Orlando Magic (Basketball)

[AndRu]

OK, I'll admit that I am biased about basketball games - I don't see why the can't just start with score at 76-75 and play the last two mins of a game to decide the winner! - but my son would like to go and see an American sporting event.

Has anyone been to see a Magic game?
Was it worth the money/travel?
Did you feel safe in the arena? - I know its nothing like English football!
Would you recommend it as something to do?

I must admit I'm quite tempted to take him along to one of the 3 games that are in Orlando whilst we're there, if anything just to say "Done That!".

Looking forward to any replies. Thanks in advance

 

[SimonV]

I always recommend taking in an American sporting event as a great way to enjoy some real Americana on holiday here; they are SO different to UK sports events and are very family-orientated. The Magic are great fun to watch as there is so much going on apart from the game and the atmosphere is terrific (especially as they are on a good streak right now - I'd book as soon as you can if you decide to go). The TD Waterhouse Center is easy to find off I4 downtown and the parking is simple and safe. They are right next door and you just need to follow the crowd. As long as you don't linger too long in the neighborhood once the game is over, you should be fine.

 

[fizz13]

WE went 3 years ago to a Magic game and had a great time. I, like you, am not a great sports enthusiast, but this was a new experience and it was interesting to see it for real. the parking is very close and easy and the arena is nice. They have all the concession stands around the outer circle behind the seating which is baffling in itself because of the choice and the cheerleaders were walking around handing out stickers and posing for pictures.

The game itself did move slow, they seem to stop and start constantly, and the organ music did annoy me after a while, but I bet by the end of the game you will be chanting "Defence!" along with everyone else.
Try it and enjoy,
Claire

 

[Tony Toon]

Hi there, I have the perfect solution. I'm a huge basketball fan - it's a game that actually moves very quickly with great action once you can understand what all the interruptions, time outs etc are about. So what I suggest is that you take me with you and I'll be absolutely delighted to take your son to see the Magic. You can come too and I'll be very happy to explain the finer points of the game.

Seriously though, sport in the USA is very much a family orientated pastime and I'm sure you'd have a great time. Whatever you decide, have a great holiday.

 

[snookhams]

My DS would love to see a basketball game as he is on the schools basketball team, anyone know how I would book tickets on the internet. Thanks

 

[Tony Toon]

Hi, it's me again. I followed another thread and coincidentally discovered that you can book Magic tickets on this website:

http://www.attractionticketsdirect.co.uk/

You will find Magic tickets down the left hand column at the bottom of the Orlando section. Go and discover a great game.

Tony

 

[juliebro]

Back to the condo for showers and then we headed off in the car to downtown Orlando and the TD Waterhouse Center for the Orlando Magic v Detroit Pistons basketball game. Found the place OK and managed to park quite nearby. Lots of people around - everyone good-humoured - beautiful warm evening. Headed for the ticket office and picked up our 'will call' tickets without a hitch. We had booked on the internet via Ticketmaster.

Once inside I could not believe the number of food and drink outlets around the place. You could practically have anything to eat that you could think of! Despite all the crowds of people around, there were a surprisingly large number of empty seats. Another strange thing was that the floor inside the arena was sticky! Your feet stuck to it with every step! I can only assume it's so you don't slip and fall over. (and sue them!)

Loads of game, entertainment, cheerleaders dancing, time outs etc etc. 40 minutes of play turned out to take 3 hours! Magic lost. It was very drawn-out. Was amazed by the antics of the Magic mascot. He was very athletic and acrobatic - he put Fred the Red (our mascot at Old Trafford) to shame! Overall it was an experience which I'm glad I have had - but I wouldn't rush to go again. It took ages and ages to get out of downtown after the game - it was absolutely gridlocked.

The above is from my trip report from our last trip. I hope it helps. Felt perfectly safe!

We bought our tickets through Ticketmaster online.

Back to the condo for showers and then we headed off in the car to downtown Orlando and the TD Waterhouse Center for the Orlando Magic v Detroit Pistons basketball game. Found the place OK and managed to park quite nearby. Lots of people around - everyone good-humoured - beautiful warm evening. Headed for the ticket office and picked up our 'will call' tickets without a hitch. We had booked on the internet via Ticketmaster.

Julie

 

[kazzie]

We went to an Orlando Magics game last October for the first time.Bearing in mind none of us are Basketball fans in particular,we had a fantastic evening and I'd highly reccomend it as everyone else has done