Orlando Magic: NBA Home Team of The City Beautiful

By Kate Cohen
June 12, 2025

 

Millions of people visit Orlando every year to experience theme park magic – but did you know we’re also home to a totally different kind of magic?  

The Orlando Magic is our resident NBA team, and they’ve been playing for basketball victory season after season for over 35 years.  

 

An overhead shot of the Orlando Magic court with the team logo and players in blue and white jerseys playing basketball.

 

Catching an Orlando Magic game is a great way to spend an evening, even if you’re rooting for the other team (we won’t tell).  

Here are some basics to know before you head to the Kia Center for an electric basketball game.  

 

Key Takeaways

 

The Team  

 

A basketball player in a blue and black uniform dunks a basketball into a net surrounded by players in white uniforms and a large arena crowd.

 

The Orlando Magic has been the city’s home NBA team since 1989. It’s name alludes to the city’s thriving tourism and entertainment industry.  

In the past, star players like Shaquille O’Neal, Penny Hardaway, Grant Hill, and Dwight Howard have rocked Magic blue, black, and silver.  

Recently, the team won the Southeast Division title of the Eastern Conference in 2025 and 2024. Their young roster shows no signs of slowing down as they prepare for the 2026 season. 

Their mascot, Stuff the Magic Dragon, is a charismatic green furry dragon with energetic antics that entertain and hype up crowds of tens of thousands of NBA fans.  

 

Kia Center 

 

An overhead shot of the Orlando Magic basketball court surrounded by tens of thousands of fans in seats.

 

Kia Center is home base for the Orlando Magic and has been hosting NBA games since opening in 2010.  

Formerly known as Amway Center, the arena was renamed Kia Center in late 2023.  

Located in the heart of Downtown Orlando, the LEED Gold-certified building is recognizable by its modern glass walls and huge graphic screen with rotating images.  

Inside Kia Center is a beautiful arena space with seating for 20,000 patrons.  

In addition to NBA games, Kia Center also hosts NCAA March Madness and concerts from megastars like Paul McCartney, Taylor Swift, and Ed Sheeran.  

Feeling hungry? Thirsty? There is a variety of food and drink options at the arena to keep you satisfied.  

For the ultimate dining experience, the Club Level restaurant, Jernigan’s, offers delicious food with an incredible view overlooking the arena bowl during basketball games and many other events.  

If you’re looking for a more casual way to dine and drink, you can stop by a variety of other bars and lounges throughout the building.  

Orlando Table is a community initiative that showcases local Orlando restaurants for an authentic foodie experience.  

Enjoy delicious game day (or show day) eats from local favorites like The Black Rooster Taqueria, Kelly’s Homemade Ice Cream, The Nauti Lobstah, and others.  

Pick up your Magic team gear at The Team Shop, explore interactive family-friendly areas, and let your little ones explore STUFF’s Magic Castle, an indoor playground just for kids. 

Take your Orlando Magic experience to the next level by reserving a luxury suite or VIP seating for an unforgettable game.  

 

Next Season  

 

Several fans in Orlando Magic gear applaud from their seats next to the court.

 

The 2025 – 26 NBA season is scheduled to begin on October 21, 2025, and continue through April 2026.  

The official season schedule will likely be announced in August 2025. Check back this fall to see which NBA teams will be going head-to-head with the Magic in Orlando next season. 

 

Community Impact 

 

Kids in the crowd wearing Orlando Magic gear cheer enthusiastically.

 

As one of Orlando’s largest professional sports teams, the Magic is highly involved in giving back to the community. The Magic’s community efforts are centered around four pillars: Arts, Education, Health & Wellness, and Homelessness.  

From fundraising to issuing grants to volunteer work and community engagement, the Orlando Magic is deeply rooted in helping the city of Orlando thrive.  

One of their largest outreach programs is Orlando Magic Youth Foundation, an organization dedicated to supporting and empowering at-risk children and families in Central Florida.  

 

Get Gameday Ready When You Stay at a Rosen Inn 

Each of our Rosen Inn hotels is a short drive to the Kia Center and all the fabulous dining and entertainment Downtown Orlando has to offer.  

We’re also close to Orlando’s theme parks and other brilliant attractions so you can pack your stay with fun and memory-making.  

When you’re not out exploring or cheering on Orlando’s NBA home team, you can take advantage of our hotel amenities.  

Enjoy lounging by a seasonally heated pool, stock up on grab-and-go snacks at our onsite Lite Bite Mini-Markets, and rest up in your spacious, comfortable guest room.  

We’ll see you in your gameday gear soon! 

 

A large pool surrounded by lounge chairs and a long hotel building.