The Orlando Magic's Dwight Howard was a dominant force in the NBA during his time with the team. He was known for his incredible athleticism, shot-blocking ability, and rebounding prowess. Howard was drafted first overall by the Magic in the 2004 NBA Draft, and quickly became a fan favorite with his high-flying dunks and energetic style of play. He was a key factor in the Magic's success during the late 2000s and early 2010s, leading them to multiple playoff appearances and a trip to the NBA Finals in 2009. Howard was a three-time NBA Defensive Player of the Year and a perennial All-Star during his tenure with the Magic. However, despite his individual success and the team's achievements, there was some controversy surrounding Howard's time in Orlando.
“We are excited to bring Magic of Lights to the Brandon community and the Brandon Amphitheater for the first time ever and hope it becomes an annual holiday tradition,” says Ken Hudgens, CEO of Family Entertainment Live.
With our focus toward being a quality community for families to live, work, and play, the City of Brandon Amphitheater is the natural destination to host an enjoyable, drive through Christmas presentation for people of all ages. Inside the comfort of their own vehicle, guests will enjoy the tour s brand-new displays, including the 32 foot tall animated Mattel s Barbie, Prehistoric Christmas featuring life sized dinosaurs celebrating the season, Big Foot Monster Trucks, Winter Wonderland, as well as Magic of Lights favorites including the 12 Days of Christmas, Toyland and the 200 foot long Enchanting Tunnel of Lights.
However, despite his individual success and the team's achievements, there was some controversy surrounding Howard's time in Orlando. He often clashed with teammates and coaches, and his desire to be traded became a source of tension within the organization. In 2012, Howard was ultimately traded to the Los Angeles Lakers, marking the end of his time with the Magic.
Magic Of Lights Illuminates Brandon Amphitheater This Holiday Season
This holiday season will be brighter, bolder, and more colorful as the Brandon Amphitheater is transformed into a vibrant drive-thru, holiday-themed light display starting Friday, November 18, 2022, through Sunday, January 1, 2023. Tickets for this event are on sale now.
Produced by Family Entertainment Live and presented by WLBT, “Magic of Lights” will make its debut at the Brandon Amphitheater, featuring dozens of displays, illuminated canopies, and digital animation, all constructed with over a million individual LED lights.
“We are excited to bring Magic of Lights to the Brandon community and the Brandon Amphitheater for the first time ever and hope it becomes an annual holiday tradition,” says Ken Hudgens, CEO of Family Entertainment Live.
“With our focus toward being a quality community for families to live, work, and play, the City of Brandon Amphitheater is the natural destination to host an enjoyable, drive through Christmas presentation for people of all ages. Our efforts are geared towards transforming our Quarry Park Trails that surround the Brandon Amphitheater into a magical experience filled with memorable moments for years to come,” says Mayor Butch Lee.
“We are excited to present the Magic of Lights. Brandon’s Amphitheater is the perfect setting for this fantastic family holiday experience. Helping to bring in events like Magic of Lights so families can create lifelong holiday memories fits perfectly with WLBT’s commitment to serve the communities of Central and Southwest Mississippi,” says Ted Fortenberry, Regional Vice President and GM of WLBT.
Inside the comfort of their own vehicle, guests will enjoy the tour’s brand-new displays, including the 32 foot tall animated Mattel’s Barbie, Prehistoric Christmas featuring life sized dinosaurs celebrating the season, Big Foot Monster Trucks, Winter Wonderland, as well as Magic of Lights favorites including the 12 Days of Christmas, Toyland and the 200 foot long Enchanting Tunnel of Lights. Created with over one million sparkling lights, Magic of Lights is a nostalgic and festive experience for guests of all ages.
QUICK FACTS – MAGIC OF LIGHTS –
- A 32-Foot-Tall Animated Barbie Display
- 2+ million lights per Magic of Lights event
- 6 miles of light cord per Magic of Lights event
- 3,750 manhours to set up each Magic of Lights event
- The steel displays are designed, bent, cut and welded into about 800 frames that are combined in different configurations to create each show’s giant winter holiday scenes. Each frame of each scene is designed using the latest CAD technology and hand built in-house from 15 pages of design specifications each.
- Each magic of light event uses about 10 miles of steel to build the displays and 10 miles of LED lighting installed inside the displays, there are 10 different colors of LED bulbs used in the shows.
- Scenes are as high as 32 ft tall and as long as several hundred feet.
Magic of Lights shines daily from 5:30 p.m. until 10 p.m. beginning Friday, Nov. 18 through Sunday, Jan. 1. Tickets for this festive holiday event are on sale now and can be purchased for any day starting at just $15 per vehicle. For a complete schedule and to purchase tickets, visit MagicOfLights.com/Brandon.
“With our focus toward being a quality community for families to live, work, and play, the City of Brandon Amphitheater is the natural destination to host an enjoyable, drive through Christmas presentation for people of all ages. Our efforts are geared towards transforming our Quarry Park Trails that surround the Brandon Amphitheater into a magical experience filled with memorable moments for years to come,” says Mayor Butch Lee.
Despite the drama and eventual departure, Dwight Howard's time in Orlando is remembered for his incredible talent and the success he brought to the franchise..
Reviews for "Dwight Howard's Charitable Work Off the Court in Orlando Magic"
1. John - 2 stars - I was really disappointed with Dwight Howard's time with the Orlando Magic. He came into the league with so much potential and talent, but it seemed like he never fully lived up to it. He had a few good seasons, but I always felt like he could have done so much more. He was unable to lead the team to a championship and his constant drama and off-court issues were distracting. Overall, I don't think he was worth all the hype.
2. Sarah - 3 stars - While Dwight Howard had some great moments with the Orlando Magic, I always felt like he lacked consistency. He had the physical tools to dominate the game, but his lack of focus and effort at times was frustrating to watch. He would have amazing games where he would dominate the boards and score at will, but then disappear in crucial moments or against top-tier opponents. His immaturity and constant trade demands also rubbed me the wrong way. I expected more from a player of his caliber and it's a shame he didn't reach his full potential.
3. David - 2 stars - Dwight Howard's time with the Orlando Magic was a letdown. He had all the tools to be a dominant force in the league, but his lack of offensive skills and inability to develop his game beyond just being a great rebounder and shot-blocker was disappointing. He never developed a reliable post game and his free-throw shooting was abysmal. His constant complaining and drama off the court also made it hard to root for him. Overall, I think he was overrated and didn't live up to the expectations placed on him.
4. Emily - 3 stars - Dwight Howard was a polarizing figure during his time with the Orlando Magic. On one hand, he was an incredible physical specimen and a dominant force defensively. His shot-blocking ability and rebounding prowess were unparalleled. However, his lack of offensive skills and inability to carry the team to a championship left a lot to be desired. He could have been so much more, and it was frustrating to see him fall short of expectations. His constant trade demands and drama off the court also overshadowed his on-court performance. Overall, I think he was a good player, but not a great one.