The Orlando Magic announced today a new, multi-year relationship with Harris Corporation, an international communications and information technology company, making the technology company the inaugural “Champions of the Community” partner for the new Orlando Events Center. “Champions of the Community” partners are an elite tier of brands who are committed to Central Florida and the Parramore community. The fully integrated relationship includes community programming, unparalleled team and facility access, brand recognition visibility, and category exclusivity.
Harris Corporation will become the Official Technology provider for the new Orlando Events Center, which will compete to host major national events, concerts and family shows and serve as the new home of the Orlando Magic. Opening in the fall of 2010, the facility will be operated by the City of Orlando and owned by the Central Florida Community.
“We are excited to have Harris Corporation join the Magic family as the inaugural Champions of Community partner,” Orlando Magic Chief Operating Officer Alex Martins said. “Thanks to this partnership, the new Orlando Events Center will be the most technologically advanced sports and entertainment facility in the country. Everyone who visits the Orlando Events Center will have an unparalleled experience when it comes to various technological aspects we will employ using Harris’ unique systems, including fan and patron interactive elements, directional signage, and the video and scoreboard system. In essence, the Orlando Events Center will become a technological showcase for the world. In addition this unique partnership will support on-going Orlando Magic community initiatives.”
The comprehensive Harris content management and distribution system will enable the Magic to present more than 1,100 screens of high-definition content via Internet Protocol Television (IPTV) and a state-of-the-art digital signage network, supported by a Harris-supplied and managed IT infrastructure. The system will include control room and broadcast infrastructure support to manage the many video signals and content elements displayed around the venue; tools to create high-impact, 3-D graphics and perform fast edits for slow-motion instant replays, allowing viewers to feel part of the action wherever they’re viewing; and content storage and archive solutions to ensure the Magic will have easy access to all their video assets whenever and however they’re needed. The system will enable the Magic to maximize fan engagement and interaction, distribute an unprecedented amount of patron information, as well as provide unlimited opportunities for advertisers and sponsors.
“This is the new age of large venue entertainment technology,” said Howard L. Lance, president and CEO of Harris Corporation. “As a world leader in new media solutions and information technology services, Harris is delighted to team with one of the most progressive sports organizations in the world to bring this exciting sports experience to Magic fans.”
Harris, which will receive branding in key aspects of Magic marketing and communications, will sponsor the new Fan Zone on the west side of the new Events Center. The Fan Zone will be home to the Orlando Info Garden, a celebration of Central Florida history, and a look toward the future. Harris will also support Orlando Magic community programming, which focuses on literacy, health and wellness, and the arts, with a special emphasis on the Parramore neighborhood surrounding the new Orlando Events Center. Harris and the Magic will also partner on community outreach activities in the Brevard County area.
