ORLANDO – The Orlando Magic have inducted Senior Chairman Rich DeVos into its Hall of Fame today.
DeVos will also be honored when Orlando hosts Brooklyn tonight at Amway Center. Tickets to the game are available through OrlandoMagic.com or by calling 1-800-4-NBATIX. Game time is 7 p.m.
The DeVos family purchased the Orlando Magic in September of 1991. At that time, family head Rich DeVos stated that the DeVos family is simply the team's current caretaker, making it clear that the real owners of the NBA franchise would continue to be the Central Florida community and the loyal Magic fans. Since purchasing the team, the franchise has won five division championships (Atlantic Division: 1994-95, 1995-96; Southeast Division: 2007-08, 2008-09, 2009-10), two Eastern Conference titles (1994-95, 2008-09) and had seven 50-win seasons, including a franchise-record 60 victories in 1995-96. The Magic have advanced to the playoffs 14 times during that span, while finishing with a .500 record or better in 16 of the last 23 seasons.
“When we purchased the team 25 years ago our goal was to not only to be the best team we could be, but to also use the team as a platform to better the community, especially being able to reach the young people through the power of this great game,” said Rich DeVos. “This journey has certainly been a family affair and I’m touched to have been elected into the Magic Hall of Fame.”
The Magic unveiled its inaugural Hall of Fame class on April 9, 2014 naming the first two inductees, Magic co-founder and Senior Vice President Pat Williams and the team’s first-ever draft pick and current Community Ambassador Nick Anderson. Last season, Shaquille O’Neal became the third member of the Magic Hall of Fame.
“Mr. DeVos is the best owner that a fan could ever want for their team and we are honored to celebrate his induction into the Magic Hall of Fame,” said Orlando Magic CEO Alex Martins. “Mr. DeVos’ vision, leadership, and enthusiasm for the organization, team and our community is unparalleled.”
The Orlando Magic Hall of Fame honors and celebrates the great players, coaches and executives who have had a major impact during the team’s illustrious history. It bridges the past with the future of Magic basketball, and the design provides Magic fans an opportunity to enjoy the exhibits on game nights at the Amway Center. The exhibit is located in the Amway Center on the Terrace Level near Nutrilite Magic Fan Experience. The inductees are determined based on their overall on and off the court contributions to the team and organization, years of service, impact in the community and general character of the individual.