FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
December 7, 2006
ORLANDO ARENA TO BECOME AMWAY ARENA
Amway To Forge Multi-Year Marketing Alliance
with City of Orlando and Orlando Magic
Orlando, FL (December 7, 2006) – The Orlando arena, home to the Orlando Magic
(NBA), Orlando Predators (AFL), as well as other sporting and entertainment
events, will become Amway Arena. The re-naming reflects a multi-year alliance
formed by Amway, the City of Orlando and the Orlando Magic.
The agreement will go before the Orlando City Council on Monday, December 11,
2006, for approval. Amway will also have an exclusive future negotiation period
once the deal ends.
Amway, founded in 1959 by Magic owner Rich DeVos and his best friend, Jay Van
Andel, is one of the world's leading direct-selling companies. It is the largest
operating unit of parent company Alticor Inc. Amway operates in more than 50
countries around the world, bringing business opportunities to more than two
million people.
"We're excited to forge this partnership with the Magic and the City of
Orlando," said Alticor Chairman Steve Van Andel. "The NBA is one of the most
popular sports leagues in the world, and this partnership will build pride in
our business around the world."
Said Alticor president Doug DeVos: "We are delighted to have the chance to work
closely with the Magic and the City of Orlando. We're especially excited to have
the chance to align the charitable efforts of our One By One Campaign for
Children with some of the great things that the Magic are doing in the
community."
Besides Amway, Alticor is also the parent company of North American e-commerce
leader Quixtar Inc., business services provider Access Business Group, and a
number of other ventures.
Amway will receive exterior and interior building signage, and television,
radio, print and Internet promotion.
"We're pleased to generate additional revenue sources, continuing our commitment
to operate a self-sustaining arena," said Allen Johnson, City of Orlando
Centroplex Director. "With more than 150 events per year, we're confident the
Amway Arena will serve as a central venue for our region's sporting,
entertainment and cultural events."
This proposed, four-year naming rights agreement would generate an increased net
return to the City.
"We're looking forward to many memorable moments ahead in Amway Arena," said
Orlando Magic Chief Operating Officer Alex Martins. "Amway represents the
quality and excellence we strive for in bringing our product to our fans and
stakeholders. We are excited to bring Amway on board. This is a win-win-win
situation for the City of Orlando, Amway, and the Orlando Magic."
The Orlando Magic is committed to the community. Over the last 17 years, more
than $13 million has been distributed to local non-profit organizations via the
Orlando Magic Youth Foundation, a fund of the McCormick Tribune Foundation.
Annually, Orlando Magic community relations efforts impact 75,000 kids. Ticket
highlights for 2006-07 include: 9,752 seats priced $30 or under per game – the
most in franchise history, a new $20 ticket in the lower bowl, and 1,963 seats
priced at $10. For ticket information log on to orlandomagic.com or call
407-89-MAGIC. Through NBA CARES, the league, players and teams will raise and
contribute $100 million for charity, donate more than one million hours of
hands-on volunteer service to communities worldwide, and build more than 100
places where kids can learn and play over the next five years.
The arena, owned by the City of Orlando, opened in 1989 and is one of six
facilities owned and operated by the City of Orlando all under the name of "The
Orlando Centroplex." Originally called the Orlando Arena, the facility was named
TD Waterhouse Centre in February of 2000.
Media Contacts:
Amway: Rob Zeiger (616-787-7565, rob.zeiger@alticor.com)
City of Orlando: Brie Turek (407-246-3106, brie.turek@cityoforlando.net)
Orlando Magic: Joel Glass (407-916-2631, jglass@orlandomagic.com)
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