Magic moment

Lakeland continues to move up the ranks in the sports world — first with the recent $48 million renovation of the Detroit Tigers spring training stadium and now the Orlando Magic's NBA Development League team has committed to play ball in the fall at The Lakeland Center.

The D-League team comes from Pennsylvania, the Erie BayHawks. Magic management wanted a closer geographical relationship with the team. “Our goal is for it to be a development opportunity for the players,” says newly appointed team President Shelly Wilkes. “There will be a lot of collaboration between the two teams.”

Wilkes, who has worked her way up the ranks from when she started with the Magic in 2004, will oversee the business side of the team. She intends to initiate the Magic's public relations and marketing strategies. “I plan to tap into those areas of the community that want a different entertainment experience,” says Wilkes, 36.

Wilkes says the Lakeland community is eagerly welcoming the team. “Lakeland is a great fit,” she says. “The city leaders, The Lakeland Center and everyone has been fantastic and rallied around the project.”