JetBlue, and Delta, giving you plenty of fantastic options.

• Airport Transit: MCO is located about 12 miles southeast of downtown Orlando. The most efficient way to reach the city center is simply grabbing a rideshare (Uber or Lyft), which typically takes about 25 minutes depending on I-4 highway traffic.

Where to Stay

Kia Center (formerly Amway Center) sits right in the heart of Downtown Orlando, just off Church Street. Staying downtown provides elite walkability to the arena, Lake Eola, and excellent dining, allowing you to completely avoid the massive tourist crowds in the theme park corridors.

Budget/Mid-Range Options

• AC Hotel by Marriott Orlando Downtown: Located right near the Church Street Station district, this modern, European-inspired hotel features a fantastic rooftop bar (SkyBar) with panoramic views. It is just a short walk to the arena and typically runs between 20,000 to 30,000 Marriott Bonvoy points per night.

• Aloft Orlando Downtown: Situated right across from the Dr. Phillips Center and just blocks from the arena, this trendy, loft-style hotel is highly reliable and puts you in a perfect central location. Redemptions usually range from 20,000 to 30,000 Marriott Bonvoy points per night.

Higher-End Options

• Grand Bohemian Hotel Orlando, Autograph Collection: This is the premier luxury hotel in downtown Orlando. It features stunning artwork, incredible architecture, and the upscale Bösendorfer Lounge. It is a fantastic, premium base camp just a short walk from Kia Center. Expect redemptions to hover around 40,000 to 60,000 Marriott Bonvoy points per night.

• Embassy Suites by Hilton Orlando Downtown: Located a short walk away near Lake Eola, this hotel offers spacious two-room suites, a free made-to-order breakfast, and complimentary evening receptions. It is highly convenient for a sports weekend and generally requires 40,000 to 50,000 Hilton Honors points per night.

Nearby Activities

• Lake Eola Park: Located right in the center of downtown, this beautiful urban park features a massive central fountain, live swans, and a nearly one-mile paved walking path circling the water. It is a perfect spot for a morning walk or run.

• Church Street District: This historic stretch of downtown is lined with some of the best architecture, dining, and nightlife in the city. You will inevitably spend time here before and after the game.

Pregame Food and Drink

• Harry Buffalo: Located on Church Street just a few blocks from the arena, this massive sports bar is the absolute undisputed epicenter of the Magic pregame scene. It features tons of screens, great pub food, and gets completely packed with jerseys before tip-off.

• Chillers / Cahoots / Latitudes: Also situated right on Church Street, this massive three-story complex offers different vibes on each level, culminating in a fantastic rooftop bar. It is a highly energized spot to grab a drink as fans migrate toward the gates.

• Big Storm Brewing Co.: Located right inside the arena footprint, this massive taproom offers great local Florida craft beer and pub fare, making it incredibly convenient if you want to eat right at the stadium.

Getting to the Event

• Walking: If you secure a hotel in the downtown core, walking is absolutely the best way to get to the game. You will completely bypass the notorious I-4 traffic, and Church Street serves as a natural, highly populated pedestrian funnel right to the arena doors.

• SunRail: If you choose to stay slightly further out in the northern or southern suburbs, the SunRail commuter train drops you off directly at the Church Street Station, which is just a short walk from Kia Center.

• LYMMO: Downtown Orlando operates a free bus circulator system called LYMMO. You can hop on the Grapefruit or Lime lines, both of which have stops located immediately around the arena footprint.

• Driving: If you choose to drive, you will want to utilize the massive GEICO Garage, which is located adjacent to Kia Center and connects directly via a covered pedestrian bridge. Pre-purchasing a pass is highly recommended.

Where to Sit at Kia Center

• The Magic Bench: The home team sits in front of Section 107.

• Away Fans: If you are traveling to support the visiting team, you want to target Section 104, which sits directly behind the visitor's bench.

• The Premium Club Experience: The Club Level offers an excellent VIP setup. Located just above the lower bowl, these tickets grant access to exclusive concourses, upscale dining lounges, and private bars. Additionally, the first five rows of the lower sideline sections (the Ultimate Seats) include access to the all-inclusive Fields Ultimate Lounge.

• The Sweet Spot: To get great lower-bowl energy without the steep center-court premium club prices, look at the corner sections, specifically Sections 103, 108, 113, or 118.

• The Budget Seats: The 200-level provides the most affordable tickets. Kia Center features steep, excellent sightlines from the upper deck. For the best balance of price and center-court views, aim for the lower rows of Sections 207-209 or 223-225.