RealGM

The Orlando Magic want a D-League affiliate in Florida in the next few years.
From the Orlando Sentinel: http://www.orlandosentinel.com/sports/o ... ull.column

Options?
City - Arena - Capacity
Tampa - USF Sun Dome - 10,411
Jacksonville - UNF Arena - 5,800
Sarasota - Robarts Arena - 4,000
Fort Myers - Alico Arena - 4,500
Estero - Germain Arena - 8,284 (home of the Florida Flame 2004-06)
Lakeland - Lakeland Center - 8,178
Melbourne - Clemente Center - 3,500
Pensacola - Pensa cola Civic Center - 12,000
Tallahassee - Tucker Center - 12,100
Gainesville - O'Connor Center - 11,548
Kissimmee - Kissimmee Civic Center - 3,100
Daytona Beach - Moore Gymnasium - 3,000
Deland - Edmunds Center - 5,000

There is also the Ocean Center in Daytona. Capacity of 8020

Daytona would be a great spot, still close to Orlando. Daytona has a popular minor league baseball team already (Cubs) so this would be a nice location. Call themselves the Daytona Waves or something. Maybe, Hurricanes, Breakers, or Squirrels.

Though I'm in Miami, I'd be all for it. I find it strange that Miami's D-League affiliate is all the way in Sioux Falls. I think both Miami and Orlando should have an affiliate nearby, with Miami having theirs either in Broward or Palm Beach County, and Orlando having theirs perhaps in Tampa or Osceola County.

If Orlando will get team in the D-League it will be very help them. They need to send some players to development. Good Luck.

Sorry for the bump, but have some new info.

The candidates have been narrowed down to four options:
- Jacksonville
- Lake Buena Vista (Disney Wide World of Sports)
- Tampa
- Lakeland

They have until the end of March to make their pitches. Obviously Disney probably has the most resources. Jacksonville has the most basketball experience; our ABA team has won two championships and draws decent crowds considering it being an ABA team. Tampa has the population to support it. Can't think of anything nice to say about Lakeland.