How to Buy Tickets for an NBA Game in Orlando

The state of Florida is home to two NBA teams, one of which is based in Orlando. The city is known for its entertainment and the basketball giants complement a fun offering that includes theme parks and activities for the whole family.

In the mid-1980s, Florida basketball fans dreamed of landing a franchise in the Sunshine State. In 1989, just one year after the debut of the Miami Heats, the Orlando Magic made their first appearance in the NBA. The team's name is a clear allusion to the amusement parks in the metropolis.

Orlando Magic is the only team in the city and its home is the Amway Center, an 18,000-seat arena famous for the great atmosphere in the stands. The fans are very loyal and fill the stadium against all opponents.

The answer is easy: NBA tickets are available on the Hellotickets website. This website gives you the opportunity to buy them before you leave and with the security of receiving official tickets. Thanks to the detailed map (and the other tips in this article) it will not be difficult to find the ticket that best suits your needs.

If you don't want to book in advance, the Amway Center ticket office is open three hours before the game. In my opinion, it is not worth waiting in line. Especially when you're on holiday, time is money.

On average, tickets to watch the Orlando Magic are a little cheaper than in other cities in the United States. In the Florida city you can find a good ticket for around €90.

In general, always try to buy tickets in advance. If you avoid the more prominent rivals - such as the Miami Heat and Atlanta Hawks - you'll find some real bargains.

The Amway Center is characterised by good visibility. Sitting in the upper tier does not detract from the experience. That said, you should know that the last 10 rows of the upper level are usually the least expensive. If the opponent is not a big name, you can find tickets for around €10.

The designers of the Amway Center have placed particular emphasis on visibility. Inside the arena, it's hard to find a bad seat, yet some seats stand out for the quality of the view. For example, sections 113 to 116 and 104 to 107. If you want to be even closer to the athletes, then you can opt for sections 207 to 211 and 223 to 227.

If you want to treat yourself, I recommend you check out the prices of the premium seats. After all, you're not in Orlando every day. In this case, I recommend the following areas:

• Presidents Suite, a private suite on the Club Level. It features leather seating and has a maximum capacity of 24 people
• Founders Suites, another private area 19 rows from the playing rectangle. Again, it can accommodate up to 24 people
• Walt Disney World Terrace, is split over two levels and includes a private bar in the upper area. It can accommodate up to 40 people
• All-Star Decks, with high tables and railing seating. Highly recommended

No, like other venues in the United States, the Amway Center also hosts countless live events. With such a tight schedule, it is practically impossible to organise guided tours. You won't find any organised tours, you can just buy a ticket and enjoy the show.

In the world's most famous basketball competition, playing time is slightly longer than in Europe. While in Spain a game lasts 40 minutes (four 10-minute halves), in the United States it lasts 48 minutes (12 minutes per half). If a game ends in a draw, 5 extra minutes are played.

Orlando fans are known for their warmth. The crowd follows and supports their team with dedication and yet there are a few more heartfelt games. As in the best of traditions, the most intense rivalry is with the neighbours, in this case the Miami Heats. The confrontation gained momentum in the 1990s when a certain Shaquille O'Neal led the Magics.

Moreover, when the two franchises made their debut, the Miami team received overwhelming media coverage, a fact that did not go unnoticed by Stan Van Gundy, Orlando's coach, who made some sarcastic comments to the press. All in all, Florida derbies are worth the cost of the ticket. You may have to shell out a little extra, but it's worth it.

Other noteworthy opponents include the Atlanta Hawks (because of the Eastern Conference structure, the Hawks and Magic always play each other for the top four spots), Boston Celtics and Detroit Pistons.

In the NBA, the children's ticket policy changes depending on the team. In the case of the Orlando Magic, children under 36 inches (about 91 centimetres) do not have to buy a ticket. They must sit on a parent's lap. If your child is a grown-up, you will have to pay for a full ticket.

Yes, the NBA doesn't stop at this time of year. The proximity to the holidays translates into more interest from the public. Indeed, the games that take place in December usually stand out because of the great atmosphere in the stands. If you want to feel this atmosphere yourself, just buy your tickets.

Games are also played on Christmas Day and one unforgettable challenge involved the Orlando Magic. In 1995, the Florida team won the competition against the Houston Rockets with a last-minute basket. The game ended with the score 92-90.

Now that you know everything about seats and prices, there are only a few small details missing. Below you will find some useful information.

Where to eat

There's no shortage of dining options inside the Amway Center. The arena is home to Orlando Table and Orlando Market, two restaurants that favour local ingredients. For a more exclusive experience, you can sit at Jernigan's which, in addition to good food, is noted for its views over the arena.

If you want to save some money, you can eat in the vicinity of the Amway Center. The following establishments are within walking distance of the arena:

• Hamburger Mary's, if you're in the mood for a good carnivorous snack. Their menu also includes salads, tacos, starters and wraps. If you like it, you can also come back for brunch (110 W Church Street)
• Bosphorous, a restaurant specialising in Turkish food. Fans return for the lamb shank and sautéed shrimp (7600 Dr Phillips Boulevard Ste 108)
• HÄOS on Church, an establishment with a varied menu. Vegetarian options are also available (123 W Church Street)
• Super Rico, for Colombian street food. Ideal if you want to share a tray, a plate of salchipapas or some tasty arepas (57 W Central Boulevard)
• Big Storm Brewing, a brewery with a good food menu. Perfect for a cold pint before or after the game.

Where to park

The official Orlando Magic parking garage is the GEICO garage at 400 West South Street. You can pay the parking fee directly at the Amway Center ticket booth. Please note that this amount must be paid before 17:00. Alternatively, you may choose the following options:

• Garland Lot (109 W Pine Street)
• Elite Parking Mgmt (162 Glenn Ln)
• City Commons Parking Garage (460 Boone Avenue)

When to go to the stadium?

As a general rule, don't move at the last minute. The NBA is a closely watched league and it is best to get to the arena well in advance. The Amway Center is located near a motorway which is usually quite busy on game days. Also, if you arrive early you can take the opportunity to eat at one of the restaurants listed above.

Wi-Fi connection

Yes, a Wi-Fi connection is available inside the Amway Center. If you want to retrieve your e-ticket and don't want to wait until the last minute, I recommend you to do it at your hotel or rental house. Alternatively, most of the bars and restaurants listed above have wireless connections.

The home of Orlando Magic is located in Downtown and is easily accessible by public transportation. However, there are not many options as the closest mode of transport to the venue is the Sunrail train. You will need to get off at the Church Street stop. Once you get off, just follow the signs and walk a few minutes to the venue.