NewsSt. Pete Times Forum to Host NBA Preseason Matchup Between Orlando Magic and Miami HEAT
HEAT to debut star-studded lineup featuring LeBron James, Chris Bosh and Dwyane Wade
TAMPA BAY – Coming off of the National Basketball Association’s (NBA) biggest free agency period in recent memory, league superstars LeBron James and Chris Bosh have announced that they will join the Miami HEAT, along with recently re-signed shooting guard Dwyane Wade. The HEAT will battle the Orlando Magic in a preseason basketball game on Friday, October 22 at 7:30 p.m. at the St. Pete Times Forum. The in-state matchup is the first between the two teams this season. It marks both clubs’ third meeting at the St. Pete Times Forum to date.
The Miami HEAT clinched its 14th postseason berth in franchise history in 2010, including its sixth in the last seven seasons. It also marks Miami’s 12th postseason appearance over the last 15 years, tying Detroit for the most postseason berths over that span in the entire Eastern Conference. Additionally, only two other teams in the Eastern Conference, Indiana and Orlando, have even hit double-figures in postseason appearances, both with 10, over the past 15 years.
The Orlando Magic has won five division championships with the most recent coming in 2010. Previously, the Magic clinched the division crown four times prior, in 1995, 1996, 2008 and 2009. The team has posted six 50-plus win seasons and won Eastern Conference titles in 1995 and 2009. Led by the reigning NBA Defensive Player of the Year Dwight Howard, Orlando reached the Eastern Conference Finals for the second consecutive time in 2010.
The focal point of the Cleveland Cavaliers’ offense, James has led the team to consecutive playoff appearances from 2006 through 2010. In 2007, the Cavaliers advanced to the Eastern Conference Finals for the first time since 1992 and to the NBA Finals for the first time in franchise history. James has been a member of the USA national team, winning a bronze medal at the 2004 Olympics and gold at the 2008 Olympics. He was named the NBA Rookie of the Year in 2003–04, NBA Most Valuable Player in 2008–09 and 2009–10, and has been both All-NBA and an All-Star every season since 2005.
Dwyane Wade finished the 2009-10 season as the HEAT’s all-time franchise leader in many different categories. Having already held the franchise records for points (11,967), steals (862) and free throws made (3,353) coming into the 2009-10 season, Wade established himself as the franchise’s all-time leader in points, assists, steals, field goals made, free throws made, minutes and games started following the conclusion of the 2009-10 season.
Power Forward Chris Bosh emerged as one of the young stars in the NBA as a member of the Toronto Raptors. A five-time NBA All-Star, Bosh was also a member of the All-NBA team and U.S. Olympic team with whom he won a gold medal in 2008. During the 2006–07 season, Bosh led the Raptors to their first NBA Playoffs berth in five years and the team’s first division title in franchise history. He left Toronto as its all-time leader in points, rebounds, blocks, double- doubles, free throws made, free throws attempted and minutes played.
Tickets: Tickets for this event are on sale now at the St. Pete Times Forum Box Office and all Ticketmaster Outlets. To order tickets by phone, call Ticketmaster at . Tickets are priced at $10.00 (general admission), $15.00, $20.00, $35.00, $50.00, $175 Floor Seats (limited amount) and $250 Courtside Seats (limited amount). Discounted tickets are also available for groups of 10 or more by calling . A Channelside Club seat will be available for $35.00, and will include a Happy Hour featuring $2.00 draft beer and $3.00 well drinks, as well as light appetizers. Prices do not include facility fees or service charges. For dinner reservations at Medallions Restaurant on the day of the event please call . For more information please call or visit www.sptimesforum.com. Advanced parking passes are available at ticketmaster.com and the Box Office.
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UPCOMING EVENTS
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