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After being guests at home openers for the Indiana Pacers and Minnesota Timberwolves, the Orlando Magic head to Amway Center on Friday for their own home opener. And given that Friday's game against the New Orleans Pelicans is the first home one of the team's 25th season, the Magic have a lot of special events lined up. Here's the lowdown on some of what's happening:
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- The Magic will honor Tracy McGrady: Orlando welcomes back McGrady, one of the best players in team history, for a special ceremony, the first in a series of events highlighting legendary figures in the Magic's 25 years. All of these events will happen during Friday home games, though the team has yet to release further details about who else it'll honor.
- Everyone gets a t-shirt: All fans in attendance Friday will receive a 25th anniversary t-shirt.
- Early birds get even more swag: The first 2500 fans in attendance Friday will receive an 8-by-10 photo of McGrady and Moe Harkless. Meanwhile, the first 5000 fans to arrive will get 25th anniversary Thunderstix.
In addition to all that, the night will also feature a pregame player-introduction program with "many special effects," the team says; activities including face-painting and balloon art on the concourse; and a halftime performance by Quick Change.
The pregame Fan Fest on Church Street between Hughey and Division begins at 5 PM and features the band Run for Cover, among other diversions.
And, of course, the Magic will play the Pelicans in Victor Oladipo's first official NBA home game. Everything else notwithstanding, the game is the biggest draw.