The Orlando Magic held their “Topping Off” ceremony yesterday.
"“Topping Off,” coined by ironworkers in the 1920s, celebrates hoisting the final piece of structural steel once a building has reached its maximum height. The beam will be signed by fans, construction crews, Orlando Magic and City and County officials. Traditionally “Topping Off” also involves placing a small tree or branches at the top of the new building to signify a safe and efficient job well done, while honoring nature for providing natural resources for its construction. Amway Center will be Leadership in Energy & Environmental Design (LEED) certified.Seven short miles from Amway Center, the six, 380-foot long, 150-ton steel roof trusses were fabricated. Roof truss erection began on July 14. The entire structural steel portion of Amway Center is in excess of 3,000 tons. The cutting, shaping and assembling of the raw steel involved 200-plus local steel workers.For an updated look at the Amway Center, please visit Amwaycenter.com."
Click here to see a video of the building process.
Click here to see a slideshow put together by Eddy Rivera from the Third Quarter Collapse that also shows the building process.
The Magic take on the Pistons tonight at Amway. Joshua Robbins has an article about how the economy has affected both franchises. You can find that here.
As I mentioned yesterday, Magic Coach Stan Van Gundy does not expect to play Vince Carter tonight.
Ryan Anderson doesn’t waste his time with two-point jumpers.
"Only 13 percent of Anderson’s shots this season are in the 3-point circle but away from the rim, and only 8 percent of his shots are two-pointers outside the paint."
Click here to read the full story from Zach McCann of Orlando Magic Daily.
Ryan Anderson has teamed up with Fox Sports Florida and Bright House Networks to encourage children to read more.
"Maitland, FL…Friday, November 6, 2009— In an effort to encourage youngsters to read more, Bright House Networks, FOX Sports Florida and the Orlando Magic have teamed up and next week will present a customized motivational book to students at Markham Woods Middle School.Copies of “Orlando Magic Hoop City” will be distributed to students during a special ceremony at Markham Woods Middle School at 2 p.m., Thursday, Nov. 12, 2009. Orlando Magic player Ryan Anderson is scheduled to appear at the ceremony, along with Magic mascot STUFF and the Orlando Magic Dancers. FOX Sports Florida’s Magic host, Whit Watson, will also participate in the event.Markham Woods Middle School was selected for the book because the school hosts a county-wide, afterschool basketball and citizenship program entitled, “FastBreak To Success,” which is funded by Bright House Networks.The book itself is part of FSN’s Reading All Stars, a nationwide literacy initiative that fosters interest in reading among children who might not ordinarily pick up a book. The concept is both simple and effective: entice children to read by giving them compelling stories that teach valuable life lessons and the importance of following your dreams. This unique reading program provides a customized, sports-themed book that tells the story of a child following his or her dream to make it to the pros.Bright House Networks, FOX Sports Florida and the Orlando Magic have partnered because of their shared commitment to encouraging children to develop strong reading skills so they can become more successful in school and life.“This team effort between our three businesses demonstrates how a community can come together to make a meaningful and positive impact,” said Sara R. Brady, vice president, Public Affairs and Community Relations for Bright House Networks Central Florida Division. ”We all believe that just one book can make all the difference in a child’s life.”"
The Magic are also asking fans to bring items for Harbor House to tonight’s game.
"ORLANDO MAGIC BACKCOURT ASKS FANS TO BRING ITEMS FOR HARBOR HOUSE **Fans encouraged to bring supplies to November 6 game**WHO: Magic players, coaches and basketball operation’s wives, girlfriends and family members WHAT: Orlando Magic Backcourt Drop BoxThe Backcourt will have a drop box at Amway Arena to collect items for Harbor House. The table to collect items will be located on the north side of the building at Fan Fest. Items can be anything from toiletries, personal care/hygiene items, to paper products and supplies (soap, aluminum foil, Ziploc bags, etc.). All items will be delivered to Harbor House on Monday, November 9.Each person that donates an item(s) will receive one raffle ticket to enter into a drawing to win an authentic Dwight Howard autographed jersey. The winner will be announced during the third quarter of the game.The Orlando Magic Backcourt was created by the Orlando Magic players, coaches and basketball operation’s wives, girlfriends and family members as a way to give back to the community.Harbor House empowers victims to take control of their lives – rediscovering safety and self-esteem. Offering a 24-hour crisis hotline, shelter, counseling, legal advocacy and other services to literally thousands of people, Harbor House is the leading authority on domestic violence. Harbor House seeks to eliminate domestic violence in Central Florida providing safety, shelter, empowerment, education and justice.WHEN: Friday, November 6, 2009 5:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m. prior to Magic vs. Detroit contest (tip-off at 7:00 p.m.)WHERE: Amway Arena, north side of building at Fan Fest 600 W. Amelia St. Orlando, 32801"
The Painted Area says that Vince Carter’s Hall of Fame legacy is on the line. You can read the story here.
Check out Dwight Howard’s new commercial.
(Andrew Melnick is Howard the Dunk’s lead blogger and a contributor at NFL Mocks Subscribe to his RSS feed and add him on Twitter to follow him daily.)