Scott Powers
Still fresh of hosting the 2012 NBA All Star Game and its weekend of festivities, Orlando is preparing to bid to host the 2020 game as well.
Orlando Magic Chief Executive Officer Alex Martins on Tuesday outlined the franchises plans for the bid for the Orange County Commission, seeking the county’s support.
“As you know, we had great success in hosting this event in 1992 and in 2012,” Martins said.
The NBA has put out a request for bids, due April 24, for both the 2020 and 2021 festivities. Orlando will only be bidding for 2020 because in 2021 there would be a conflict with the huge Homebuilders Association convention, which would fill much of the convention center and many hotels.
Martins outlined plans that would include the Amway Center, the convention center and new facilities at the Walt Disney World Wide World of Sport. Martins estimated the event would require 24,000 hotel room nights and over 6,500 hotel rooms overall.
The 2020 NBA All Star Weekend takes place Feb 14-16, 2020.
There will be plenty of competition for the bid. Martins said he expects a record 15 NBA franchise cities to bid for it. Only three bid on the 2012 NBA All Star Weekend, which Orlando hosted.
