This morning we headed back over to the Wide World of Sports to watch some quarter-final games and then went over to the Amway Center to get a tour of the Orlando Magic stadium. (Thank you Rochelle for setting this up for us!). Coach Terry went to the airport to pick up Gayle and would meet us at the stadium.
We were greeted at the entrance by Felix Bermudez - one of the security guards at the stadium. The funny thing was that he would be the one to take us on our tour and this would be his first tour - it kind of just landed in his lap. The stadium was built in 1989 and he kept telling us it is an "old" stadium. They actually just broke ground on the new stadium and it would be ready for the 2010/2011 season. It will be state of the art. The current stadium holds about 17,000 people and the new stadium will be about the same but will be modernized.
First he took us to look at the arena. Currently the basketball floor was not down due to an event that was just completed. The workers were breaking down the stage and it was interesting to watch. We then took the elevator up to the top level of the stadium to visit the inside of a luxury box. The boxes at this stadium are "sky boxes" meaning they are at the top level of the stadium so you are looking down at the game. The boys agreed that this is not the place they would prefer to watch a game - they'd rather be close to the action. The boxes are rented out yearly for about $100,000. The owners can decorate their box how they choose. But when an event is held, they have to use the catering service utilized by the stadium (boy, hope they are a good service!)
Next Felix took us to the lowest level of the stadium. We got to go on the floor - the boys enjoyed that and pretended they were being announced to the onlooking crowds. Even Coach Chris got into the moment and had some fun with it. We then proceeded to "see" the Orlando Magic's locker room. Okay - we only saw the door leading into the locker room - Felix told us it was off limits and we were not allowed to go in - Coach Mike tried to get him to let us in, but unfortunately was unsuccessful. We were fortunate to be taken into the visiting team's locker room. The boys got to sit where many of their favorite players have sat. Felix was a little embarrassed as he continued to say that it is an "old stadium" - but it didn't matter to the boys. They were a bit awestruck to imagine their idols sitting, standing, even showering where they were. Coach Terry, Gayle, Reece and Nile joined up with us while we were in the locker room - welcome Gayle! Glad you could make it down.
Next Felix took us to the media room. The boys had some fun here - pretending to do interviews with the press -same as the Orlando coach and players would do after a game. We weren't given a fluffly tour of the stadium, we were given a genuine tour by a seasoned security guard - this was a great experience for the parents and the boys, one I am sure we'll not soon forget.
We had to say goodbye to the Twins as they were heading back to NY tonight. We're sad to see you go.
We went back to the hotel to relax and swim for a little while. We then headed back (once again) to Wide World of Sports to watch one of the D1 Semi-Final games. Afterwards, we went over to Universal Studio's City Walk for a team dinner at NBA City. The boys loved this place. We got seated in the "skybox" section - looking over the rest of the restaurant and able to watch as they boys shot baskets in the arcade. Another nice dinner - ending with Eileen thanking Rochelle for all her hardwork, dedication and love that she put forth for the Kings.
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