LAKELAND — There were cheerleaders and politicians and even a pep band and drill team that literally beat their drums in celebration of this city's newest professional sports team.
Orlando Magic founder Pat Williams was there on Wednesday just like he was three decades ago — promoting, publicizing and pumping up the crowd. He even wore a T-shirt like he did back in the day that said on the front, "We're On The Way To The NBA." And then he turned around and showed the cheering crowd the back of the shirt, which said: "5,000 Season Tickets Or Bust!