Spectator Sports Near Hunter's Creek: Orlando City Soccer, Orlando Magic, and Live Events
Catch world-class pro sports from Hunter's Creek — two great venues, one easy drive up to downtown Orlando
Hunter's Creek is a master-planned community in southwest Orange County, approximately 12 to 15 miles south of downtown Orlando. Residents have easy access to two premier professional sports venues in downtown Orlando: Inter&Co Stadium (655 W Church St), a 25,500-seat soccer-specific stadium opened in 2017 that is home to Orlando City SC (MLS) and Orlando Pride (NWSL); and Kia Center, an 18,846-seat arena opened in 2010 that is home to the NBA's Orlando Magic. Both venues are roughly a 20 to 30 minute drive from Hunter's Creek via John Young Parkway or SR 417 north.
Here's something that surprises a lot of people considering a move to Hunter's Creek: you don't have to choose between quiet suburban living and big-city pro sports. Two world-class venues sit less than 20 miles up the road in downtown Orlando — Inter&Co Stadium and the Kia Center — and on a good night with no I-4 drama, you can leave your driveway and be in your seat before the opening whistle. Together they give Hunter's Creek residents a spectator sports calendar that runs practically year-round. Let's break it all down.
Orlando City Soccer at Inter&Co Stadium
If you haven't been to an Orlando City match yet, put it on your list immediately. Inter&Co Stadium opened in 2017 at 655 W Church St in the Parramore neighborhood just west of downtown Orlando, and it instantly became one of the most talked-about soccer venues in Major League Soccer. The 25,500-seat stadium was 100% privately funded at a cost of $155 million — a point of pride for the club — and it shows in the design.
A four-sided canopy roof keeps noise in and rain out (very important in Florida, as you'll learn quickly). The pitch sits 10 to 12 feet below street level, which creates an amphitheater effect that makes the atmosphere feel electric even on a Tuesday night in March. The north-end "Wall" is North America's first safe-standing supporters' section, and those fans bring South American-level energy to every home match.
Orlando City SC joined MLS as an expansion franchise in 2015, and the club has grown into one of the league's more passionate fan bases. The Lions play the full MLS regular season from late February through October, meaning you'll have plenty of home match options throughout the spring, summer, and fall. The Orlando Pride — the women's professional team in the NWSL — also call Inter&Co Stadium home, so women's soccer fans are equally well-served.
The stadium has also hosted international events that make your local bragging rights even better: Copa América 2024 group-stage matches, U.S. men's and women's national team fixtures, CONCACAF Champions League, and the NCAA Women's College Cup. Two blocks away sits the Kia Center, making a soccer-then-basketball doubleheader (or at least a post-match bar crawl) very doable.
Orlando Magic at Kia Center
The Kia Center opened in October 2010 as the Amway Center and was renamed in December 2023 following a naming rights deal with Kia America. Two blocks from Inter&Co Stadium in downtown Orlando, it's one of the most versatile arenas in the Southeast.
The numbers: 875,000 square feet, eight levels, 18,846 seats for basketball (expandable to 20,000+ for concerts), 60 luxury suites, and 1,400 club seats. It earned LEED Gold certification and hosts approximately 225 events per year. Since opening, it has welcomed nearly 20 million guests and generated over $6.5 billion in estimated economic impact for Central Florida.
The Orlando Magic play 41 regular-season home games from October through April, which means basketball season conveniently picks up right about the time the MLS season winds down. In the 2023–24 season, the Magic averaged nearly 18,874 fans per game — essentially full capacity — after a run that included an appearance in the first round of the playoffs. The team's young core has this fanbase genuinely excited again.
But here's the thing about Kia Center that makes it valuable beyond basketball: it doubles as one of Central Florida's premier concert and event venues. Taylor Swift, Garth Brooks, Paul McCartney, Elton John, and Ed Sheeran have all performed there. WrestleMania 33 was held there. NCAA March Madness rounds have been played there. If something big is touring Florida, there's a strong chance it's stopping at Kia Center.
Getting There from Hunter's Creek: What to Expect
Both venues are in downtown Orlando, roughly 12 to 15 miles from Hunter's Creek. Here's the realistic picture:
- Via John Young Parkway north: A reliable surface road option that avoids toll roads. Plan 25 to 35 minutes depending on event-night traffic.
- Via SR 417 to I-4 west: Faster on a normal day (20 to 25 minutes), but I-4 congestion near downtown on event nights can add time.
- Via the Florida Turnpike: Another option depending on your starting point within Hunter's Creek. Check our guide to The Florida Turnpike for toll road tips.
- SunRail: The Tupperware SunRail Station is accessible from the Hunter's Creek area and runs north toward downtown on select days. Check SunRail Florida resident information for current schedules.
For parking, both venues have paid lots and garages nearby. Many fans use the app SpotHero to book spots in advance, especially for sold-out Magic games or big MLS matches. Ride-share is also popular — dropping into downtown and picking up after the game keeps you out of the parking lot shuffle entirely.
Beyond the Big Two: More Live Sports Options
Orlando City Soccer and the Magic are the headliners, but Hunter's Creek residents have additional options worth knowing about:
- Orlando Solar Bears (ECHL hockey): The Solar Bears share Kia Center with the Magic from October through April. Tickets are typically more affordable than NBA games and make for a great casual night out.
- Camping World Stadium events: About 15 miles north, this renovated stadium hosts college football bowls, international soccer, and occasional NFL preseason games.
- Spring training baseball: The Kissimmee corridor has historically hosted MLB spring training, giving baseball fans options in late February and March.
Hunter's Creek also has a robust internal parks and recreation system. Eagle Park and Osprey Park feature sports fields used for local leagues, and the community association organizes youth sporting programs year-round. Check out the Hunter's Creek Sports & Recreation hub for local options closer to home.
What the Locals Know
Living in Hunter's Creek means you can genuinely have it both ways — a quiet, master-planned community with parks, lakes, and top-rated schools, plus a 20-minute drive to some of the most exciting live sports in the Southeast. Families love the Magic's family-friendly game nights; the soccer crowd skews younger and louder (in the best way); and the Kia Center concert calendar alone is worth the commute.
Pro tip: check both the Orlando City and Magic schedules when you're house-hunting. Knowing you can leave after work and be in your seat without a stressful commute is the detail that actually changes how often you go. Nearby Kissimmee and Celebration share similar venue access if you're comparing communities. Browse the Hunter's Creek Events & Entertainment hub for local activities, or the Hunter's Creek dining guide for pre-game meal ideas.
For the complete schedule, ticket info, and upcoming events at both venues, visit the official Orlando City SC website and the Kia Center website.
Thinking about making Hunter's Creek your home base for Central Florida living? Browse our Hunter's Creek homes for sale or explore our Hunter's Creek Community Guide to learn more about neighborhoods, schools, and amenities in this award-winning community.
