The Sharks didn’t get of to a great start in their first season.  They lost their first ever game to the New Jersey Ironmen, 7-4, on October 27, 2007.  They went on to lose the next sixteen matches before finally chalking up a victory against California’s Cougars by an amazing 16-13 score line.  So you can be sure that there will be plenty of goals whoever their opponents.

Their squad of 23 are made up from ten countries including some of the world’s leading football entertainers: Brazil, England, Argentina and Mexico.  Sadly none of the Sharks’ squad has ever played for their national team and most likely never will. 

The season runs from October to March and with home matches being played at the indoor Amway arena you will find it very easy to get to from the Disney Area. It really is a great evening out (weekday games kick-off at 5pm) and to add to the fun there are often themed nights.  The 07/08 season saw the following themed events: Key West Beach Party, Sharks Idol (like the TV show Pop Idol), Luau Night and British Invasion.  The environment is really geared to family entertainment and you won’t find any hostile chanting or aggro. The stadium holds about 10,000 fans and it’s nearly all home fans so very, very safe. 

Getting tickets is very easy too; you can go direct to the Orlando Sharks website http://www.orlandosharks.com/tickets.aspx  and you will find the ticket page operated by Ticket Master.  The tickets are reasonably priced at the bottom end starting at $16 and ranging to almost touchline seats at $75 each. We found the best value seats to be the $20 upper level side areas. Very few matches seem to sell out so you can normally get a ticket whilst out there on vacation.  Tickets are booked online or over the phone and collected from the pick-up windows at the stadium.

Parking is very easy too – just wish a few of the English football teams has parking so well mastered.  Parking zones are colour coded and located all around the stadium with two located on the forecourts directly outside the main South and North entrances.  The stadium is located just off I4, Exit 83B (Amelia Street/Orlando Venues) then take a left onto Livingston Street and the parking lots will be in front of you. 

Inside the stadium you will be able to get a range of foods and drinks including: burgers, Subway sandwiches, Dipping Dots, Starbucks, beers and lots more.  There are often giveaways if you arrive early in the form of banners, sweat bands and tee-shirts.  Worth a visit just to see how the Americans do Soccer!