Orlando City and Pride: the best-value night out downtown

The teams and when they play

Orlando City plays in Major League Soccer, and the Orlando Pride play in the National Women's Soccer League. Both play home games at the same soccer-only stadium on the west side of downtown Orlando, in the Parramore neighborhood.

The MLS season usually runs from late February through October, with playoffs into late fall. The NWSL season usually runs from March into November. Most home games are on weekend evenings, with some midweek nights mixed in. Summer games often kick off late to avoid the worst heat.

Picking seats

The stadium is compact, so there are few bad seats. The supporters' section at the south end is standing room, loud, and full of flags, drums and chants for the whole game. It's a great experience if you want to join in. Sideline seats give the best view of play. Upper-level seats are usually the cheapest and still feel close.

Pride matches are often easier and cheaper to get into than Orlando City games, and the crowd is very welcoming. Big-name opponents and rivalry games sell out, so book those early.

How to do game day

1. Buy tickets through the team's official channels a week or more ahead for weekend games.
2. Get downtown 90 minutes before kickoff and eat or have a drink nearby.
3. Walk to the stadium 45 minutes before kickoff. Security lines get long close to game time.
4. Bring only a small clear bag, since there's usually a clear bag policy.
5. After the final whistle, hang back for 15 minutes before heading to your car or ride.

The atmosphere

Matches here feel more like a neighborhood party than a big-league sporting event. Supporters' groups march to the stadium before big games, and the south end sings and chants for the full 90 minutes. Expect purple everywhere, since both teams share the color. Smoke and confetti come out for goals and big moments.

If you're new to soccer, don't worry about the rules. A match is two 45-minute halves with a 15-minute break, plus a few minutes of added time at the end of each half. There are no timeouts, so you can follow the flow easily. The whole event usually takes about two hours from kickoff to final whistle.

Families are welcome, but the supporters' end can be loud and rowdy. Younger kids usually have a better time along the sidelines or in the upper level, where it's calmer and easier to step out.

Getting there, parking and eating nearby

Parking garages and surface lots around downtown fill on match days, and prices rise closer to the stadium. Parking a little further east and walking ten to fifteen minutes is often cheaper and faster on the way out. Rideshare works, but drop-off zones get congested. Lynx buses run downtown from many parts of the city; see Lynx and SunRail for how the transit system works. If you're staying near the parks, budget 30 to 45 minutes for the drive on a weekend evening, more if there's a crash on Interstate 4.

Downtown has bars and restaurants within walking distance, and many show away matches as well. Church Street and Orange Avenue are the main strips. For craft beer, several local breweries are a short drive away; our Orlando breweries guide lists them. Inside the stadium, there are local food vendors and plenty of beer, at stadium prices. Lines are shortest right after kickoff and longest at halftime.

Mistakes to avoid

• Underestimating the heat. Even evening games in summer can feel muggy. Hydrate and dress light.
• Bringing a big bag. You may be turned away at the gate.
• Ignoring rain. Lightning delays happen. Matches usually resume, but you may wait 30 minutes or more.
• Buying from resellers last minute. Prices for big games spike close to kickoff.
• Skipping the Pride. Women's matches often have the better ticket deals and a great crowd, and the play is fast and skilled.