Heading to an Orlando Magic game or a sold-out concert at the Amway Center? The energy of the crowd is electric, the performances are unforgettable, and the memories you make are priceless. But what fuels those memories? The food, of course! Don’t let hunger sideline your experience. The Amway Center, more than just a world-class entertainment venue, boasts a surprisingly diverse and exciting culinary landscape waiting to be explored. This guide provides a comprehensive overview of the food options available, ensuring you navigate the culinary scene like a seasoned pro. Whether you crave a quick bite between periods or a more refined dining experience, there’s something to satisfy every palate and budget within its walls.
The Amway Center offers a wide array of choices, ranging from classic stadium fare to more sophisticated offerings, all conveniently accessible throughout the venue. Understanding these options before you arrive allows you to maximize your enjoyment and avoid those dreaded mid-game hunger pangs. So, loosen your belt, grab a napkin, and let’s dive into the delicious world of food at the Amway Center.
Quick and Casual Eats: Concessions and Food Stands
Let’s start with the heart of any arena food scene: the concession stands. You’ll find these dispersed throughout the Amway Center, offering quick and convenient options to keep you fueled throughout your event. Familiar scents of grilling onions and freshly baked pizza fill the air, beckoning you to indulge in some classic arena staples.
Generally, the concession stands are designed for speedy service, allowing you to grab your food and get back to the action quickly. Expect to find a variety of options, from the ubiquitous hot dog and hamburger to pizza slices and chicken tenders. Some stands might also offer regional specialties, providing a taste of local flavor amidst the traditional offerings. It’s always worth exploring the different stands to see what unique items you can discover.
Specific Stand Highlights
Let’s take a closer look at some specific stand highlights:
The Pizza Place: Forget everything you think you know about arena pizza. This isn’t your typical cardboard-crusted slice. Here, you’ll find freshly made pizza with a surprisingly crispy crust and generous toppings. Classic pepperoni and cheese are always available, but keep an eye out for specialty slices that might feature unique flavor combinations. The pricing is what you would expect, but the quality certainly outshines many other other arena pizza options.
Burger Bliss: If you’re craving a juicy burger, Burger Bliss is your destination. These aren’t just any burgers; these are crafted with fresh patties and served on toasted buns. Choose from a variety of toppings, from classic lettuce, tomato, and onion to more adventurous options like bacon jam or caramelized onions. Don’t forget the sides! Crispy fries and onion rings are the perfect complement to your burger feast. For those seeking healthier options, or perhaps dietary restrictions, ask about alternatives.
Hot Dog Haven: No arena experience is complete without a hot dog, and Hot Dog Haven takes this classic to a whole new level. Beyond the traditional ballpark frank, you’ll find gourmet options with unique toppings and flavor combinations. A toppings bar allows you to customize your dog with everything from chili and cheese to sauerkraut and relish. It’s a hot dog lover’s paradise! They also have gluten-free bun alternatives as well.
Chicken Central: For those craving crispy, juicy chicken, Chicken Central is the place to be. Chicken tenders, chicken sandwiches, and wings are the stars of the show, all served with a variety of dipping sauces. From classic barbecue to spicy buffalo, there’s a sauce to satisfy every craving. Chicken Central often offers combo meals, making it a great value for a satisfying meal.
Beyond these specific stand examples, you will find other concession stands dotted around the Amway Center, so take a walk around and discover what’s on offer.
Vegetarian, Vegan, and Gluten-Free Options
In today’s world, dietary needs are diverse, and the Amway Center is making strides to accommodate different preferences. While options might not be as plentiful as for meat-eaters, there are definitely vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free choices available. Look for veggie burgers, salads, and other plant-based options at select concession stands. Gluten-free buns might be available upon request for burgers and hot dogs. It’s always a good idea to inquire about ingredients and preparation methods to ensure they meet your specific dietary needs.
One stand is known for its vegan-friendly black bean burgers. They come with lettuce, tomato, and vegan mayo. Some of the other stands will have various salads available as well, so be sure to inquire.
Beverages
Quench your thirst with a wide selection of beverages available throughout the Amway Center. From classic sodas and bottled water to refreshing lemonades and iced teas, there’s something to satisfy every thirst. For those looking for something a little stronger, beer and cocktails are also readily available at designated locations. Keep an eye out for local craft beer options, allowing you to sample some of Orlando’s finest brews. Please be aware of any restrictions on alcohol sales, such as timing limitations, and always drink responsibly.
Restaurant and Specialty Food Experiences
Beyond the concession stands, the Amway Center boasts some more upscale dining experiences for those seeking a more refined culinary adventure. These restaurants offer a chance to relax, unwind, and enjoy a delicious meal in a more sophisticated setting.
Currently, the Amway Center doesn’t house full-service restaurants open to all ticketholders during events. However, it’s worth checking the Amway Center’s website closer to your event date to see if any pop-up restaurants or temporary dining experiences are available. They sometimes host special culinary events or partnerships with local restaurants.
Club Level Food
For ticketholders with access to the Club Level, a whole new world of culinary delights awaits. The Club Level offers a more exclusive and premium dining experience, often featuring buffet-style meals or à la carte options with higher-quality ingredients and more diverse menu selections.
The food options available on the Club Level typically include a wider variety of entrees, sides, and desserts than you’ll find at the general concession stands. Think carving stations, pasta bars, and elaborate dessert displays. In some cases, food and beverage might be included in the price of your Club Level ticket, while in others, it might be available for purchase separately. It’s worth checking the details of your ticket package to understand what’s included. Premium food and beverage offerings, such as fine wines and top-shelf liquors, might also be available for purchase on the Club Level.
Suite Food
If you are lucky enough to experience an event from a private suite, get ready for a luxurious dining experience. Suites often offer catering services, allowing you to customize your menu to your specific preferences.
You can often work with the catering team to create a personalized menu that caters to your party’s specific tastes and dietary needs. From gourmet appetizers and entrees to decadent desserts, the options are endless. Catering might be included in the suite rental price, or it might need to be booked separately. Be sure to inquire about the catering options when booking your suite. Keep an eye out for exclusive offerings that are only available to suite holders.
Tips and Recommendations for your visit
Here are some tips and recommendations to help you make the most of your food experience at the Amway Center:
Budgeting for Food: Food and beverage prices at the Amway Center can be higher than at your average restaurant. Plan your food expenses and set a budget to avoid any surprises. Consider bringing your own snacks if allowed to help save money.
Best Value Options: Look for combo meals or special deals at the concession stands. These can often provide a more affordable way to enjoy a satisfying meal. Sharing larger items, such as pizzas or buckets of fries, can also be a great way to save money.
Must-Try Dishes: Keep an eye out for unique items that are specific to the Amway Center. These might be regional specialties or signature dishes created by the venue’s culinary team. Asking the staff for recommendations is also a good idea.
Mobile Ordering and Payment: Many concession stands at the Amway Center offer mobile ordering and payment options. This allows you to skip the lines and order your food directly from your phone. Check the Amway Center’s website or app for more information on mobile ordering. Credit cards and debit cards are accepted at most concession stands.
Accessibility Tips: Contact the Amway Center in advance to inquire about food options for guests with specific dietary needs or allergies. They might be able to provide additional information or accommodations.
Game Night Specials: Some concession stands or restaurants might offer special discounts or promotions during game nights. Keep an eye out for these deals to save money on your food and beverage purchases.
Event Specifics: Keep in mind that the food options available at the Amway Center might vary depending on the event. Some events might have a more limited selection of food and beverage options.
Conclusion
Planning your food experience at the Amway Center is just as important as planning which event you are attending. From the classic concession stand fare to the elevated experiences, there are some great food options for everyone to enjoy at the venue. Take your time to explore the diverse offerings and discover new favorite food items. With a little planning, you can ensure that your culinary experience at the Amway Center is as memorable as the event itself. So, what are you waiting for? Grab your tickets, bring your appetite, and get ready to indulge in the delicious world of food at the Amway Center! Share your favorite Amway Center food finds in the comments below! We would love to know what you recommend.
