A couple of things happen in Orlando during the fall; kids get excited for trick or treating, teenagers scare themselves silly at Universal Studios Halloween Horror Nights, and the air begins to get a bit crisper. But few things generate as much fall excitement as the opening night of the Orlando Magic’s new season. And this year, the anticipation of this week’s opening night game on October 29th is reaching a fever pitch. Why, you ask? As it happens, it’s the NBA team’s 20th anniversary, which means that this season is bound to be full of great events and surprises for the fans, not to mention big hopes for Orlando’s favorite team.

The Orlando Magic is Central Florida’s only NBA team and has had a host of basketball stars such as Shaquille O’Neal, Anfernee “Penny” Hardaway, Grant Hill, and Tracy McGrady. The team plays in the 17,000 seat Amway Arena located in the heart of downtown Orlando, where they have garnered a fierce following among Orlando residents and visitors. This week's Season Opener is taking place at 7 pm against the Atlanta Hawks, and fans just can’t wait to see all the action.

One thing to look for in the opener is the Magic’s new look. In honor of their 20th anniversary, they’ll be donning their new uniforms, which are a kickback to the original uniforms worn when the team began in 1989.

“We took the classic pinstripe approach from the first season and redesigned it with an evolved tapered pinstripe and worked it into the flowing cutlines of the new design," said Adidas apparel designer Jonathan Yuska.

The majority of the jersey is Magic blue with white pinstripes running from the bottom that widen as they pass the underarm and reach the shoulder. A black stripe also runs along each side of the jersey with a thin white trim. A 20th Anniversary patch is located on the right shoulder.

The pinstripe effect is sure to make the 6-foot tall players look imposing over their opponents in the upcoming 45 games. However, if that doesn’t intimidate them, there’s always the Magic’s incredible new players, including power forward Tony Battie who is returning from shoulder surgery, point guard Anthony Johnson from Sacramento, shooting guard and 2008 draft Courtney Lee, shooting guard Mickael Pietrus from Golden State, small forward Jeremy Richardson, a training-camp invitee, and powerhouse Dwight Howard.

Having had a great season in 2007, the Magic are facing a lot of expectations to do well this season. Last year, the Magic clinched the Southeast Division title, their third division title ever and their first since the Southeast Division was formed. They also saw a pinnacle moment when they won their 50th game against the Chicago Bulls (whom they hadn’t defeated since the 95-96 season) and finished their best season yet at 52-30. Then in the Eastern Conference, the Magic saw victory against the Toronto Rapters in their first round playoff series, but then fell to the Detroit Pistons in the second round, ending their playoff run in 2008.

The Magic is optimistic about their new season, though, and is looking for a flashy ring to go with their new uniforms, if you know what we mean. The team has made it clear that its goal this year is an NBA Championship – but it’s not going to be easy since they’re sure to face tough competition in the East Conference. Nevertheless, like the rest of Orlando, we have high hopes, and win or lose, it’s certain to be a nail-biter of a season. So make sure you don’t miss any of the action by getting your discount Orlando Magic tickets for the season early! You won’t have to jump through any hoops for them – just go to your #1 discount ticket resource, OrlandoFunTickets.com.

Labels: Orlando Events, orlando magic, sports in orlando