Orlando Magic, New Orleans Hornets to Play Exhibition in Mexico City

The Orlando Magic will play the New Orleans Hornets in an exhibition game in Mexico City, Mexico, the NBA announced on Thursday. The game is scheduled for October 7th at the new Mexico City Arena. Tickets for the game go on sale Friday, July 20th, at SuperBoletos.com.

The game is the NBA's 18th to be played in Mexico City and 20th in Mexico overall, which the league notes makes Mexico the leader in NBA games played outside the United States and Canada.

Phillipe Moggio, the vice president of the NBA's operations in Latin America, said, "As the most frequent international host for NBA games, Mexico will again provide a great showcase for the game of basketball as the New Orleans Hornets and Orlando Magic put on an exciting show for our passionate fans at the new Mexico City Arena."

In addition, the NBA Mexico Game 2012 affords newly acquired Magic center Gustavo Ayón the opportunity to return home. Ayón is the league's third Mexican-born player; he signed with the Hornets as a free agent prior to the 2011/12 season. Orlando obtained him from New Orleans in a sign-and-trade transaction involving Ryan Anderson, the league's Most Improved Player, on July 11th.

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