ORLANDO, Fla. – On the heels of the Orlando Magic’s game three play-off win, former players Bo Outlaw and Nick Anderson hosted a Magic Youth Basketball Academy at the Boys and Girls Club in Parramore.
“It’s possible because they come from a community like this. I came from a community like this, it’s possible. But you have to work to make that possible,” Outlaw said. “We are the community. Our team is in the community. If you go back in the history, our gym was across the street from here.”
Spreading the Magic, the team surprised 23 children with tickets to Saturday’s NBA playoff game at the Kia Center.
With thousands of people expected to enter the Kia Center this weekend, that also means an increase in the amount of people walking along Church Street. In recent years, several businesses such as Cerviche and Harry Buffalo’s have closed.
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Church Street in 2024 is much different from Church Street from decades ago.
When Disney World constructed Downtown Disney, a spokesperson for the mouse quickly shot down rumors they were attempting to compete with Church Street Station.
In the 1970s, the downtown Orlando location was constructed into an entertainment district and became very popular.
“It’s really nice downtown. More people should come visit,” said resident Michelle Heister. “I think church street needs a lot more business. I mean, we come down here for the art space, see shows.”
Several new businesses have also opened recently on Church Street, giving many optimism for the future.
Game 4 of the NBA playoffs kicks off Saturday at 1 p.m.
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