After six years of shooting hoops in Swan City, the Lakeland Magic is getting a new home court. The Orlando Magic is moving its NBA G League team 45 miles east to Kissimmee. The team’s new home court will be Silver Spurs Arena in Osceola Heritage Park, and instead of “Lakeland Magic,” its jerseys will be emblazoned with its new name: Osceola Magic.
The team will depart from Lakeland this June at the close of its contract with the RP Funding Center. Although the team celebrated milestones like winning the 2021 G League Championship during its Lakeland tenure, decreased attendance at RP Funding Center games is likely one of the reasons behind the move. According to RP Funding Manager Tony Camarillo, Magic games were drawing 500-700 spectators on average, down from 1,000 in 2019.
Other factors may have included a proposed higher rent for the team at RP Funding Center and traffic for team officials on I-4. In a statement to LkldNow, Mayor Bill Mutz wished the team well in their new city and attributed the move to Lakeland simply being too small to support the fan turnout desired by the team.
What’s next for the RP Funding Center?
Sports fans can still cheer for the Florida Tropics next season. Mayor Mutz and Tony Camarillo are expecting more revenue for the event center with the arena space freed up. Keep up with events coming to RP Funding Center — from sporting events to entertainment and conventions — online.
Superfans can still show support.
Just because the Magic won’t be in Swan City, doesn’t mean you can’t cheer for the team. Season tickets are now on sale. Did we mention the Magic’s new home stadium is just a 45-minute drive from Lakeland?
Merchandise for the memories
Lakeland’s time with the Magic may be coming to an end, but you can memorialize our city’s relationship with the NBA team by purchasing Lakeland Magic merchandise.
