Parking for Orlando Magic games is available at the Geico Garage, the Garland Avenue Garage, and various surface lots surrounding the Amway Center.
Planning a trip to see the Orlando Magic play? Figuring out where to park for Orlando Magic games can sometimes feel like a challenge. You want to be close to the action but also avoid any unnecessary hassles.
Several parking options exist, each with its own benefits, and it makes sense to know the basics before you arrive. This will help you enjoy the game instead of circling around looking for a spot.
Where to Park for Orlando Magic Games
Going to see the Orlando Magic play at the Amway Center is super exciting! But before you can cheer on your favorite players, you need to figure out where to park your car. Don’t worry; it’s not as tricky as a three-pointer from the other side of the court. This guide will help you navigate all the parking options around the Amway Center, so you can spend less time searching for a spot and more time enjoying the game.
Official Amway Center Parking
The Amway Center offers its own parking garages, which can be very convenient because they’re right next to the arena. Let’s take a closer look at them:
Geico Garage
This is the biggest parking garage, and it’s connected to the Amway Center by a covered walkway. This means you don’t have to worry about rain or hot sun on your walk from your car to the arena. It’s a popular choice, so it often fills up quickly.
- Pros: Super close to the Amway Center, covered walkway
- Cons: Can get crowded and expensive, especially for popular games
The Geico garage can be accessed from Church Street and is located on the east side of the Amway Center. It often opens around 2 hours before the start of the basketball game. Keep in mind that prices can change, so it’s always a good idea to check their website before heading out. During a game day, the fee can fluctuate depending on the opponent and the importance of the game. You might pay anywhere from $20 to $30 or even more for this convenient parking location.
Garages on the North and South Side
There are a couple of other smaller parking garages located on the north and south sides of the Amway Center. They may be more budget-friendly, but they tend to fill up quickly too. They are not connected to the arena, so you’ll have to walk a little bit outside.
- Pros: Usually less expensive than Geico Garage, fairly close to the arena.
- Cons: Not covered, may involve a longer walk
These smaller garages also generally open about two hours prior to tip-off. Keep an eye out for signs directing traffic to the available spots. While these might be a little more affordable than the main Geico garage, they still carry a cost. Expect to pay around $15 to $25, give or take, depending on the game and crowd conditions. Make sure to have some cash or a payment card handy because most garages at the Amway Center accept both options.
Important Tip: It’s usually best to purchase your parking in advance online if possible. This can save you time and sometimes a little money. You can typically find options through the Amway Center’s official website or through ticketing platforms.
Alternative Parking Options Nearby
Sometimes, the official Amway Center parking is full or too expensive. That’s totally okay because there are lots of other parking areas around the arena. Here are some other good choices:
Surface Lots
You’ll find many open surface parking lots within a few blocks of the Amway Center. These are often less expensive than the garages. Be mindful that they are exposed to the elements, meaning you’ll experience heat or rain, and you might have to walk a little further to the arena entrance. However, sometimes that slight walk will save you cash! These surface lots are operated independently, so prices vary a great deal.
- Pros: Usually cheaper than garages, more spaces available
- Cons: Not covered, can be a further walk from the Amway Center
These lots, though typically offering more cost-effective solutions for parking during Magic games, might range from $10 to $20, which will still vary by distance and time. Some accept cash, while others may accept only credit cards. Always keep a close eye on posted signs and any parking attendants for the specific rules or pricing. Since these lots can be quite vast, it’s a good idea to note the area or street you parked in, so you can easily find your car after the game.
Parking Garages Not Directly Connected to the Amway Center
Several garages within walking distance of the arena offer convenient parking options. They are often a happy middle ground between the convenience of the official garage and the budget-friendliness of the surface lots.
- Pros: Usually covered, often closer than surface lots, typically more affordable than the Geico garage
- Cons: Might still require a walk to the arena, can still get a bit crowded
Some common garages to look out for are the ones near Central Boulevard and the ones near the Orange Avenue. These garages are easy to find and offer a nice alternative to the pricier official options. They tend to hover around the $15 to $25 range and may offer payment options through apps on your phone. These garages are often well maintained and offer added safety features. It is always good practice to familiarize yourself with the area to ensure a safe and comfortable experience.
Street Parking
Street parking may be available near the Amway Center. But please be aware that it can be hard to find a spot on game day. Also, be very careful and follow all the parking rules. Watch out for signs that have parking restrictions. If you park in an incorrect area, you may receive a ticket.
- Pros: Can be the least expensive option if you find a spot
- Cons: Very limited, may be far from the arena, risks of getting a ticket
Street parking rules are very strictly enforced. You should keep an eye out for parking meters and payment kiosks. If you are lucky enough to find a free street parking spot, make sure that you are not in any of the restricted zones or in a disabled spot. Street parking may not always be the best option for a Magic game, but it may be an option that you can look into. Also, be careful when walking to the stadium from further away because it may not be well lit on some roads.
Tips for a Stress-Free Parking Experience
Parking for an Orlando Magic game doesn’t have to be a struggle. Here are some tips to help make things easier for you and your family.
Arrive Early
This is probably the most important tip. The closer it gets to game time, the more crowded the parking areas become. Arriving early gives you more options and less stress. Aim to get there at least an hour before the game starts to find a good spot.
You also have to keep in mind other factors such as traffic on the road. The road could get quite packed as game time approaches. It’s always a good idea to plan some extra time to accommodate any potential traffic issues or delays.
Plan Ahead
Do a little research about parking before you head to the game. Check the Amway Center’s website or use apps that help you find parking spots. Knowing where you want to park ahead of time helps avoid last-minute panic.
A good way to check for parking options is through Google Maps. You can simply enter Amway Center as your destination and select the “parking” option. This will show you a good range of options in the area. Don’t just assume that the closest garage will be your only option because there are several great parking locations that are within walking distance.
Consider Ridesharing or Public Transportation
If you want to skip parking altogether, consider using a ride-sharing service like Uber or Lyft. The Amway Center has designated drop-off and pick-up zones. Public transportation is also an option; LYNX buses have routes that go to the downtown Orlando area.
- Pros: Avoids the stress of parking, can be more convenient for some
- Cons: Can be expensive at times, depends on the availability of the ridesharing services or public transport in your area
A great thing about using a ridesharing service is that you don’t need to worry about finding a spot or paying a fee. Make sure you check the location that is best for pick-up and drop-off at the Amway Center because they are located on specific sides of the building. With ride sharing you also don’t have to worry about driving after a long game if you are tired.
Have Cash or a Card Ready
Many parking locations accept both cash and credit cards, but it’s always a good idea to have both, just in case. Also, keep in mind that not all parking locations accept every type of payment.
Some garages offer payment through apps. So be sure to check in advance if you can use any of your apps to pay for parking. This can help with making a fast and easy payment. Also, always try to keep a close watch on your belongings while using any payment system.
Don’t Park Illegally
It may seem tempting to park where you shouldn’t to avoid paying a fee, but it’s not worth it. You could get a ticket or even have your car towed. It’s always better to be safe and follow the parking rules.
When parking in any area, make sure you check for any restrictions. If you aren’t sure if a location is allowed, it’s best to find another area rather than risking a fine. Most areas have parking police, and they will be issuing tickets to cars that are violating local rules and ordinances. It can be a great hassle if you have your car towed, so please be careful where you park.
Remember Where You Parked
This may sound simple, but it can be easy to forget where you parked, especially in big parking areas. Take a picture of your parking spot or note the level and row of the parking space. This helps to ensure you do not waste time searching after the game.
It can be very crowded after a game, and finding your car can be a hassle, so remember a visual cue that will help you get back to your vehicle faster. You also don’t have to rush and can take your time to leave the stadium when you know that your parking location is easily accessible.
With a little planning and these useful tips, parking for an Orlando Magic game can be a breeze! You’ll be able to find a spot that suits your needs and budget. So, get ready to cheer on your favorite team without any parking worries!
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Final Thoughts
For Orlando Magic games, consider the Geico Garage or nearby surface lots. These options offer convenient access to the Amway Center. Plan to arrive early, particularly for popular matchups.
Alternative parking includes downtown garages and ridesharing. You may face slightly longer walks, but often these are budget-friendly options. Remember traffic can be heavy around game time.
In conclusion, deciding where to park for Orlando Magic games depends on your budget and desired proximity. Explore all choices to find your perfect match.
