Finally, up close

[I love my PTSD. 92]

After 22 years with Magic season tickets, we will finally will get to sit courtside for the Atlanta game. They just called me and asked me if I wanted the seats. We will be in the third row, on the floor, facing the Magic Bench, right at the top of the key. We might even get lucky and be stomped by Big Baby. I remember my first game ever in the O-rena about 3 rows from the top in the upper deck. Maybe this will balance that one out.

 

Enough gloating. I hope they don't decide to tank in the Atlanta game.

[Optimist Prime 197]

After 22 years with Magic season tickets, we will finally will get to sit courtside for the Atlanta game. They just called me and asked me if I wanted the seats. We will be in the third row, on the floor, facing the Magic Bench, right at the top of the key. We might even get lucky and be stomped by Big Baby. I remember my first game ever in the O-rena about 3 rows from the top in the upper deck. Maybe this will balance that one out.

 

Enough gloating. I hope they don't decide to tank in the Atlanta game.

 

That sounds awesome. I hope it's a good game for you.

[KandiKane 136]

Enjoy the game and those tickets! I am jealous, still trying to find my way to the US for a game.... hopefully within the next two years.

[NittanyBuc 757]

Went courtside for one game, Atlanta as well, a few years back when we had Vince Carter and Matt Barnes. We were 2nd row on the floor looking at the Magic bench. Got to talk to a couple players during pre game and gave Pietrus a dap.

 

It's pretty cool, definitely get to view the game from a different perspective when you hear them yapping at each other. I specifically remember Vince Carter and Mike Bibby talking trash to each other throughout the game. It's just cool to hear all the conversing on the court and being able to listen to the coaches, officials, etc. You're in for a treat.

[Mauro Pedrosa 1,031]

Went courtside for one game, Atlanta as well, a few years back when we had Vince Carter and Matt Barnes. We were 2nd row on the floor looking at the Magic bench. Got to talk to a couple players during pre game and gave Pietrus a dap.

 

It's pretty cool, definitely get to view the game from a different perspective when you hear them yapping at each other. I specifically remember Vince Carter and Mike Bibby talking trash to each other throughout the game. It's just cool to hear all the conversing on the court and being able to listen to the coaches, officials, etc. You're in for a treat.

I'm jelly

[I love my PTSD. 92]

What a blast. Once the Magic saw our tickets we got an escort (Hot woman) through the Mercedes Lounge where we ate, and then to our seats (hotter woman). It was exactly like I thought it would be. We could see everything perfectly.

 

The pregame ceremonys are really good from the floor. The loud speakers are much better, and you can here the live stuff like drummers so much better. My favorite was the Magic Dancers. You can see how hard they are working to get their routine right, and they REALLY look good doing it up close.

 

And the halftime electric spinning wheelchair soccer game was awesome. Paralized drivers were actually playing soccer with a huge ball, controlling their wheelchairs with hand controls, and spinning the wheelchair to hit the ball. It was so good to see the players faces as they participated in the biggest event of their entire lives in front of an appreciative crowd. .

 

It is so different from the side,and when we were seated we actually looked up to see the ball. You could see the rough housing on the court. It looked like the refs could have called fouls on every single play.

 

The fact that we got behind something like 16 -2 was a little worrysome, but it was fun when we made our runs. The rookies made rookie mistakes, and really seemed nervous when they had the ball. That is part of their learning, but it is sure ugly to watch. I believe it is very much a confidence thing. They seem to be worried about getting their shots blocked, and being tentative, thus allowing it to happen or forcing up a weak shot.

 

The awfulness of Big Baby's game last night could really be appreciated from the ground.

 

I think teams are starting to understand that they can stop the Magic by stopping JJ. He had someone in his pocket all night, and only had a couple of good looks. You really do see things differently in the good seats.

 

Back to the fun stuff. Everything was free except for mixed drinks. That was fantastic food, desserts, beer, wine, and sodas. There were hot chicks all around me, including, of course, my wife. In the second half I got more comfortable with yelling at the refs and taunting the Hawks. I yelled just as much as I do from my normal seats. But they could hear me down there.

 

After a furious rally we lost. But the fun continued for us. We got caught in the traffic jam on court while Kyle Korver was giving his post game. Then when we got home we watched the game on TV, and there we were, in almost every shot. We were at the bottom of the screen near where they show the score. We recorded the game, so we have a nice memory of the night.

 

If you ever get the chance, do it. I will never forget it.

[Mauro Pedrosa 1,031]

Congrats bro, you deserved it

[Zara 74]

Gongrats mate. And 22 years with season tickets? :cheers:

 

We need more reads like this in here, "the official site of the Orlando Magic".

 

Keep it up!

[Audi 60]

Very cool, man. I know the feeling - though I sat courtside...like...on the court behind the rotating advertisement walls back at the O'rena in the late-ish 90's. I remember how massive everyone was - even Darryl Armstrong - and then hearing a steady stream of expletives all game long from the court.

 

The dude sitting to my left - my friend. To his left, Paul Porter

The dude sitting to my right - Joey Fatone

 

Now, true - you might think sitting next to a guy from N'Sync might not be so cool. But I was around 13 at the time and what I remember most about him was how damn cool he was. When the steady stream of teen girls came up to him during timeouts (some during the game too, which he said he hated), screaming and gushing for an autograph, he told them that I was famous and with the band too. They would all promptly turn to me and beg for my autograph. He just sat and laughed at it all. I thought I was King Sh-t. It was certainly a night to remember. I vaguely recall him jokingly ordering me a beer from the hostess as well.

 

Of course, now I just want floor seats to carefully watch every facet the game from that perspective whilst drinking heavily.