Table of Contents
Orlando Magic
Team Birth Year
The Orlando Magic were founded in 1989 as part of the NBA’s expansion.1)
Name Inspiration
The name “Magic” was inspired by Orlando’s tourism slogan, “The Magic of Orlando.”2)
Founding Father
Pat Williams, a former Philadelphia 76ers executive, spearheaded the campaign to bring an NBA team to Orlando.3)
Naming Contest
The team name was chosen through a fan contest, receiving over 4,000 submissions.4)
Rejected Names
Other finalist names included Heat, Tropics, and Juice, but “Magic” was selected.5)
Expansion Peers
The Magic were part of the NBA’s late-'80s expansion along with Minnesota Timberwolves, Miami Heat, and Charlotte Hornets.6)
Original Arena
The Magic played their first 21 seasons at the Orlando Arena, later renamed the TD Waterhouse Centre.7)
Modern Home
Since 2010, the team plays at the Amway Center in downtown Orlando.8)
State-of-the-Art Facility
The Amway Center is recognized for its modern design and eco-friendly features.9)
Attendance Milestone
The Magic sold out all 41 home games in their inaugural season.10)
First Game
Orlando played its first game on November 4, 1989, against the New Jersey Nets.11)
First Points Scorer
Reggie Theus scored the first points in franchise history.12)
First Win
Their first-ever victory came in their second game, against the New York Knicks.13)
First Season Record
The Magic finished their first season with a 18–64 record.14)
Shaq Era Begins
In 1992, the Magic drafted Shaquille O’Neal with the No. 1 pick.15)