Kia Center Information
The Kia Center is an indoor arena in Downtown Orlando, Florida. It serves as home to the NBA’s Orlando Magic, the ECHL’s Orlando Solar Bears, and the National Arena League’s Orlando Predators.
Since it opened, it has hosted several big name games and events including the 2012 NBA All-Star Game and the 2015 ECHL All-Star Game. It’s also hosted some games of the NCAA Division I Men’s Basketball Tournament in 2014 and 2017. In addition, the arena has been a popular destination for the WWE wrestling promotion, including the 2016 Royal Rumble pay-per-view event. And the promotion even took up residency at Amway Center from August 21-December 7 2020 due to the COVID-19 Pandemic.
Kia Center Origins
The plan for the arena began when the Orlando Magic’s ownership, led by billionaire Amway founder Richard DeVos and son-in-law Bob Vander Welde, had pressed for Orlando to build a new arena. This request had been ongoing for ten years at the time, likely in response to the wave of technological advancements in entertainment arenas during the early 90s and 2000s. So the former Kia Center, built in 1989, and quickly became one of the oldest arenas in the league.
Then, on September 29, 2006, Orlando Mayor Buddy Dyer, Orange County Mayor Richard Crofty, and the Orlando Magic announced an agreement to build a new arena in downtown Orlando.
The arena was planned with a cost of around $380 million, with an additional $100 million required for land and infrastructure.
The official ribbon cutting ceremony and dedication took place on September 29, 2010. The general public was asked to enter the building and witness Orlando Mayor Buddy Dyer give his annual State of Downtown address. The following month was the venue’s first ticketed event, a Vicente Fernández concert on October 8. Later, The Orlando Magic played their first preseason game at the arena on October 10, where they defeated the Hornets with a 54 point margin.
Kia Center is one of Central Florida’s premier entertainment venues, known for blending advanced technology with guest-focused design. Its downtown location at 400 West Church Street makes it an easily accessible central hub for sports, concerts, and special events.
Size and Design
Kia Center opened in October 2010, spanning approximately 875,000 square feet. It’s LEED Gold certified for its sustainable design principles. The arena features eight levels of seating, 60 luxury suites, and 1,400 club seats, providing premium hospitality and general admission options.
Capacity and Events
The venue can accommodate between 16,486 and 20,000 guests, depending on event configuration, with a typical capacity of 18,500. It hosts around 225 events per year, attracting over 1.3 million visitors to NBA games, concerts, family shows, and major tournaments.
Technology and Amenities
State-of-the-art technology defines the Kia Center experience. The arena features one of the tallest high-definition video boards in the NBA and includes around 1,100 digital monitors throughout the concourses, enhancing visibility and engagement for all guests.
Versatility and Guest Experience
Designed for flexibility, Kia Center easily transitions between sporting events, concerts, family shows, and conventions. Its layout and amenities allow for large-scale capacity without compromising comfort, sightlines, or intimacy, keeping downtown Orlando vibrant year-round.
Before attending your first event, understanding the venue’s unique features, design approach, and commitment to excellence will help you fully appreciate your experience. Kia Center stands out among entertainment venues in North America, earning recognition from industry professionals and fans for its innovation, comfort, and versatility.
What Makes This Venue Special
Kia Center has established itself as a premier destination through its combination of modern design, advanced technology, and operational excellence. Its reputation extends beyond Central Florida, attracting major touring acts and events that might otherwise bypass smaller markets. Artists and promoters choose this venue for its excellent acoustics, professional production capabilities, and enthusiastic audiences.
The arena’s design prioritizes the guest experience. Even upper-level seats are positioned close to the action, with the steep seating angle ensuring clear sightlines from nearly every location. Guests enjoy an immersive experience with minimal obstruction.
Its downtown location makes it easily accessible via major highways and public transportation. Nearby restaurants, bars, hotels, and attractions create a full evening experience rather than just a single event. This integration into the urban fabric distinguishes it from suburban venues, which often feel isolated.
The operational team continually evaluates guest feedback and industry trends to enhance the experience. This forward-thinking approach keeps the venue competitive, ensuring that every department, from security to event staff, maintains high standards of service.
Architectural Excellence
The exterior of the building reflects a modern aesthetic with glass and metal materials that complement Orlando’s skyline. The 180-foot tower serves as a recognizable landmark visible from afar and is illuminated at night, enhancing the downtown entertainment district.
One facade features a large digital wall that displays graphics and event branding. This dynamic display creates excitement for passersby and promotes upcoming events.
The building’s layout optimizes guest flow, reducing congestion at entrances and exits. Wide concourses and strategically placed amenities make moving around the arena convenient. Interior spaces balance grandeur with intimacy, and natural light enhances the atmosphere during daytime events. Programmable LED lighting sets the mood for evening shows.
Environmental Leadership
Kia Center is LEED Gold certified, reflecting its sustainable design and energy-efficient operations. The venue uses energy-saving systems to maintain comfort while reducing consumption. Water-efficient fixtures and stormwater management help minimize environmental impact while comprehensive recycling programs encourage guests to participate in sustainability efforts.
LED lighting throughout the facility reduces energy use, and climate control systems adjust to occupancy, optimizing efficiency. The venue’s environmental initiatives demonstrate leadership in sustainability and serve as a model for other large arenas.
Concessions and Dining Options
The arena offers a wide variety of food and beverage choices. Traditional favorites are available alongside premium dining choices in club areas.
Local craft beers, wines, and cocktails are available at select concessions, and specialty stations accommodate vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free diets. Multiple concession points across all levels ensure minimal wait times. The venue’s concessions staff are trained to maintain high standards of service and efficiency.
Accessibility and Amenities
Kia Center is committed to serving guests with disabilities. Wheelchair-accessible seating is available throughout all levels, with companion seating to ensure friends and family can sit together. Elevators provide convenient access to all floors, and priority entry options minimize wait times.
Accessible restrooms and family-friendly facilities, including private nursing spaces, ensure comfort for all guests. Assistive listening devices and interpretive services are available upon request for those with hearing impairments.
Additional guest services include first-aid stations, lost-and-found support, and multilingual information desks, ensuring all visitors feel supported and accommodated throughout their visit.
The Venue’s History and Notable Events
Understanding the story behind any landmark building adds depth to your experience of visiting it. The transformation from concept to construction to operational excellence reveals the vision, challenges, and triumphs that created the venue you’re about to experience.
Its Construction and Opening Era
The arena opened on October 1, 2010, after several years of planning, design, and construction. The project represented a significant public-private partnership between the City of Orlando and the Orlando Magic organization. The Magic served as the developer, ensuring the facility met NBA standards and the franchise’s needs while creating a community asset for Central Florida.
Construction costs totaled approximately $480 million. The project was funded by multiple sources, including city bonds, county contributions, and private investment firms. The financial structure reflected the facility’s dual purpose as a sports venue and a public gathering space for community events, with negotiations between stakeholders extending over several years before ground broke.
The design team included internationally recognized architects and engineers with experience in major sports facilities. The goal was to create a signature building that would define downtown Orlando’s skyline while delivering world-class functionality. Environmental sustainability was emphasized from the outset, resulting in LEED Gold certification.
Opening night featured the Orlando Magic team hosting an NBA preseason game, inaugurating the facility with basketball as intended. The event generated tremendous local excitement after years of anticipation. Media coverage highlighted the building’s technological features and design innovations, positioning it among the league’s elite venues.
The Evolution From Amway Center to Kia Center
The venue operated as the Amway Center from its opening until December 20, 2023, when it officially became Kia Center. The naming rights transition reflected an expanded partnership between Kia America and the Orlando Magic organization. Amway, a longtime local corporate partner, chose not to renew its naming rights agreement, opening the door for Kia’s involvement.
Kia’s entrance into this partnership aligned with their broader strategy of supporting major entertainment venues. The company also holds naming rights to the Kia Forum in Los Angeles, creating coast-to-coast visibility through two premier facilities. The Orlando agreement included significant facility enhancements beyond simple signage changes.
New exterior and interior Kia branding transformed the building’s appearance virtually overnight. The company installed EV charging stations in parking areas to support its electric vehicle initiatives. The Kia Terrace, a hospitality lounge for guests, added a new premium amenity while vehicle displays were placed throughout the facility to showcase Kia’s latest models and technologies.
The rebranding coincided with Kia’s launch of the EV9, its first affordable three-row all-electric SUV. This strategic timing leveraged the arena’s platform to reach millions of potential customers.
What the Rebranding Meant for Guests
The name change created initial confusion among longtime visitors who had called it the Amway Center for over a decade. However, the facility itself remained essentially unchanged, aside from branding updates. The same excellent sightlines, acoustics, and amenities continued serving guests under the new name.
The addition of EV charging stations provided genuine utility for electric vehicle owners. This infrastructure investment distinguished the venue as forward-thinking and environmentally conscious. The charging capability aligns with broader trends toward sustainable transportation.
The Kia Terrace added a premium hospitality space that didn’t previously exist. This lounge adds value for guests who purchase premium tickets or hospitality packages. The automotive displays create unique entertainment value beyond traditional arena advertising.
Milestone Events and Performances
The venue has hosted numerous events, putting it on the national entertainment map. NBA All-Star Weekend came to Orlando in 2012, bringing the league’s biggest stars and most popular events to Central Florida. The weekend included the All-Star Game, Slam Dunk Contest, Three-Point Contest, and various fan festivals.
National media coverage showcased the arena to basketball fans worldwide. Because the facility’s capacity and amenities meet NCAA requirements for tournament hosting, NCAA March Madness games have been held there multiple times, with the venue serving as a regional site for the men’s basketball championship. These games bring passionate college basketball fans from across the country, exposing them to Orlando and the arena.
World championship boxing matches have transformed the arena into an intimate venue for fighting. Top Rank Boxing has promoted several major bouts, bringing internationally recognized fighters to Central Florida audiences. The temporary seating configurations place fans incredibly close to the ring action, creating an electric atmosphere.
Legendary Musical Performances
The legendary nights at Kia Center extend far beyond sporting events. Paul McCartney, one of music’s most iconic figures, performed at the venue during his touring years. The show sold out almost immediately upon announcement, demonstrating the arena’s appeal for attracting the biggest acts in music.
Elton John also included the venue on his Farewell Yellow Brick Road tour, which was one of the highest-grossing concert tours in history. His elaborate productions require venues with excellent technical capabilities and production infrastructure. The decision to include Orlando on this landmark tour validated the arena’s status as one of North America’s elite concert facilities.
Ed Sheeran’s intimate performance style contrasts with the arena-scale venues he regularly fills, including this one. His ability to command large spaces with primarily acoustic performances demonstrates his artistry and the venue’s acoustics. Fans in upper levels report enjoying hearing him clearly without excessive amplification.
Garth Brooks brought his stadium-level country music spectacle to the arena multiple times. Brooks typically announces multiple consecutive shows that sell out rapidly. His high-energy performances and connection with audiences create memorable nights that country music fans discuss for years afterward.
Award Recognition and Industry Honors
SportsBusiness Journal named the facility Sports Facility of the Year in 2012, recognizing its innovative design, operational excellence, and community impact. This prestigious award considers venues from all major sports leagues and is widely regarded as the industry’s most significant honor for new facilities.
The International Association of Venue Managers gives the Venue Excellence Award to facilities that excel in the management and operation of public assembly venues. Kia Center was the only facility to receive this distinction in its award year, highlighting the operational team’s effectiveness.
The Stadium Business Awards presented the Customer Experience Award in 2013 to Kia Center, recognizing the facility’s superior guest services and amenities. This international competition includes venues from multiple countries, making the recognition particularly meaningful. The award validated the facility’s guest-first operational philosophy.
NBA fans have also voted the arena as the number one venue for game experience, which is a remarkable achievement given competition from markets like Los Angeles, New York, and Miami. This fan-driven recognition particularly validates the facility since its top priority is creating excellent experiences for its guests.
More Kia Center information:
Ticket Policy:
Read about ticket information, authenticity guarantees and policies from our recommended ticket marketplace.
Seating Map:
Review the Kia Center seating map and read more about the different seating arrangements.
Parking Information:
Driving to Kia Center? Read more about the various parking options here.