The Fan Voice: "New Jersey Unveiling - Recap"By Live or Die Magic | September 23rd, 2008
I was one of many Magic fans in attendance today at the Cheyenne Saloon on Church Street for the unveiling of the Orlando Magic’s new home and away jerseys. Amid quite a bit of fanfare (literally), Dwight Howard stepped out from behind a curtain on the Cheyenne Saloon stage and hammed it up for several seconds before finally peeling off his practice warmups to reveal a blue, pinstriped jersey with bold, dark blue vertical bars on the sides. The pinstripes begin vertically from the base of the jersey and then angle towards the shoulders and arms as they move up the jersey, creating a fanning effect, if you will. The neck of the jersey retains the curved “V” neck from the most recent incarnation.
While I don’t think anything will ever compare to the original black pinstripe jerseys of the inaugural team (call me sentimental), I definitely think that these new jerseys are the 2nd best we’ve had so far. From the reaction of the fans in attendance today, I would have to say the jersey unveiling was a success and that fans are pleased with the design.
As previously announced by the team, Magic community ambassadors Nick Anderson and Bo Outlaw were onhand. They worked the crowd before the unveiling, speaking with fans, signing autographs, and posing for photos. Later, they modeled the versions of Magic jerseys from days long past. Nick modeled the original black pinstripes; while Bo modeled the “dazzle” design from the late ‘90s. Apparently, Bo is the only player to have worn all three previous versions of Magic jersey. Rashard Lewis was onhand to model the “stay dry” jersey we have seen the Magic wear during the previous five seasons.
Prior to the unveiling, the four players were gathered behind a curtain on the stage. Suddenly, a deep, booming voice seemingly coming from nowhere and yet everywhere began telling everyone in attendance to be quiet and also asked for the music to be turned down. At first, the general reaction of the crowd was one of confusion and uncertainty. But as the voice continued on, it became clear that it was our resident all-world center-slash-jokester Dwight Howard doing voice impressions. Soon, we were treated to California Governor "Ahnuld" imploring us to “get down!” and then Michael Jackson invited us to play with his pet monkey at the Neverland ranch.
When it was time for the unveiling, the Magic’s emcee “Scotty B” did the honors of introducing each player and then asking each of them questions about their time with the Magic. When he got to Rashard, Scotty asked what the expectations were for next season. Several fans standing near me begin yelling “to win, to win!” Rashard took it a step further, claiming that the expectation was to win a championship.
Dwight Howard talked about his time with the US Men’s National Team and winning the gold medal “for Orlando.” He then went on to say that the next step was winning a different kind of gold! He asked the fans to continue to stay behind the team because “a new jersey doesn’t win a championship!” and “it will take all of us to do it.” The whole time Dwight Howard spoke, he had the whole crowd in his hand. The many staffers stopped what they were doing to listen to him. His eyes were wide and had a hint of mischief, his smile was constant, and his energy was infectious. I took a moment to look over at Bob Vander Wiede, who was sitting just a few feet off stage, and he was beaming the whole time Dwight was working the crowd. Surely Bob knows what a rare treasure he has in Dwight Howard.
Next, Scotty B brought Orlando Mayor Buddy Dyer on stage. First, the team presented Dyer with a white home jersey. But Dyer has something of his own to give. After reading off a prepared and very official sounding decree, he presented Dwight Howard with a key to the city of Orlando and also announced that today, September 23rd, 2008, is “Dwight Howard Day.” Dwight responded with exaggerated shock but was nonetheless extremely pleased at the gesture and couldn’t stop staring at the key. I’m not sure he knew what to do with it. He had to be prompted to show it to the crowd. It was refreshing to see a person, who at so young an age, has everything he could desire, still be caught off guard.
The last thing was the jersey drawing. It turns out that the fan that won the new jersey was standing directly in front of me. He freaked out when his name was called and bounded up on the stage and shook hands or slapped five with everyone on stage – Nick, Bo, Rashard, Buddy, Dwight, Scotty B, and unnamed Magic dancer, and even Stuff. Oh, and then the excited fan proceeded to push Stuff off the stage!
The whole thing lasted less that 20 minutes but it was worthwhile. The venue seemed cramped with the amount of people in attendance (I’d guess between 200 and 250 people), but everyone seemed to have a good vantage point. The media contingent was on the smaller side (compared to the games). I saw and spoke with John Denton (Florida Today), Jarrod Rudolph (previously of Hoopsworld but now RealGM), and Kyle Hightower (Orlando Sentinel). Several of the local news crews were there as well.
There were plenty of Magic employees onhand, including all the execs – Bob Vander Weide, Alex Martins, Pat Williams, and Joel Glass. I got to greet George Galante, but I did not see Dante. Noticeably missing was Coach Stan Van Gundy and GM Otis Smith. I’m assuming they are both back at RDV getting ready for training camp next week.
The Cheyenne Saloon staff was extremely attentive to the fans in attendance. There was plenty of bottled water and soda on hand and the free food consisted of deli wraps, veggies and dip, salad, and cookies. Two Magic dancers were signing autographs and posing for photos, and the Magic had set up several tables selling merchandise and of course, the new jerseys! I was even able to get my parking validated on my way out.
All-in-all, I’d say that attending the Magic’s jersey unveiling party was one of the best uses of my lunch hour in quite some time!
I did take some photos, as you can see below. But I have to warn you, they aren’t great! I was using a co-worker’s camera and the lighting in the place was not conducive to still photography. But these still serve to give you an idea of the atmosphere of the event. Enjoy!
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"My life will go on, this much I know. Cars and games will come and go. But never once will I forgetta, the way we danced, dear Dick Bavetta." -
from "I Left My Heart In Dick Bavetta"
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