Downtown Orlando’s state-of-the-art Amway Center, a facility developed by the Orlando Magic which opened last year as part of a strategic partnership between government and business, received an Excellence in Economic Development Award from the International Economic Development Council (IEDC) and a Merit Award from the International Downtown Association (IDA).

“We are honored and humbled with this achievement,” said Orlando Magic President Alex Martins. “The facility was designed and is operated with the patron in mind first. The Amway Center is a true testament to what can be achieved with great partnerships and teamwork.”

“A unique spirit of public-private cooperation set the stage for unprecedented development in Downtown Orlando, and Amway Center is only the beginning,” said Orlando Mayor Buddy Dyer. “We are grateful to the Orlando Magic for helping to bring Amway Center to fruition and for helping to revitalize a key area of Downtown Orlando. We are honored to be recognized for our collaborative efforts.”

The IEDC’s Excellence in Economic Development Awards Program annually recognizes the world’s best economic-development programs and partnerships, marketing materials and the year’s most influential leaders. The program honors organizations and individuals in 28 categories for their efforts in creating positive change in urban, suburban and rural communities. Amway Center was honored Sept. 20 in the public-private partnership category.
Opened in the fall of 2010, the Amway Center was designed to reflect the character of the community, meet the goals of the users and build on the legacy of sports and entertainment in Orlando.

The building’s exterior features a modern blend of glass and metal materials, along with ever-changing graphics via a monumental wall along one façade. A 180-foot tall tower serves as a beacon amid the downtown skyline.

The building features a sustainable, environmentally-friendly design and unmatched technology, featuring 1,100 digital monitors, the tallest high-definition video board in an NBA venue and multiple premium amenities available to all patrons in the building.

Every level of ticket buyer has access to: the Budweiser Baseline Bar and food court, Gentleman Jack Terrace, Jernigan's, Nutrilite Magic Fan Experience and Orlando on Demand, STUFF's Magic Castle kid's zone presented by CLUB WYNDHAM® and multiple indoor-outdoor spaces which celebrate Florida’s climate.

The IDA recognizes projects and developments in North America, Europe, Asia and Africa that show excellence in developing programs that recruit new businesses and sectors, improve retention efforts and/or create or enhance economic development efforts. Amway Center was honored Sept. 24 for economic and business development.

“The opening of Amway Center has stimulated economic development throughout Downtown, especially in the Church Street area,” said Thomas Chatmon, Executive Director of the Downtown Development Board (DDB). “We have seen a number of businesses open shop, and I think a lot of visitors are experiencing a new beat to the pulse of Downtown. Amway Center truly is a gem, and it’s only fitting that it is recognized for the positive impact it is having on the area.”

Amway Center recently received an Award of Merit from Orlando’s American Institute of Architects (AIA) and six Golden Brick Awards from the Downtown Orlando Partnership. The Amway Center has also been named a finalist for Facility of the Year by the Sports Business Journal and ESPN’s ninth annual Ultimate Sports Standings ranked the Amway’s stadium experience as the best in the NBA.