Photos by Chris Green, Stadium Journey
Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.43
Osceola County Stadium 631 Heritage Park Way Kissimmee, FL 34744
Year Opened: 1984
Capacity: 5,300
Orlando’s Future Soccer Stars
In Orlando, the soccer scene has become a deeply woven part of the city’s sports fabric. Orlando City SC and Orlando Pride may very well get all of the attention, but make no mistake, there are other options in the area. The former indoor Orlando SeaWolves started the soccer craze in Osceola Memorial Park, and now the mantle belongs to Orlando City B. Having moved from Exploria Stadium after the COVID-19 pandemic to the former home of the Orlando Fire Frogs, OCB has found a home and a fanbase to call their own, without any distractions from big brother.
Food & Beverage 3
The stadium fare is simple but tasty here. For most games only one concessions stand is open, but it has a wide variety of options. Cheeseburgers, nachos, hot dogs, fries, and various candy and chip selections are available, with drinks including water, bottled sodas, and beer. Pricing is simple and consistent with most stadiums, with drinks in the $4-$5 range and food just over $10 for meals.
Atmosphere 3
The stadium itself is a former baseball stadium, playing host to various MiLB and spring training matchups over the years – now it has been converted to a soccer pitch. Seating is all general admission, meaning you can sit anywhere from the top rows down to right along the field. The seats along the sidelines line up well with the pitch and are in the shade for most of the afternoon and evening. However, any seating along what was the right field line will be in the sun and at an angle, when available.
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 stadium itself, you 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 facility. 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 stadium may not sell out every game or echo with the chants from the Wall like their bigger counterparts downtown, but Orlando City B has built a loyal fanbase that shows up to their games with passion – signs in the stadium are still common showing their love of Orlando. Younger fans are among the most passionate at games, crowding the lower rows closest to the pitch and cheering with every pass and shot on goal. Another big fan draw is the family aspect of going to an OCB game; even after kickoff families with young fans continued to trickle into the stadium.
Access 4
To get to Osceola County Stadium, 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 free. Signs are also plentiful on-site to help direct you once you get on the property, as there are several different venues located at Osceola Heritage Park, including Silver Spurs Arena, the new home of the Kissimmee Magic.
Return on Investment 5
Tickets are incredibly affordable at just $15 a person, and all seats are general admission. Partner this with free parking and affordable concessions, and it is easy to see why Orlando City B games are a hit with local families. Add to this the great action on the field, and the opportunity to watch some of the young stars that are coming up through the ranks in soccer, and you have little reason to skip out on this great game-day value.
Extras 3
The stadium features a dedication plaque in the main concourse showcasing the history of the stadium. Fans also can enjoy watching the game from field level on the left field patio. Here, tables and chairs and standing room offer perhaps the most up-close view of any professional soccer experience without having to pay an extra price.
Finally, the stadium facility is also the training home for Orlando City SC, and Orlando City B, so you can see plenty of stars in the fields around the stadium, training for future games.
Final Thoughts
Orlando City B may not have the big-name players or the big-time stadium, but they are no less deserving of your attendance. A great family atmosphere showcasing some of the brightest future stars makes for a perfect night out watching soccer in Orlando, without paying the price for the team’s bigger brother.