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The Orlando Magic need to finish constructing their new downtown entertainment complex "by at least 2017" in order to submit a serious bid for the 2017 or 2018 NBA All-Star Game, reports Richard Bilbao of the Orlando Business Journal. The Magic received approval on a purchase agreement for the complex's land, just across Church Street from Amway Center, in November, but construction is not yet underway.
"At an OBJ event on Dec. 13, Magic CEO Alex Martins said the team will begin the bidding process in March to bring the 2017 or 2018 NBA All-Star Game back to Orlando," Bilbao says. According to the OBJ scribe, the 2012 All-Star Game yielded a $100 million economic impact for the city of Orlando.
The new complex is slated to feature a hotel, retail and restaurant space, a conference center, and a new headquarters for the team. At present, many Magic employees are headquartered at the RDV SportsPlex in Maitland, located 14 miles away from downtown.
The 2014, 2015, and 2016 All-Star Games are set for New Orleans, New York, and Toronto, respectively.
