JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – The NBA's Orlando Magic and New Orleans Pelicans will kick off their 2013-14 season with a preseason game on Oct. 9 in Jacksonville, Mayor Alvin Brown announced Tuesday at Veterans Memorial Arena.
An interactive fan venue will be located outside the arena on game day. The event will include a salute to members of the military and veterans community, which are an integral part of Jacksonville.
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"This is a great opportunity to shine the spotlight on Jacksonville and show the NBA the promise our city holds in the future," Brown said. "In addition to the game, we are proud to create this partnership with the NBA as we honor the brave men and women of the military who put themselves in harm's way to protect us and the freedoms we hold dear."
This event marks the third time the Magic have played in Jacksonville and the first since 2008. It will be the first game in Jacksonville for the newly named Pelicans, which will debut new uniforms.
"We are extremely excited to open the 2013 preseason in the city of Jacksonville," said Orlando Magic CEO Alex Martins. "It is always a pleasure to bring NBA basketball to fans in northeast Florida, and we look forward to seeing them all at Veterans Memorial Arena."
The event will provide a chance for the Jacksonville community to see up-and-coming stars on both teams, while combining the experience of NBA at the arena.
Tickets are on sale now at the arena ticket office, online at JaxEvents.com or through Ticketmaster. Seats start for as little as $15, with courtside seats available for $250 each. For more information on sponsorships or VIP opportunities, contact the city's sports and entertainment office at 904-630-3697.