Unbelievable! Opening night of the new season at the Amway Center was a breathtaking spectacle of huge crowds, lights, camera and action.
The City of Orlando has every right to be proud of this achievement–its world class on the world stage. In an age of profound negativity, the City of Orlando can point to its Crown Jewel of achievement, the magnificent Amway Center.
As the doors opened on Thursday at 6:00 pm, the awe was contagious. Could this really be Orlando? One has to stop and pinch oneself and marvel at this great sense of achievement, this audacious sense of community that seems to now emanate from Hughey and Church Street.
The evening opened with a special pregame presentation, which included remarks from Orlando Magic President Alex Martins, Orlando Mayor Buddy Dyer, NBA Commissioner David Stern and Orlando Magic Chairman Rich DeVos, with all welcoming everyone to the Amway Center–the people’s place.
Orlando Magic All-Star Dwight Howard also addressed the crowd, making all feel comfortable, to loud cheers and screams from the adoring fans.
On display too was a high energy video on the NBA’s tallest, most high-definition, center-hung video board.
And of course, there was the game itself.
The Orlando Magic did not disappoint as they made their season debut before some 18,500 mostly fans, against the Washington Wizards. In fact it was a cake walk with the Magic crushing the Wizards in a 112 to 83 win. See story of the game here.
Other highlights of the opening night included, poster giveaways, courtesy of Sports & Arts and T-shirts, courtesy Kia, to the first 10,000 fans.
A high definition screen on the plaza to watch the game was a nice touch for those who did not have tickets.
The opening night would not be complete without inflatable games, face painting, balloon art and there was plenty of those and much more.
All in all, a memorable opening game night.
It was awesome!
