Orlando Solar Bears: Orlando's Ice Hockey Home Team

Kate Cohen
June 13, 2025

 

When you think of ice hockey, Florida may not be the first place to come to mind.  

However, the city of Orlando is home to its own ECHL hockey team, the Orlando Solar Bears.  

 

The Orlando Solar Bears logo with a polar bear wearing sunglasses carrying a hockey stick over his shoulder.

 

The team has an enthusiastic local following, offering affordable sports entertainment in a perfectly chilled environment for escaping the heat.  

Here’s what you should know about The City Beautiful’s home hockey team, the Orlando Solar Bears.  

 

Key Takeaways

 

East Coast Hockey League (ECHL)  

 

Hockey players in navy and orange and green and white uniforms on the ic in front of a large cheering crowd.

 

The Orlando Solar Bears are members of the East Coast Hockey League, an “AA” level league intended to help players hone skills before progressing to the NHL or AHL.  

ECHL teams are often affiliated with an NHL or AHL team. The Orlando Solar Bears, for example, are affiliated with the NHL’s Tampa Bay Lightning.  

The ECHL has teams across the United States and Canada, totaling a current 29 teams with two more being added for the 2026-27 season.  

The Orlando Solar Bears joined the ECHL in 2012 and have been proudly representing the league ever since. 

The ECHL is divided into two conferences, Eastern and Western.  

Within the Eastern Conference, there are two divisions: North and South. Central and Mountain are the divisions in the Eastern conference.  

The first several months of the Solar Bears schedule focuses on competing with their fellow South Division teams, including:  

  • Atlanta Gladiators 
  • Florida Everblades 
  • Greenville Swamp Rabbits 
  • Jacksonville Icemen 
  • Savannah Ghost Pirates 
  • South Carolina Stingrays  

In January, you’ll find teams from other divisions making their way to the Kia Center to take to the ice against the Solar Bears.  

 

The Kia Center 

 

The Kia Center in Downtown Orlando, a large building with walls of windows.

 

The Kia Center in the heart of Downtown Orlando is the home of the Orlando Solar Bears.  

Also home to the NBA’s Orlando Magic, this beautiful arena features incredible technology including 1,100 digital monitors and the largest high-definition scoreboard in any NBA venue.  

When the Orlando Solar Bears have a home game, the arena transforms into a professional ice hockey rink with seating to accommodate over 17,000 fans and guests.  

Attendees can enjoy select Kia Center concessions, which sometimes include local restaurants like The Nauti Lobstah, Kelly’s Homemade Ice Cream, Black Rooster Taqueria, and more.  

 

The Game Experience 

 

A crowd of cheering people in Solar Bears gear holding drinks and waving white towels that say Let's Go Bears!

 

Attending an Orlando Solar Bears game is an exciting way to experience the city’s athletic culture. 

Tickets range from $15 to $70, making it a relatively affordable activity for the whole family. 

A Solar Bears game is also a great date night opportunity for sports enthusiasts and hockey newbies alike.  

While, yes, the game is played in an indoor ice hockey arena, you won’t have to worry about packing your parka. Jeans and a light jacket will suffice.  

At a home game, you’ll likely spot the Orlando Solar Bears mascot, Shades, wandering around the arena. This ice-skating polar bear is always rocking sunglasses and can often be found hanging with the Orlando Solar Bears dance team.  

In addition to the excitement of competition and the high-energy enthusiasm of a hockey game, expect lots of fun freebies and entertainment throughout the evening.  

 

2025 – 2026 Season Schedule 

 

A huddle of hockey players on the ice in purple and orange Orlando Solar Bears hockey gear.

 

The ECHL season begins in mid-October and will continue through the spring with playoff games.  

If you’re hoping to add an Orlando Solar Bears game to your Orlando itinerary, the full schedule can be found here.  

The first game of the 2025 – 2026 season will be held on Fri., Oct. 17 at 7 p.m. vs. The Florida Everblades, who are arguably the Solar Bears’ biggest rivals.  

 

Play Local and Stay Local with Rosen Inns 

Each of our four Rosen Inns properties is a short drive from the Kia Center, meaning you can cheer on the Orlando Solar Bears with ease.  

Plus, when you stay at one of our hotels, you’ll be surrounded by some of the city’s best dining, entertainment, and attractions for an exciting and memorable vacation.  

Each Rosen Inn property offers amenities like onsite dining, spacious accommodations, seasonally heated swimming pools, and complimentary shuttle service to select theme parks.  

We hope to see you soon! 

 

A wide hotel building with outdoor walkways encircling a crystal clear pool surrounded by lounge chairs and palm trees.