The City of Orlando is preparing to break ground on a new arena for the Orlando Magic, which will be built next to Church Street Station. The 20,000 seat Orlando Events Center is projected to open in 2010.
QuoteWith an ultimate capacity of more than 20,000 seats, the arena was designed to respond to its distinct urban setting while revealing the activities occurring within. Bounded by Church Street, Hughey Avenue, South Street and Division Avenue, the arena’s primary entrance faces north to Church Street, creating a natural extension of the nearby downtown entertainment core. The Church Street entry will feature a large public entry plaza connecting the arena’s spacious entry lobby.
http://www.nba.com/magic/orlandoeventscenter/design_unveiled.html (http://www.nba.com/magic/orlandoeventscenter/design_unveiled.html)
(http://www.nba.com/media/magic/oecNE-aerial-credit600.jpg)
(http://www.nba.com/media/magic/oecEast-aerial600.jpg)
(http://www.nba.com/media/magic/oecNorthwest-exterior600.jpg)
(http://www.nba.com/media/magic/oecNE-night-aerial600.jpg)
(http://www.nba.com/media/magic/oecNE-exterior600.jpg)
(http://www.nba.com/media/magic/oecseating-bowl-arena-bb600.jpg)
By the way, this arena will be located two blocks from the Church Street commuter rail station.
It looks real nice. I know that The Magic is very happy of that :D. But what will it become of the Amway Center when this new arena gets done?
I does look nice. Good for Orlando and good for the Magic.
As for the O-rena. I assume they will tear it down.
Very cool looking. Also very modern looking, I imagine in about 10-15 years that style will be severly outdated.
Why don't they build it in the middle of nowhere? Seems a little strange to cram it right in the middle of a bunch of activity that will force people to walk close to eachother and risk the potential for bumping shoulders. I would much rather feel secure that my personal space will not be intruded upon while at our Arena. Plus after the show/game I can high tail it to my car and race out of town back to the burbs.
Sorry to be a cynic. I can only hope that infill around the Jax Arena will eventually help it to become half of the entertainment hub that Orlando's new arena will be. However, one great thing we have going for us is an adjacent ballpark and NFL stadium, ample parking, and plenty of room for more development. It can only get better!