ORLANDO EVENTS CENTER RENDERINGS RELEASED
12.13.2007
 Renderings of Downtown Orlando's Event Center (Magic Arena) have been released. Scheduled to open in time for the 2010 NBA season, the proposed design of the $380M arena ($480M including the cost of the land), designed by HOK Sport, was unveiled this week by HOK Sports, the Orlando Magic, and Orlando civic leaders.
A 116 foot glass tower dominates the design and serves as a signature feature of the building and will be clearly visible from passers-by on I-4. The tower will contain a sky bar and a rooftop patio on the top deck providing visitors with a view of downtown Orlando. The 800,000 square foot arena (the current Amway Arena is 367,000 square feet) is designed to have an 18,500 seat capacity for Magic games, and 19,000 seats for concert events. Additionally, there will be 56 suites situated mid-level (versus the antiquated top level situated suites of the current Amway Arena) along with 1,428 club seats, and 328 loge seats.
The arena is being designed as LEEDS-certified that will make it one of the first "green" arenas in the country. The facility will be owned by the community and operated and run by the City of Orlando. The new Events Center will replace the aging Amway Arena (one of the oldest arenas in the NBA) that is said to have become obsolete in the world of arenas and event centers, where square footage requirements for concerts and events have become an increasing issue for the existing arena.
The interior of the new arena is also being designed to feature many more upscale amenities, a major criticism of the current arena. Featuring restaurants, unique concessions, and a bar on the main concourse that will overlook the event floor and be opened to the public. Additionally, the facility will have 37 restrooms in all, a major upgrade from the current arena's 8.
The final obstacle to procuring the land for the arena was resolved recently, with the Magic breaking a stalemate between the city and land owners by kicking in about $2M to cover the final holdout's asking price.
Groundbreaking is anticipated for July 2008.
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