New Magic Arena To Cater To All Fans; Team Eyes All-Star Game

Magic Officials Say New Arena Will Cater To All Fans

Magic officials said that the team's new arena, which breaks ground July 25, will "offer something special for all fans, no matter how much they pay for their tickets," according to Schlueb & Damron of the ORLANDO SENTINEL. The arena also "should put Orlando in a good position to land the All-Star Game." The deadline to submit a proposal to host the 2012 All-Star Game is Friday, and local officials "have been working on the proposal for weeks." Schlueb & Damron noted the arena at one end of the court will feature an EveryFan's Bar, where patrons can "eat and drink with a view of the court floor," a 300-plus-seat upscale restaurant open to all fans and a "large outdoor terrace, as well as a rooftop bar that likely will be open even when no events are scheduled." The arena also will have a Kids Interactive Zone, including a climbing gym, a teen video arcade, basketball hoops and a "home" for team mascot Stuff. The Magic team store will be "on the ground floor, open every day," and other ground-floor space will "be available for lease and could house a restaurant and coffee shop" (ORLANDO SENTINEL, 7/14).

ANNIVERSARY PARTY: In Orlando, Kyle Hightower noted the '08-09 NBA season marks the Magic's 20th season, and team officials are "gearing up to mark the occasion in style." The season-long celebration, known as "20 FANtastic Seasons," will look back on the Magic's "legendary moments, people and fans of the past two decades as well as what's to come in the future." The celebration will include "reunions throughout the year of former Magic stars," a Growing Up Magic campaign to "identify the original generation of Magic faithful" and a special $20 per game season ticket (ORLANDO SENTINEL, 7/13).