October 2, 2025

Kia Center Celebrates 15 Years as Orlando’s Premier Venue

News Summary

The Kia Center in Orlando marks its 15th anniversary this year, having hosted numerous high-profile events and generated significant economic impact. Known for its state-of-the-art features, the venue continues to enhance its offerings while drawing millions of visitors and creating jobs for the local community. With plans for substantial upgrades ahead, it remains a cultural cornerstone in Orlando, attracting top-tier sports and entertainment.

Orlando, Florida, marks a significant milestone this year as the Kia Center celebrates 15 years of operation as the city’s premier sports and entertainment venue. Originally opened in 2010 as the Amway Center, the venue has continued to draw visitors and host high-profile events, generating a notable economic impact in the region.

The Kia Center serves as the home court for the NBA’s Orlando Magic, with a seating capacity of 18,846. Depending on the setup, it can accommodate between 16,486 and 20,000 guests. Key features include a stunning 180-foot tall LED-light tower visible from the nearby I-4 interstate, a 53-foot tall video display made of 5,000 LED sticks, and at its opening, it boasted the largest Jumbotron in the NBA, complemented by 2,100 feet of digital ribbon boards.

The venue was officially renamed the Kia Center in December 2023, following a partnership with Kia America, marking a new chapter in its storied history. The arena has hosted a plethora of events, from NBA games to NCAA March Madness rounds in 2014 and 2017, and the NBA All-Star Weekend in 2012. Additionally, it has been the stage for spectacular performances by major artists, including Lady Gaga, Usher, and Ariana Grande.

Over its 15 years of operation, the Kia Center has attracted nearly 20 million guests and generated over $6.5 billion in economic impact, with contributions to the creation of over 4,000 jobs in the Orlando area. The venue offers various parking options, including VIP and pre-paid parking at around $25, with city parking starting at approximately $10. Bus parking is complimentary, and there are dedicated drop-off areas for guests.

Public transit access to the Kia Center is convenient, with the LYNX bus system providing multiple lines, including the designated LYMMO service. Admission policies are strict; guests are allowed to bring only one small clutch bag and must adhere to a list of prohibited items for security purposes. The venue’s regulations also allow promoters to establish specific entry requirements.

The Kia Center features a variety of seating options, including 32 Founders Suites, 28 Presidents Suites, and two Legend Suites that can accommodate 161 guests each. Food and beverage offerings are diverse, ranging from the Orlando Market‘s street food-style selections to the Bud Light Baseline Bar and several ensuing bar and lounge alternatives. The arena is renowned for its vibrant atmosphere, enhanced by color-changing lighting and specialty events that center on delivering memorable guest experiences.

Looking ahead, the Kia Center is set to undergo significant improvements, with plans for $226 million in upgrades over the next decade. The development of the WestCourt Entertainment District is also on the horizon, which aims to include new restaurants and entertainment facilities. To celebrate its 15-year anniversary, the venue is hosting concerts and events featuring popular artists and sports teams, ensuring its continued relevance in the dynamic landscape of entertainment.

As it stands, the Kia Center remains more than just a sports arena. With its array of entertainment offerings and commitment to community engagement, it is a cornerstone of Orlando’s cultural and economic vitality.

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Additional Resources

Author: STAFF HERE ORLANDO WRITER

ORLANDO STAFF WRITER The ORLANDO STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREOrlando.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Orlando, Orange County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Orlando International Fringe Theatre Festival, Megacon Orlando, and Central Florida Fair. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Orlando Economic Partnership and Hispanic Chamber of Commerce Metro Orlando, plus leading businesses in leisure and hospitality that power the local economy such as Walt Disney World Resort, AdventHealth, and Universal Orlando. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREJacksonville.com, HEREPetersburg.com, HERETallahassee.com, and HERETampa.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Florida's dynamic landscape.

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