Photos by Chris Green, Stadium Journey
Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.43
Silver Spurs Arena 1875 Silver Spur Ln Kissimmee, FL 34744
Year Opened: 2003 Capacity: 8,000
Indoor Soccer Fever
For a city like Orlando, attracting sports fans to games is something of a hassle. You have to compete with the constant flow of events, conventions, concerts, and the ever-present theme park industry for attention. So for indoor soccer to arrive in the Central Florida area just south of the city in Kissimmee, there had to be some interest. The success and fervor around Orlando City SC and Orlando Pride is very well known. However, would fans flock to Silver Spurs Arena for the indoor version of the sport?
Opening night for the Orlando SeaWolves brought nearly 2,500 fans to the 8,000-seat facility. Subsequent games have seen crowds of approximately 1,500 fans per game. Somewhat of a hidden gem, the Orlando SeaWolves have the foundation for another successful soccer franchise in Central Florida, and the experience for fans at games reflects that potential.
Food & Beverage 3
Silver Spurs Arena offers a few different food options at their concessions stands. For drinks, beer and alcohol prices run anywhere from $6 to $14. Soda, water, Gatorade, and coffee all run $3. Main dishes include chicken tenders with fries ($9), cheeseburgers with fries ($9), hot dogs ($4), or turkey wraps ($9). A side of fries by themselves costs $5. Other sides and smaller dishes include popcorn or nachos for $4, a pretzel for $5, chips for $2, and candy for $3. While nothing really stands out here above your average stadium concessions options, prices are relatively fair, and everything is served hot and with a smile from the friendly staff on site.
Atmosphere 3
Silver Spurs Arena isn’t exactly one that is chock full of history, having only been in existence since the middle of the last decade, nor does it feature sports memorabilia from historic seasons past. That said, it does feel cozy, and the sound flow means loud crowd cheering reverberates well throughout. So while the attendance may only be 1,500, it can sure feel like a lot more are there.
The supporters section in the end zone also has all the hallmarks of a traditional soccer supporters group. A modest sign showcasing their logo, fans playing instruments and singing various chants throughout the game, and even smoke whenever a goal is scored are all present. The “Wolf Pack” surely makes game day fun, keeping the feeling of a traditional soccer game experience well alive indoors.
Neighborhood 3
The fact that you’re not far from Orlando proper means you aren’t far from plenty of entertainment. However, right around the arena itself, one will find limited food and shopping options. Rodeo Diner and Chicken Spot are located right next to McDonald’s and Denny’s along US-192, the main road outside the arena. For lodging, Quality Inn & Suites Heritage Park and Travelodge by Wyndham Kissimmee East are your two best options. For seeing the sights, Walt Disney World Resort is only 15 minutes away, while NASA and Cape Canaveral are just an hour east near Cocoa Beach.
Fans 3
The crowds may not fill in like other professional sports in Orlando, but that is to be expected with a brand-new franchise. The arena also is away from the city center, meaning there isn’t a fan march from downtown like those seen at other pro soccer events.
That said, the fans who do go to Orlando SeaWolves games are extremely passionate and are often fans of the sport itself rather than just casual fans. They’re also loud, which makes for a great experience on game day. When goals are scored, the fans erupt with cheers that make it feel like a packed arena. Hopefully, with continued success and exposure will come the bigger crowds that central Florida is known for when it comes to soccer.
Access 4
To get to Silver Spurs Arena, a simple drive south on I-4 will take you to exit 244. From there, a turn to the west on US-192 will lead you right to Osceola Heritage Park where Silver Spurs Arena is located. Parking is plentiful on site and costs $10, cash only. Signs are also plentiful on site to help direct you once you get on property, as there are several different venues located at Osceola Heritage Park, including Osceola County Stadium, home of the Florida Fire Frogs.
Return on Investment 4
Ticket prices for Orlando SeaWolves games range from $12 in the end zone and supporters section to $30 on the sidelines. Adding in $10 for parking, an Orlando SeaWolves game is much less expensive than other major sporting events in the greater Orlando area. The excitement of indoor soccer is also well worth the price of admission.
Extras 4
Silver Spurs Arena’s main entrance features a pop-up team store where fans can pick up some SeaWolves Swag before and during the game, and there are also some giveaways during the game. During breaks in between quarters, fans are selected from the stands to participate in games on the field of play for entertainment. There are also various vendors set up in the main lobby and along the upper concourse.
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking for an evening of sports in Central Florida but don’t want to fight downtown traffic or pay the high ticket prices of other pro teams, the Orlando SeaWolves are a perfect choice. This brand-new franchise is growing in a market that is soccer-crazed. The excitement of indoor soccer is also something that is growing, with large crowds across the league marking a growth in the sport. For sure, the Orlando SeaWolves are a team to be seen in person, and indoor soccer a sport to be experienced the next time you’re in Central Florida.
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