The Amway Center is the home arena for the Orlando Magic NBA basketball team. Knowing what time the venue opens before Magic games is important for fans who want to arrive early to watch warmups, eat at concessions, visit team stores, and more. In this article, we’ll provide a detailed overview of the Amway Center’s opening times for Magic games, including when parking lots, entrances, and indoor amenities open. We’ll also give tips on when to arrive to make the most of your pre-game experience. Whether you’re a seasoned Magic fan or attending your first game, read on to learn everything you need to know about getting into Amway Center before tip-off.
General Opening Times
The main entrances and indoor concessions at Amway Center typically open 90 minutes before the scheduled start time of Orlando Magic games. This means if a game is set to begin at 7 PM, doors will open to ticket holders at around 5:30 PM. The time that parking lots open varies, but is usually 2-3 hours before tip-off. Earlier entry times are sometimes offered for special events like playoffs.
Parking Lot Opening Times
The parking lots at Amway Center open 2-3 hours prior to the start of Orlando Magic games. This gives fans plenty of time to park, meet up with friends, and make their way towards the arena entrances.
The official parking lots for Amway Center are Lots A-D and the West Parking Garage, all within a 5-10 minute walk of arena entrances. Lot A tends to fill up fastest as it is closest to the venue. Lots C and D are farther back but provide more overflow parking.
To ensure you get a spot, plan to arrive at least 2.5-3 hours before game time if parking in one of the official lots. Allow extra time when attending weekend games or rivalry matchups when demand is higher. Parking lots may open slightly later, only 2 hours pre-game, for weeknight contests.
Entrance Opening Times
The main entrances and ticket gates at Amway Center open 90 minutes prior to the scheduled start time for Orlando Magic games. This means fans can enter the arena to access concessions, team stores, and find their seats beginning 1.5 hours before tip-off.
Doors typically open at 5:30 PM for 7 PM games and 6:30 PM for 8 PM games. Earlier entry times are sometimes offered, especially during the playoffs when there is high demand to get in early.
Fans who have passes for exclusive club spaces or premium seating areas may be granted earlier access 30-60 minutes before general doors open. This allows them to enjoy private bars, lounges, and restaurants before the main concourse gets crowded.
When Concessions & Restaurants Open
The food concession stands and main restaurants at Amway Center open at the same time as the arena entrances, 90 minutes prior to Magic games. This allows fans who want to grab a bite to eat or drink before tip-off ample time to do so.
Concession stands selling staple game day fare like hot dogs, nachos, popcorn, and beer will be fully operational around the ground level concourses when doors open. Fans can grab a quick pre-game snack once entering the arena.
Full-service restaurants like Jernigan’s, the FedEx Club Crown Room, and Nutrilicious will begin dinner service approximately 1.5 hours before game time. Sit down, order food, and relax while waiting for player introductions.
Team Store Opening Times
The Orlando Magic team stores located inside Amway Center open when the main entrances open, 90 minutes before tip-off. This gives fans plenty of time to browse Orlando Magic apparel and merchandise prior to the game.
The two main team store locations are:
– The Magic Mega Store on the north side of the arena adjacent to the box office.
– The Magic Team Shop in the Church Street lobby area.
Fans with early club or suite access may be able to enter these stores about 30 minutes before general doors open. Both stores stay open for about 1 hour after games end so fans can shop celebratory gear after the final buzzer.
When to Arrive Before Orlando Magic Games
To make the most of your time at Amway Center before Magic games, here are some recommended arrival times depending on what you want to do:
2-3 Hours Early
– Park in one of the official lots near the arena.
– Meet up with friends at bars and restaurants in the nearby entertainment complex.
– Explore the outdoor plazas around Amway Center.
– Watch player warmups from seats near the court once doors open.
1.5-2 Hours Early
– Ensure you get a parking spot in one of the main lots.
– Enter early with club or suite access.
– Enjoy a full meal at Jernigan’s or another sit-down restaurant.
– Browse both team stores at a leisurely pace.
90 Minutes Before Tip-Off
– Arrive when doors open to avoid having to wait in long lines.
– Walk around the arena and check out all concessions.
– Order food and eat at your seats while watching warmups.
– Get through security quickly.
Less than 60 Minutes Early
– Enter through non-crowded entrances if arriving close to tip-off.
– Rush to grab food and get to seats before player introductions.
– Spend minimal time waiting in security and concession lines.
Where to Enter Amway Center for Magic Games
There are multiple entrances at ground level to access Amway Center with a valid ticket. To get into the arena fastest when doors open, pay attention to which entry gates typically see the most traffic and plan accordingly.
Church Street Plaza Entry
Located on the south side of Amway Center off West Church Street, this entrance brings you into the Church Street lobby area. It is closest to parking Lots B and C. Use this entrance to quickly access the Magic Team Shop. Lines here flow smoothly even right at doors open time.
Entries Near the Box Office
On the north side, doors on either side of the box office tend to get congested when gates first open. Avoid these if you don’t want to wait in a lengthy security line. They do provide the most direct access to the Magic Mega Store, however.
Toyota and McDonald’s Entries
The entries flanking the Toyota and McDonald’s concession stands on the west side see fewer crowds. If you want to bypass lines, enter through these gates off Division Avenue. You’ll end up on the upper concourse level but can walk down to the main level.
GEICO Garage Entry
If you park in the GEICO parking garage attached to the arena, use the entrance here to access your seats quickly. It brings you in on the upper level by sections 212-213. An advantage is usually fewer fans enter from the garage.
Tips for Making the Most of Your Time at Amway Center
To ensure you have the best experience when arriving early at Amway Center for Orlando Magic games, keep these tips in mind:
Come Hungry
Don’t eat a big meal before the game so you can enjoy the arena’s concessions and restaurants. Indulge in game day staples like hot dogs and nachos or try local fare like Cuban sandwiches. Sit down restaurants require advance reservations for some games.
Watch Warmups Courtside
Have your ticket scanned immediately at a lobby entrance and head down to courtside seats while the teams are warming up. You’ll have great views of players practicing shots up close. The atmosphere builds as more fans file in.
Get Player Autographs
Arrive early and head down towards the tunnels when players first take the court to try and get signatures before the game starts. You likely won’t get star players but may have luck with role players or younger guys.
Shop Early
Browse team stores as soon as doors open when they are less crowded and you can take your time. The selection is best earlier as merchandise starts selling out closer to game time. Go early for the best shot at limited edition gear.
Explore the Arena
Walk around all levels of the arena to check out the concourses, concession stands, fan zones, and unique features like the jellyfish tanks. Getting the lay of the land early helps you find your way quicker during the game.
Conclusion
Knowing when Amway Center opens before Orlando Magic games allows fans to better plan their arrival. Doors typically open 90 minutes prior to tip-off, with parking lots open 2-3 hours early. Arrive early to enjoy restaurants, shop at team stores, watch warmups courtside, and get player autographs. Use less crowded entrances like the Toyota and McDonald’s gates to avoid long security lines. With the information provided here, Magic fans can have an unforgettable experience at Amway Center before cheering on their team.