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Orlando to host 2012 NBA All-Star game

Orlando will host the 2012 National Basketball Association All-Star game, the league said yesterday. It will be the first time the Florida city has hosted the event in 20 years.

Orlando has only hosted the mid-season event once, in 1992, the game which saw Magic Johnson return to the sport following his retirement in November 1991 after contracting HIV.

Dallas hosted this year's showcase and next year's game is scheduled for Los Angeles. The 2012 game will be staged at the Magic’s new arena, set to open later this year.

"We are excited the NBA is bringing one of its signature events to our community and believe it will be among many legendary moments we are able to attract to this first-class facility," Orlando Magic president Bob Vander Weide said.