Orlando Magic Daily
Fansided

5 reasons the Orlando Magic should move D-League to Kissimmee

By Philip Rossman-Reich

Apr 9, 2014; Orlando, FL, USA; Orlando Magic mascot, Stuff, holds a big flag against the Brooklyn Nets during the second half at Amway Center. Orlando Magic defeated the Brooklyn Nets 115-111. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 9, 2014; Orlando, FL, USA; Orlando Magic mascot, Stuff, holds a big flag against the Brooklyn Nets during the second half at Amway Center. Orlando Magic defeated the Brooklyn Nets 115-111. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
3 of 6
Next

Open Venue

The Orlando Magic are thinking only secondarily about profit when it comes to their D-League team. They would probably like the team to sell, but that is not the primary goal. They see the team as an investment and a way to work with young talent.

What they probably want to see is a scenario where they could have Stephen Zimmerman practice with the team, send him for a quick game with the D-League team on a Saturday and then recall him for a home game on a Sunday. That is the dream, so to speak.

As much as the team can make its schedule and give the team every chance to be successful financially, Silver Spurs Arena is virtually a blank slate. The Magic can request home games during their home stands to allow this very situation.

There are no current permanent tenants competing for weekend spots at Silver Spurs Arena or dates at the arena. The only big yearly event is the Silver Spurs Rodeo.

There is not a lot going on at the 8,000-seat stadium (comparable to the Lakeland Center) throughout the year.

There may be good reason. Several teams have folded playing in that arena. The Florida Seals hockey team was the most notable, folding in the middle of their second season in 2007. That was an issue with the facility and laying down the ice as much as it was with the attendance. Two other indoor football league teams played single seasons in Silver Spurs.

None of those teams have the financial backing the Magic’s D-League team will have. The Magic are not going to put all this time and effort to building a D-League team and let it fold. And attendance is not the primary goal for this group.

They should have (virtually) the run of the building to give it every chance to succeed financially.

Next: Building Magic ties