City of Orlando, Orlando Arena

Orlando Arena, Former Home to the Orlando Magic

The original Orlando Arena began construction to support the City of Orlando’s desire to bring an NBA franchise to Orlando. The project broke ground in 1987, four months before the NBA Board of Governors made the final decision to bring Orlando into the league, and the entire facility was publicly funded.  The 450,000 SF indoor arena features 15,000 seats and 26 luxury skyboxes with glass-block walls along the concourse level. The project included extensive landscaping on the 81-acre site, 11,067 car parking spaces, and improved site amenities. The unique design provided an intimate spectator experience, with the upper bowl seats close to the floor. The new arena became home to the Orlando Magic upon opening in 1989.  Part of the Orlando Centroplex, the Arena expanded to serve as a sports and entertainment complex in Downtown Orlando and hosted the Orlando Titans (NLL), Orlando Solar Bears (IHL), Orlando Predators (AFL) and several large concerts earning “Arena of the Year” in 1991 by Performance Magazine. The Orlando Arena was demolished in 2010.