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Sport is part of life for millions in Orlando. From playing basketball with friends at local courts to the youth and amateur teams representing the area, plenty is going on in Orlando if you have a soft spot for sports, fitness, and healthy living. The area’s teams, clubs, and communities come together in a shared interest in popular pastimes, including baseball, football, and soccer. As has always been the case in Orlando and throughout the state of Florida, people use sports to break down social, religious, and cultural barriers, uniting in support of their favorite team or athlete.
With such a bustling youth, college, and amateur scene, it’s no surprise to learn Orlando hosts some of the world’s best-known and loved professional teams. Watch a high-ranking competition broadcast live on television or the best live-streaming apps, and you’ll likely spot teams from Orlando or the area’s best exports. You’ve likely heard the names of some of Orlando’s best sports players, including boxer George Blades, basketball star Steve Anderson, and racing driver Jordon Taylor. But there are many more, far too many to mention.
Which is your favorite sports team from Orlando? You will often see the cream of the crop quoted at the top betting sites in Florida. Traders working at the most popular sportsbooks offer odds on the local teams winning the NBA, MLS, or the ECHL. Choose a team to follow, pick a player, and bet on one of the many betting specials, including match-winner, totals, handicap, and specials. There’s something for everyone, and you can wager using your laptop or smartphone.
Magic sets the bar
When looking for a sports team to follow, you’d do well to find one better than Orlando Magic. The National Basketball Association team plays in the Eastern Conference and the Southeast Division. They’ve been flying the flag for the area since 1989 and have done Orlando and its sports fans proud over the years, winning a pair of conference titles and no less than six division titles. The team’s last major award came in 2019, meaning head coach Jamahl Mosley must get his men firing again. Supporters want to see Magic firing again sooner rather than later.
For the 300,000-plus residents living in Orlando, visiting a breathtaking venue of a major sports team is just a short cab ride away. The area boasts some of the United States’ most impressive, expensive, and inspiring stadiums. If you’re not currently living in Orlando, that shouldn’t put you off searching for the state’s best stadiums. There are many to choose from, and they attract thousands of visitors each year.
Tourists come from far and wide to marvel at the architecture of the sports stadiums in Orlando, take a stadium tour, purchase a ticket, and watch the big game from the stands. A unique way to sample Orlando’s unique love affair with professional sports is to visit one of its best-loved stadiums, rub shoulders with fellow supporters, and see the best players up close and personal. Fancy giving it a go? Keep reading as we discuss Orlando’s best sports stadiums and explain why they’re worth a visit when visiting Florida on vacation or business.
Camping World Stadium
Formerly known as the Citrus Bowl, the Camping World Stadium is one of Orlando’s largest and most versatile sports venues. With a seating capacity of over 65,000, this iconic stadium has hosted a myriad of events, including college football games, soccer matches, and high-profile concerts. The stadium underwent significant renovations in recent years, enhancing its facilities and modernizing its infrastructure to meet the evolving needs of major sporting events.
The Camping World Stadium has been the host venue for prestigious events such as college bowl games, international soccer tournaments, and the annual Florida Classic football game between Florida A&M University and Bethune-Cookman University. Its central location and expansive seating make it a hub for large-scale events, drawing crowds from across the region to witness thrilling sports spectacles.
Kia Center
Home to the NBA’s Orlando Magic, the Kia Center stands as a modern marvel in the heart of downtown Orlando. While primarily a basketball arena, the Kia Center is a versatile venue that hosts a wide range of events, including concerts, ice hockey games, and indoor football matches. With a seating capacity of around 20,000 for basketball games, the arena provides an electric atmosphere for sports enthusiasts.
The Kia Center’s cutting-edge design includes state-of-the-art facilities, luxury suites, and high-tech amenities. Its iconic “skyline” architecture and vibrant LED displays make it a standout venue in the city’s sports landscape. Whether cheering for the Orlando Magic during an NBA game or attending a high-profile concert, visitors to the Amway Center enjoy an immersive experience in one of Orlando’s premier sports and entertainment venues.
Exploria Stadium
Serving as the home stadium for Orlando City SC of Major League Soccer (MLS), Exploria Stadium is a soccer-centric venue that has become a focal point for the city’s passionate soccer community. With a seating capacity of approximately 25,500, this stadium provides an intimate setting for soccer matches, creating an electrifying atmosphere as fans rally behind their favorite team.
Exploria Stadium is known for its unique features, including a safe-standing supporters’ section, providing a European-style soccer experience. The stadium’s design emphasizes fan engagement, and its central location in downtown Orlando adds to the vibrant game-day atmosphere. The Orlando Pride, Orlando City SC’s National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL) counterpart, also calls Exploria Stadium home, making it a hub for soccer enthusiasts of all ages and backgrounds.
ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex
Nestled within Walt Disney World Resort, the ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex is a sprawling sports complex that caters to athletes of all ages and skill levels. While not a traditional stadium, this venue comprises numerous state-of-the-art facilities, including multiple sports fields, a baseball stadium, and indoor arenas. The complex is a premier destination for amateur and youth sports tournaments, hosting events ranging from soccer and basketball to cheerleading and track and field.
The ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex offers a unique blend of world-class sports facilities and the magic of Disney, creating an unparalleled experience for participants and spectators alike. The stadium within the complex, Champion Stadium, serves as the spring training home for the Atlanta Braves and provides an intimate setting for baseball enthusiasts to catch the excitement of Major League Baseball (MLB) spring training games.