Amway Center, is the new home to the Orlando Magic of the NBA, and host of the 2012 NBA All Star Game as well as host to many other concerts and events. This popular sports and entertainment venue located in downtown Orlando, Florida came into being after years of negotiations and threats to vacate the predecessor Amway Arena, when it could no longer offer the attraction of the newer, more technologically advanced entertainment centers in demand. Eventually, in 2006, the Mayors Of Orlando and Orange County along with Orlando Magic reach an agreement to build the new arena, breaking ground in 2008. This center represented part of Orlando’s proposed “Triple Crown for Downtown” centroplex projects.
With a overall price tag of $480 Million, this arena came within $10Million of estimated cost, a success to good financial management when cost overruns plague so many of these type of venues. Part of the deal was that Amway had the naming rights to the new venue and exercised those rights under a 10 year, $40 Million naming deal. Amway Center was officially named Aug 3, 2009. In addition, a complex financing deal was arranged between the three parties. As with of many of these type of deals, there has been financial hurdles to overcome.
Today, Amway Center is known as one of the most technologically advance venues in the world. A unique 50 foot cable center hung structure littered with stainless steel “raindrops” in the 80 foot tall main lobby, tallest in any of the NBA venues, is found inside the building. The creative programming options are maximized by the use of high resolution, 6 mm-pixel technology on each of the 18 displays. As well as additional displays, the largest being a 360 degree, 1,100 foot display surrounding the entire seating bowl, with the ability to display exciting motion graphics, real time content including in-game statistics, out of town scores and closed captioning information. Not to be outdone, the outside of the Center, hosts a 46 foot by 53 foot video display, which can be viewed by millions of motorists traveling on interstate 4.
Amway Center’s floor is designed much like an arena football, featuring retractable sections that permit squared end zone corners. With a square footage of 875,000, it accommodates approximately 18,500 in the various functions of sports and concert areas. It is home to a variety of mid-level luxury seats, as well as luxuriously appointed Founder and Presidents suites which offer the ultimate in private viewing and include a wide range of VIP benefits such as top-flight cuisine, concierge services and access to VIP bars, lounges and restaurants including VIP elevators. The Helistop is designed so that helicopters can land on its top level or 8th floor with “prior permission required.” The Courtyard and Superstar area offer wide and comfortable exclusive seatings with intimate access to the NBA action. The roomy 68 loge boxes combine first class perks and privileges for those whom want to be close to the court. In the 2 Legend suites, capable of each holding 161 guests, one’s afforded the luxury of a private suite with the accessibility of being in a premium club.
Further club seating is provided on various decks. Three Club hospitality rooms are available for special events and private functions. There is 5 concourses which an average 35 foot width. Exclusive restaurant, bars and lounge add to the facilities assets, with a commitment to provide a safe and enjoyable atmosphere. The entertainment areas include a children’s play area, as well as other facilities designed to engage the fans. With the size of this type of complex, public washrooms can adequately handle the large number of attendees with 18 men’s and 19 women’s. The concession points of sales has a ratio of 1.150 spectators. Three Retail Stores provide for shopping, one being the Orlando Magic Team shop. However, this is not just a major sport venue, it also host a museum-quality $1 Million art collection. Officially opening Oct 1, 2010, Amway Center, without a doubt, is a world class venue.
