First time ever attending a Jai-Alai game despite living here for 27 years. It’s a very fun venue with great prices. If you’re looking for a great place to bet on events or watch Jai-Alai, then this is the place that you should check out. While the sport is definitely on its way out, there is still some enjoyment to be had at this venue. The players make it interesting, and betting can be a tricky endeavor. Of course, they also serve Cigar City’s Jai-Alai, which is a good accompaniment to the sport.
Tom A.
Évaluation du lieu : 4 Orlando, FL
I love coming here to watch this sport that started in Spain years ago, the players come from all over the world to play but to understand the sport you HAVE to do your homework The place was one going to close but got bought by someone, witch was great because I would of hate to see this place go. I have seen other Jai-Alai places close and this location almost became one of them. It is located in a not so great neighborhood in the suburbs of Orlando(Fern Park) and the inside was not maintained very well with a lot of trash and the people that go inside are very odd. They do have a somewhat okay restaurant inside were you can eat while watching them play and even watch race horse in other places. The restaurant it self is moderate and has some good dishes but I have not had there food only have heard about it. It is very cheap for admission and to bet it is also cheap and you could win some money. Like Adam P posted«Wish more people would appreciate a great institution of sport» I agree, not to many appreciate this place. They also have a fair here in November held in the parking lot.
Sean H.
Évaluation du lieu : 4 Orlando, FL
First things first, Orlando Jai-Alai is an EXPERIENCE. It’s like going to the Fillin’ Station or Wally’s. It’s a locals’ must-do and you shouldn’t confuse it with a romantic night out or a nice dinner spot. It’s neither of those and that’s a good thing. It’s a great place to go and just have fun. This year marks the 50th anniversary of OJA. I’m not sure if it’s always been in that building, but it may very well have been. That nostalgic vibe can be felt throughout the building. So what if the floors are a little sticky? Certainly no worse than the newest theater in town. Maybe the paint has a little lead in it but who cares? Again, it’s part of the experience. What may surprise you is that the food is actually good. The fronton is under new management and the food quality has improved. You can reserve a table in one of the restaurants and get some tasty dinner. I had chicken with artichoke sauce, salad and bananas foster that were as good as you’d get at the chains around town. Gambling is optional but you’ll do it. And you should. It’s cheap and it gets you into the game, which is incredibly easy to understand and follow. Throw on some jeans and a t-shirt, grab some friends and get over to OJA before the season ends. It’s a no frills great time!
Anthony S.
Évaluation du lieu : 5 Orlando, FL
If you live in Central Florida and you think Orlando Jai Alai is some kind of joke or haven for sketchy gamblers, get out of my face. Seriously. Close this window. You don’t deserve to read a single character that I’ve written. If you’re one of the smart locals who thinks of Orlando Jai Alai fondly as a place to enjoy a great sport, relax and snack with friends and spend *very little* money doing so: We should hang out! You’ve earned my respect. Here’s a list! 1. Orlando Jai Alai has been here 50 years! Don’t disrespect this beautiful piece of Orlando history. 2. Jai alai is a super elite sport. There are about seven places in the entire USA to watch live jai alai, and WEHAVEIT. Our live season is every year starting around New Year’s and ending around the end of February. 3. If you want a crash course on how to understand this sport, show up 15 minutes before the first game at the Information window. It’s easier to understand than you may think. 4. Everyone at this facility is super nice. The lady who takes admission, the security guards, the concessions people. Even the gentlemen who take your bets, should you decide to gamble. 5. You can bet $ 1 or $ 2 on a game and have an even more exciting time because now you have a vested interest in the players! 6. These are humans, not horses or dogs. Not only are you doing a service to the cute animals at which you could otherwise be yelling, but these players understand your cheers and heckles! It’s truly interactive! 7. Beer, $ 3. Soft pretzels, $ 1.65. Soft drinks, under $ 2. Hot dogs and other food, just as cheap. 8. Clean, awesomely *plush* tiered seating. Easy access with escalators. 9. There’s some kind of promotion every day if you show up within the first hour or two. One day, they gave me a collectable reproduction of the first ever jai alai program. Sometimes there are raffles. These people appreciate your attendance. 10. Clean restrooms on the second floor. 11. $ 3 admission and cheaper with student ID(I haven’t checked on this in a few years). Buy a program for only $ 1.75 and you’ll also be able to read all about the rules and see the player stats. Trust me, at least get the program the first time you go. Bring cash for admission and the program. Cards are accepted for concessions downstairs. 12. Clientele is diverse but refined and polite. Even the hecklers separate themselves from the families(families usually sit near the front). The majority of attendees are older couples and small groups of younger people. 13. Stroke your ego with delusions of grandeur. It’s hard to watch jai alai and not imagine that you’re Tony Montana or any other 70s/80s mogul. That’s it. I’m sure a lot of you naysayers didn’t listen to me and you’re still reading. Whatever. For the rest of the LEGIT dudes and dudettes– see you at the fronton!
Emily A.
Évaluation du lieu : 2 Jacksonville, FL
Went to see a comedy show here and — yikes! To be honest I don’t know what jai-alai even is, and this review has nothing to do with the actual sport. But this place as a venue for a comedy show, concerts, or anything else? I would stay far, far away! The set-up is strange(I’m sure having to do with the sport, but still) and it was just weird in there and has horrible acoustics. The only bonuses: the cheap draft beer($ 3 — bring cash!) and the front two rows which were comfy looking leather chairs.
Adam P.
Évaluation du lieu : 4 Orlando, FL
Love this place. Wish more people would appreciate a great institution of sport.