In our July 10 feature story by Justin Braun, we talk to people concerned about the fate of Orlando Jai Alai, a local landmark that has been hosting professional jai alai games since the 1960s. The sport has been dying a long, slow death, and the owners of Orlando Jai Alai are in the process of rebranding the facility as a multi-use venue. Fans of the sport – particularly the amateur players who use the mostly vacant court to practice and play – are concerned that the rebranding could mean the end of jai alai in Orlando. We went inside the Orlando Jai Alai facility and snapped some photos to show you what it’s like in there today.
The sign along 17-92 in Fern Park, outside Orlando Jai Alai Credit:Robert BartlettAmateur players help keep the sport alive by practicing and holding games in the usually empty fronton Credit:Robert BartlettAmateur players help keep the sport alive by practicing and holding games in the usually empty fronton Credit:Robert BartlettOrlando Jai Alai’s fronton is walled on three sides and a chain-link fence keeps spectators safe from the fast-moving ball, which is flung against the court’s walls. Credit:Robert BartlettPlayers use a handmade basket, called a cesta, to fling the ball, called a pelota, around the court. Credit:Robert BartlettA long, tunnel-like hallway leads to the fronton. Credit:Robert BartlettOn the day we visited, a couple of spectators stopped in to watch the practice for a little while. Otherwise, the grandstands were completely empty. Credit:Robert BartlettOrlando Jai Alai’s management says it intends to remove the faded teal lettering on the front of the building. Credit:Robert BartlettThe new signage will read “Orlando Live Events and Jai Alai.” Credit:Robert BartlettThe view as you walk toward the building’s covered entryway. A sign nearby advertises valet parking, but there’s nobody around to park cars. Nor is there any demand for such a service. Credit:Robert BartlettPainted signage helps direct visitors around the cavernous space. Credit:Robert BartlettThe lobby is often empty, save for a few people who trickle in to bet on horses on the third floor. Credit:Robert BartlettAnother shot of the lobby and its turnstiles. Credit:Robert BartlettThe Jai Horse Restaurant, where you can bet on horses while dining. Credit:Robert BartlettWhen there is a professional jai alai tournament taking place at Orlando Jai Alai, spectators can check results on this board. Credit:Robert BartlettTo get to the Race Book on the third floor, you’ve got to take two escalators up. Credit:Robert BartlettAn unlit neon sign on the second floor announces that you’re almost there. Credit:Robert BartlettWhen you get there, you’re faced with a wall of TVs that show horse races from around the country. For a small fee, you can also pay to sit at a private booth in the gallery. Credit:Robert BartlettAnother shot of the first-floor lobby, facing the ticket booth. Credit:Robert BartlettThe digital sign beneath the neon changes to advertise daily specials and events. Credit:Robert BartlettYou can also play the Florida lottery at Orlando Jai Alai. Credit:Robert BartlettA detail shot of the sign on the escalators. Credit:Robert BartlettA sign near the entrance informs people that a proposed 17-92 flyover could endanger Orlando Jai Alai’s business. Credit:Robert BartlettSome of the seats facing the fronton are in need of repair. Credit:Robert BartlettYellow caution tape warns people to stay off the broken seating. Credit:Robert BartlettAnother view of players on the fronton. Credit:Robert BartlettAnother shot of the hallway leading to the fronton. Credit:Robert BartlettCredit:Robert BartlettPlayers take a break after a vigorous game. Credit:Robert BartlettThose who love Orlando Jai Alai hope to see a full season of professional games brought back to this local landmark someday soon. Credit:Robert Bartlett
