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Orlando Magic partner with VenueNext to transform fan experience

By Philip Rossman-Reich

Mar 4, 2015; Orlando, FL, USA; Orlando Magic fans cheer during the second half of an NBA basketball game against the Phoenix Suns at Amway Center. Phoenix Suns won 105-100. Mandatory Credit: Reinhold Matay-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 4, 2015; Orlando, FL, USA; Orlando Magic fans cheer during the second half of an NBA basketball game against the Phoenix Suns at Amway Center. Phoenix Suns won 105-100. Mandatory Credit: Reinhold Matay-USA TODAY Sports /
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The Orlando Magic have partnered with VenueNext to improve their fan experience through the mobile app.

Fans coming to the Amway Center this season will get a very different experience than ever before.

The Orlando Magic announced a partnership with VenueNext to transform the way fans interact with the Amway Center and the game. It certainly could be a big boost to making sure fans stay in their seats at halftime and are ready for the third quarter, a common complaint about Magic fans and concern for the stadium experience.

VenueNext has been added to the Magic’s mobile app and allows fans to, among other things, order food and drinks directly to their seats or for express pick-up at food stalls. The platform also will allow for mobile ticketing and access to the Magic’s loyalty reward program for season ticketholders.

The Orlando Magic's redesigned mobile app will allow fans to order food and have it delivered directly to their seats. Image courtesy of Orlando Magic.
The Orlando Magic’s redesigned mobile app will allow fans to order food and have it delivered directly to their seats. Image courtesy of Orlando Magic. /

Orlando Magic CEO Alex Martins explained the system to OrlandoMagic.com’s John Denton:

"“We’re really excited about it because it’s ground-breaking and it’s going to change the fan experience in a way that it hasn’t been changed in decades. It’s going to increase the convenience that fans have at our games and it’s going to give them a level of interactivity with us that isn’t available in any other NBA arena and won’t be available anywhere else this year.Basically through the Venue Next platform everybody is going to be able to use their mobile device as a remote control for the building. They are going to be able to order food and beverage from their seat. They are going to be able to order retail and they are going to be able to find their way around the building and we’re going to have the most enhanced way-finding system to help people get around the building. We’re going to have hundreds of beacons that will help people locate where they are and help them get to where they want to get.“So, for example, if I want to have a Cuban sandwich and there are only two stands in the building, it will tell me exactly where to go from where I am. We’re beefing up the wi-fi system almost 10-fold from where it was just a year ago. It’s really going to enhance the fan experience. It’s going to be a whole different experience for our fans.”"

Beefing up the wi-fi system should also excite fans.

Fans will notice the upgrades when they open the Orlando Magic app once they enter the Amway Center. There will be a lot more information available to fans.

“The Orlando Magic are one of the most innovative, forward-thinking and fan-focused in the NBA,” said VenueNext CEO & Founder John Paul in a press release. “We’re excited to collaborate with this team, not only to improve the fan experience, but also to bring new insights to the Magic about the fans attending the technology enhanced Amway Center.”

What the Magic are doing continues their desire to make Amway Center accessible to growing technology. They were the first team to accept Apple Pay at all kiosks and stores in the arena. This summer, the team redesigned OrlandoMagic.com to be more mobile friendly.

What could be next down the pipe? There are certainly lots of great fan-interactive technologies available for the Magic to consider installing and surely much of it could be coming

Next: Orlando Magic's familiarity easing transition to Scott Skiles