Orlando Shine took in our first-ever Orlando Valkyries (Website) match at Addition Financial this past Friday, and we’re happy to report it was a solid good time. For those who might not know, Orlando Valkyries is our city’s women’s professional indoor volleyball team competing in Major League Volleyball, and they’re a strong team. In 2025, they won the league championship.
By the nature of the volleyball setup, the matches have an open feel and, while the play is intense, the atmosphere feels a bit more relaxed than other local sporting events. For the 2026 season, a majority of tickets ranged $15-55 depending on locations, with courtside and VIP experiences ranging $75-300. Season tickets, flex plans, and group tickets are also available.
The match is divided into five sets, though if a team reaches three sets, they win. The evening we attended, the Valks took on the Atlanta Vibe and bested them three sets to one. Play goes by quickly with this format, and the breaks between sets are nice breaks to hit the bar, restrooms, etc.
We love mascots at Shine HQ, so we must give a mention to Val. The Valkyries mascot wears a perpetually perturbed face, but she is a sweetheart underneath that rough exterior, as witnessed by her fan interactions – particularly a dance off with a fan during one break. She was available for fan photos throughout the match. Val helped in keeping a kids zone engaged, and the ongoing piercing screams from that area were worthy of a K-Pop concert.
In the MLV, the top four teams move on to the championship, and the Valks finished the 2026 season in fifth place.
Things to Know
- For the uninitiated, the UCF campus can be a daunting labyrinth, and there’s usually more happening than the event you’re attending. Be sure to allow time for navigation and parking. And don’t walk on the road (even to get around slow strollers) in case the elephant seal security guard starts yelling at you like he did to us. Bark bark, baby.
- Speaking of parking, the garage charges $12.
- If you’re not able to make it in person, matches are broadcast, but the channel varies from match to match.
