Local leaders have agreed on a $1.04-billion aggregate development plan that will give the Orlando Magic a $480-million, 35,000-seat, 700,000-sf new arena; a $175-million facelift for the 70-year-old Citrus Bowl; and a new $389-million performing arts center. The deal was struck Sept. 29.

"Downtown Orlando is undergoing a renaissance that few cities in the entire country have experienced," Orlando Mayor Buddy Dyer told a crowd awaiting the development announcement at City Hall. Orange County Mayor Rich Crotty said the three projects will make Downtown "a world class urban center." Magic president Bob Vander Weide said principals at all three projects "have made concessions to get here today."

Some in the crowd, however, remained skeptical. "I'd like to have seen a larger commitment [from the Magic]," said city commissioner Patty Sheehan. Fellow commissioner Phil Diamond said he would be "looking closely" at the deal. Doug Head, leader of the CountyWatch activist group, said he hoped the Magic would put more money on the table.