(Above) A fan is getting ready for a mini game. During a timeout The Solar Bears would end up winning this game. This jersey is one, “By the fan” that the team offers in a all time fan experience where you can customize a jersey for the same price of a normal jersey. Overall, The Solar Bears have received an average rating on multiple review websites string from a 4.4/5 to 5/5 stars.
Hockey has become increasingly popular in Orlando over the last month. The Orlando Solar Bears are a professional ice hockey team in the well known Minor Hockey League that plays their home games at the Kia Center in Orlando, Florida. They began play and were founded in the 2012- 2013 season as an expansion team. They play in the South Division of the ECHL’s Eastern Conference and are affiliated with the Tampa Bay Lightning of the National Hockey League. Recently, the team has gained traction in Orlando, and so has the sport of hockey in general. The Orlando Solar Bears significantly increased ticket revenue by selling tickets to 4,000 fans through an invitation. It’s a yearly event where they invite ticket holders to try to buy season tickets on top of their package. They reached a 90% conversion rate on ticket packages, generating over $75,000 in tracked revenue as of last season. This year, ticket sales in the last month have risen to new highs. They have begun to boast strong attendance, according to SeatGeek.
(Above) Towards the end of an action pacted contest, this fan won an on ice challenge for a team store gift card! The Solar Bears do fun challenges and games in between breaks of the game. There is always a chance at a prize ranging from Disney passes or team shop store credit! The Bears do this every single game. (Reily Green)(Above) Anthony Bardaro, a player from the 2024-2025’ season. He wore number four for the Orlando Solar Bears. He recorded 0.62 points per game during that period. He switched his number to 81 this year. He is 33 years old and from Delta, Canada. Bardaro was a big piece for The Solar Bears being one of their top goal scorers last year. (Reily Green)(Above) According to the kiacenter.com, it states, “Since coming out of hibernation in 2012, the team has qualified for the Kelly Cup Playoffs six times. The club consistently ranks among the top teams in attendance in the ECHL, providing affordable sports entertainment for the City of Orlando.” The Solar Bear’s season runs from early October all the way to spring. (Reily Green)(Above) The orlandosolarbearhockey.com website states that the Kia Center has, “1,100 digital monitors and a massive high-definition scoreboard that is one of the largest in any professional arena.” This huge screen makes it possible for everyone in the building to see all the replays and close-ups of the action. The screens are also all throughout the stadium, making the game interesting. and full of excitement for everyone. (Reily Green)(Above) The Kia Center website has stated that, “The team continues to be a major draw at the Kia Center, averaging over 6,500+ fans per home game” making the Kia Center one of the ECHL’s top destinations.” The website also stated that, “The roster for the 2025-2026 season features a mix of experience, including 14 nationalities, with players affiliated with the Syracuse Crunch (AHL) and Tampa Bay Lightning (NHL).” The Solar Bears have made the Kia Center the best place in the South for professional hockey by, “Connecting local fans with great NHL teams.” (Reily Green)
Reily Green is the founder of his Instagram and business 1shot. He has been a professional photographer and videographer for the last two years. Additionally, he is the president of multiple clubs and has a nationally recognized award for community service. Reily has been a student at Lake Highland since Kindergarten and has been an athlete all his life. He was a varsity athlete for football and also participated in basketball. When not at school, Reily enjoys working on his portfolio for camera work and playing basketball. Reily looks forward to his last semester and to providing articles on many different topics.
