What Kia Center is and where to find it

Kia Center is the home arena of the Orlando Magic, the NBA team based in Orlando, Florida. The building opened in 1989 as the Orlando Arena and was renamed Amway Center in 2010 when Amway purchased the naming rights. In 2023, Kia Motors became the naming rights partner, and the arena became Kia Center. The arena sits in downtown Orlando at 400 West Church Street, about a mile south of Interstate 4.

The arena holds roughly 19,000 people for basketball games. It has hosted the Magic's home games for over three decades and is also used for concerts, conventions, and other sporting events throughout the year. If you are planning to attend a game or event, knowing the basic layout and what to expect will help you prepare.

Key Takeaways

  • Kia Center is located at 400 West Church Street in downtown Orlando and holds about 19,000 people for Magic games.
  • The arena has multiple parking options including on-site garages, surface lots, and street parking, though game-day parking fills quickly.
  • You can buy Magic tickets through the official NBA website, the Magic's own website, or resale platforms like StubHub and Ticketmaster's resale section.
  • The arena allows clear bags and has a bag policy that you should review before arriving, and outside food and drinks are generally not permitted.
  • Public transportation via Lynx bus service and rideshare options like Uber and Lyft serve the arena, offering alternatives to driving.

Getting tickets to Magic games

Tickets to Orlando Magic games are sold through several channels. The official source is the Magic's website (orlandomagic.com), where you can browse available games, view seat maps, and purchase directly. You can also buy through the NBA's official ticketing platform or through Ticketmaster. For games that have already started selling, resale platforms like StubHub, SeatGeek, and Vivid Seats often have inventory at varying prices.

Ticket prices depend on the opponent, the day of the week, and how close the game is. Weekend games and matchups against popular teams typically cost more than weekday games against less-known opponents. Season ticket holders and members of the Magic's loyalty program sometimes get early access to certain games or discounted pricing. If you are flexible on which game you attend, checking multiple dates can help you find better prices.

Parking at Kia Center

Kia Center has several parking options. The arena operates two on-site parking garages that are connected to the building, making them convenient but also the most expensive option on game days. Surface lots operated by the arena or nearby property owners are usually cheaper than the garages but may be farther from the entrance. Street parking is available in the surrounding downtown area, though it fills quickly during popular games and may require walking several blocks.

Parking rates vary by lot and event. On-site garage parking typically ranges from $15 to $25 for a game, while surface lots may be $10 to $15. If you arrive early, you have better odds of finding a spot close to the arena. Many people choose to use rideshare services like Uber or Lyft instead of parking, which can be competitive in price depending on demand and how far you are traveling from.

What you can bring into the arena

Kia Center allows clear bags that meet specific size requirements — typically bags no larger than 12 inches by 6 inches by 12 inches. This policy is standard across most NBA arenas and is designed for security screening. Small clutches and wallets without straps are usually permitted, as are diaper bags for parents with young children. You should check the Magic's official website or call ahead if you have questions about a specific bag.

Outside food and drinks are not permitted inside the arena. You will need to purchase food and beverages from vendors inside, which tend to be more expensive than outside options. The arena has multiple concession stands throughout the building, and there are restaurants and food options in the surrounding downtown area if you want to eat before or after the game. Bring a refillable water bottle if you want to fill it at water fountains inside the arena.

Getting to Kia Center without a car

Public transportation to Kia Center is available through Lynx, the local bus system in Orange County. Several bus routes serve downtown Orlando and stop near the arena. You can plan your route using the Lynx website or Google Maps by selecting the public transit option. Buses are cheaper than parking but require knowing your route in advance and allowing extra travel time.

Rideshare services like Uber and Lyft operate in Orlando and can drop you at the arena entrance. Prices vary based on demand — game days and evening events typically have surge pricing, meaning rides cost more than usual. If you are coming from a hotel or another location in the metro area, rideshare can be faster than public transit but may cost more than parking if you are driving yourself. Many people split rideshare costs with friends to reduce the per-person expense.

What to expect on game day

Arrive at least 30 to 45 minutes before tipoff to allow time for parking, walking to the arena, and going through security screening. The arena will be busiest in the 15 minutes before the game starts, so arriving earlier gives you a calmer experience. Bring your ticket on your phone or printed out — most venues now accept digital tickets through their official app or email confirmation.

Security screening is required at all NBA arenas. You will go through a bag check and metal detector. Wear comfortable shoes since you will be walking and standing. The arena has restrooms, concession stands, and merchandise shops throughout the building. Seating areas fill up quickly, so if you want to watch warmups or get a good view of the court before the game, arrive well before tipoff.

Other events at Kia Center

Beyond Magic games, Kia Center hosts concerts, college basketball games, hockey, wrestling, and other sporting events. The arena also holds conventions and trade shows. You can check the arena's event calendar on the official Kia Center website or through Ticketmaster to see what is coming up.

Parking, entry policies, and ticket sources may differ depending on the event, so always check the specific event page for details. Some events may have different bag policies or concession options than Magic games, so reviewing the event information before you go will help you prepare properly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I bring my own food and drinks into Kia Center?

No, outside food and drinks are not permitted inside the arena. You will need to purchase from concession vendors inside. However, you can eat at restaurants in the surrounding downtown area before or after the game.

What is the best way to get to Kia Center if I do not want to drive?

Lynx bus service serves downtown Orlando and stops near the arena, and rideshare services like Uber and Lyft operate in the area. Both are options, though rideshare may have surge pricing on game days. Check the Lynx website or Google Maps for bus routes and times.

How early should I arrive for a Magic game?

Plan to arrive 30 to 45 minutes before tipoff. This gives you time to park, walk to the arena, and pass through security screening without feeling rushed. Arriving earlier also means shorter lines and a better choice of seating in common areas.

Are there any restrictions on what bags I can bring?

Yes, only clear bags meeting size requirements (typically no larger than 12 inches by 6 inches by 12 inches) are permitted, along with small clutches and wallets without straps. Check the Magic's website for the current bag policy before you go.

How much does parking cost at Kia Center?

On-site garage parking typically costs $15 to $25 per game, while surface lots are usually $10 to $15. Prices vary by lot and event. Arriving early gives you better odds of finding cheaper parking farther from the entrance.