Orlando Magic to Wear First-Ever “El Magic” Jerseys During Noche Latina on March

Here is the official word from the Magic:

"Magic Shows Commitment to Hispanic Community by Wearing“El Magic” Jerseys for Three Games*Magic debuts the jerseys on March 1 vs. Oklahoma City during Noche Latina*Orlando, Fla.—In appreciation of the Orlando Magic’s Hispanic fan base, for the first time ever the team will wear “El Magic” jerseys for three home games beginning on March 1 when Orlando faces Oklahoma City at the Amway Center (tip off set for 8:00 p.m. on TNT).  The debut of the “El Magic” jerseys will coincide with Latin Night, Noche Latina, at the March 1 game.  The “El Magic” jerseys are part of the team’s continuing efforts to connect with the entire community of greater Central Florida.  In addition to the March 1 OKC game, the Magic will wear the jerseys at the March 19 Chicago contest and the March 21 Phoenix matchup.“We want our entire fan base to know we value them,” said Magic CEO Alex Martins.  “We want to show our appreciation for their support and dedication, and this is just one small way for us to do that.”The new, Hispanic-themed “El Magic” jerseys provide fans an opportunity to identify with the unique contributions of the Hispanic community while showing support of their favorite NBA team.  The jerseys, along with “El Magic” hats and T-shirts, are available for purchase through orlandomagicshop.com.In addition to the “El Magic” jerseys, the team will honor the rich Hispanic culture of Central Florida at Noche Latina on March 1 during the Magic vs. Thunder matchup with a variety of activities at Amway Center.  The Magic Dancers will perform a special Latin-themed routine and Latin dance, music and entertainment will be featured throughout the night including a special halftime performance.The Magic has been a long time supporter of the Hispanic community of Central Florida. The “El Magic” jersey is the latest in a long line of efforts connected to the Orlando Hispanic community.  Another one of those efforts is Magic Spanish broadcaster, Joey Colon, in his 14th season with the team.  Colon handles all Spanish radio broadcasts for the Magic.  He can be heard on AM 1270 WRLZ (Radio Luz), and hosts Inside Magic en Espanol on select Mondays from 6-7 p.m.  Colon stands as the only Puerto Rican broadcaster in the NBA today.In addition to the team’s broadcasting efforts, the Magic has long standing partnerships with several Hispanic organizations including the Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, Hispanic Business Initiative Fund, Hispanic Business Council of Kissimmee, Hispanic Heritage Scholarship Fund, the City of Orlando Hispanic Office for Local Assistance (H.O.L.A.), and the Association of Latino Professionals in Finance and Accounting (ALPHA).  The Magic also have a dedicated Spanish website, elorlandomagic.com.The Magic’s commitment to the Hispanic community of Central Florida is shared by the NBA. For the sixth consecutive year, the NBA will sponsor a Noche Latina (Latin Night) program, which celebrates the league’s Hispanic heritage with special telecasts and in-arena festivities, including distinctive NBA team apparel and uniforms. Noche Latina is part of the NBA’s greater Hispanic marketing campaign, éne•bé•a.  League-wide,Noche Latina celebrations begin on March 1 and, in addition to Orlando, take place in Los Angeles (Lakers), Miami, Phoenix, San Antonio, Chicago, and New York with seven nationally televised games on TNT, ABC, and ESPN throughout March.“The Noche Latina program is the perfect example of the ongoing commitment by the NBA to celebrate diversity as part of the fabric of our game,” said NBA Vice President of Hispanic Marketing Saskia Sorrosa. “This month-long celebration will bring the excitement of the NBA to Hispanic fans in ways that are culturally relevant.”Since its inception in 1989, the Magic has been committed to the Hispanic community and has instituted a variety of initiatives to reach its multicultural fan base throughout Central Florida. Under the leadership of Magic CEO Alex Martins, the Orlando Magic created a multicultural insights focus in 2008. The team’s goal is to create an inclusive environment in which community partners, fans and employees feel welcome, valued and appreciated.Tickets are still available to the March 1 Magic vs. Thunder matchup for Noche Latina by calling Ticketmaster at 1.800.4.NBA.TIX or going online to elorlandomagic.com"

(Andrew Melnick is Howard the Dunk’s lead blogger, ESPN Florida’s Magic Insider (http://ESPNFlorida.com) and is the co-host of the ESPNFlorida.com Insiders Show Sunday mornings at 10:00 am EST. Subscribe to his RSS feed, add him on Facebook and follow him onTwitter to follow him daily. You can download the HTD app here)