Central Florida’s Top 5 Sports Experiences

The beloved NBA basketball team Orlando Magic plays at the Kia Center in nearby Orlando. The high-flying team has gone to the playoffs 17 times in 35 seasons and reached the finals twice. Past players like Shaquille O’Neal and Grant Hill are legends of the game, giving the team a storied legacy.  

The games are exhilarating for basketball fans and a solid good time for just about everyone else. Beyond the super-charged NBA action, there’s also a pre-game light show, halftime performances, and plenty of delicious food and drinks. Unique bars and restaurants serve up everything from local favorites to traditional game day fare.  

At Orlando Market on the Terrace Level, discover award-winning local food vendors such as Gringos Locos for tacos, Cholo Dogs for Mexican-inspired hotdogs, and The Great Harvest Bread Company for gourmet sandwiches, alongside Ivanhoe Park Brewery and Pattie Lou’s Donuts. For an experience with a view, Jernigan’s offers Club Level dining overlooking the arena. Sip a craft beer on Big Storm Brewing Co.’s outdoor patio or head indoors for a toast at the Sky Lounge. 

Looking to elevate your game experience? Check into premium seating options or private suites. For the ultimate splurge, the VIP experience includes access to a special tailgate party, venue tour, and player autograph session.

The highly competitive G League is touted as “tomorrow’s NBA,” so you might just glimpse future basketball greats in the making when you see the Osceola Magic. This local G-League team plays in Kissimmee at Silver Spurs Arena in Osceola Heritage Park. 

An affiliate of the Orlando Magic, the Osceola Magic is a newer franchise that moved to Kissimmee in 2023. The talent-packed team has one of the most potent offensive squads in the G League. Mac McClung is a player to watch – previously a Rookie of the Year, he took home the G League’s MVP Award in 2024. He’s also a two-time NBA Slam Dunk Contest champion, one of only five players ever to snag back-to-back wins — Michael Jordan being among them! 

The Osceola Magic makes exciting professional play accessible, affordable, and easy. Book courtside seats for even more excitement or check into booking a private suite. 

Major League Soccer team Orlando City SC, known as the Lions, play at downtown Orlando’s Inter & Co Stadium. The team won three USL Pro regular season championships and two post-season titles over a four-year span, including winning the 2022 U.S. Open Cup with a 3-0 home victory over United Soccer League Championship team Sacramento Republic SC. 

The game day experience starts with tailgating on Mane Street Plaza, stocked with a beer garden, food trucks, and kids’ activities. During the match, fans wearing purple from head to toe will cheer, chant, sing, and wave their Lions’ flags as the players vie for a win. The vibe is electric, with the stadium holding more than 25,000 fans and featuring North America’s first safe-standing supporters’ section, called “The Wall.” The roof canopy intensifies the sound and offers shade. The Orlando Made food and beverage program puts many local favorites on the menu, from nachos to barbecue and beyond.  

The Orlando Pride, part of the National Women’s Soccer League, also play home games at Inter & Co Stadium. The franchise is a top team within the National Women’s Soccer League and home to Marta, six-time FIFA Women’s World Player of the Year and one of the greatest female footballers of all time.

Part of the East Coast Hockey League, the dynamic minor league Orlando Solar Bears brings fast-paced hockey action to the Kia Center in Orlando. The team is affiliated with the Tampa Bay Lightning and has qualified for the Kelly Cup playoffs. 

Kicking back at a Solar Bears game is a fun-filled way to beat the heat. The games are big crowd-pleasers and especially popular for families with younger kids. Enjoy near-constant action on the ice and entertaining activities between periods, including dance performances, on-ice entertainment, giveaways, and more. Kids adore photo ops with Shades, the cool polar bear mascot sporting stylish sunglasses. Parents appreciate the affordable tickets and effortless entertainment. It's a win-win for everyone.

People love arena football for its high energy, swift pace, close-up views, fun entertainment, and big value. Enjoy it all with an Orlando Predators game at the Kia Center in downtown Orlando. The Predators bring power and heart to every match, and with more than 20 playoff games and two league championships to their name, they’ve gotten a taste of success. 

The game day experience involves exciting game play for all ages plus pre-game entertainment and a good variety of concessions, including food and drink from local Central Florida vendors. The Kia Center is a top-notch venue, also serving as the home of the NBA’s Orlando Magic. The arena boasts excellent views from every seat and outstanding acoustics. 

NFL football is within reach, too. Drive about 70 miles west to see the championship Tampa Bay Buccaneers play home games in Tampa.