Orlando Solar Bears vs. South Carolina Stingrays

ECHL Hockey Returns to Downtown Orlando for Early Season Showdown

The Orlando Solar Bears face off against the South Carolina Stingrays on Saturday, October 24th at 7:00 PM, bringing ECHL action back to the Kia Center. This early season matchup on the Orlando Solar Bears schedule pits two competitive franchises against each other in what should be a fast-paced hockey game. The 7:00 PM start gives fans plenty of time to settle in before the puck drops.

What to Expect:
The Kia Center's 18,846-seat bowl creates an atmosphere that's intimate enough to hear the crack of sticks and the scrape of skates while still delivering that big-arena energy. Solar Bears games draw a mix of die-hard hockey fans and families discovering the sport, making for a welcoming crowd that gets loud when the home team scores. The Stingrays bring a physical style of play that typically makes for entertaining hockey games Orlando fans appreciate—expect plenty of hitting along the boards and competitive special teams play.

Insider Tips:
- Pre-purchase parking through Ticketmaster before 5 PM on Friday to guarantee a spot in the GEICO Garage with skywalk access
- Grab seats on the attack-twice side if possible—Solar Bears shoot twice toward the north end, giving those sections more offensive action
- The Terrace Level offers the best sightlines for following plays develop across the ice without breaking the budget
- Concession lines at Orlando Market move faster than the specialty restaurants during intermissions
- Download the Kia Center app beforehand for mobile ordering at select concession stands
- Layer up—arena temperatures hover around 60 degrees to keep the ice frozen, even in October

Venue Details:
- The no-bag policy means leave purses at home or bring only a small clutch measuring 4.5" x 6.5" x 1" or less
- Parents can bring diaper bags up to 14" x 14" x 6", though they'll go through X-ray screening at designated checkpoints
- Children under two years old don't need tickets if sitting on a lap for this Solar Bears game
- The 360-degree concourse lets fans walk the entire arena without missing ice-level action
- Multiple bars including the Michelob ULTRA Club stay open before, during, and after the game
- Orlando Table on the Terrace Level near Section 114 showcases local restaurants and chefs

Getting There:
The Kia Center sits at 400 Church Street West in the heart of downtown Orlando, accessible from I-4 via the Anderson Street or South Street exits. The GEICO Garage at 400 West South Street connects directly to the arena via skywalk—reserve spots there sell out quickly for weekend games. ThreatLocker Garage sits just 113 meters away, while City Commons Garage and 55 West Garage offer alternatives within a three-minute walk. LYMMO buses stop at West South Street and Chapman Court, 200 meters from the main entrance. SunRail's Church Street Station sits about a five-minute walk north, with the northbound platform 305 meters from the arena. Multiple bus stops line South Division Avenue within two blocks. Rideshare pickup and drop-off happens at the corner of Hughey Avenue and Pine Street on the arena's northeast side.

Local Scene:
The District GastroBar sits 196 meters away, perfect for pre-game appetizers and craft beer without cutting arrival time too close. AC Sky Bar offers rooftop views 280 meters from the arena for those wanting a more upscale pre-game experience. Post-game crowds often migrate to 1Up Orlando, where arcade games and bar food create a casual atmosphere about seven minutes on foot. Birria1983 brings authentic Mexican flavors 373 meters away—ideal for late dinner after the final horn. Sak Comedy Lab sits 233 meters from the Kia Center if the group wants to extend the night with improv shows. The downtown core means options stay open well past game time, with Church Street's restaurant row just steps away.