Magic Johnson coming to speak at Arlington Theatre

Magic Johnson - Santa Barbara

Magic Johnson is making a speaking appearance in Santa Barbara on October 24.

Magic Johnson — the incredibly popular five-time NBA champion, entrepreneur and community leader — will be making a Santa Barbara appearance on Friday, October 24 at the Arlington Theatre as part of the recently announced UCSB Arts & Lectures 2014-15 season.

The former Los Angeles Laker and current part-owner of the Los Angeles Dodgers has enjoyed a legendary basketball career followed by a remarkably successful business career. He also changed the way many in America viewed AIDS in the early 1990s when the star athlete announced he had contracted the HIV virus. Since then, he has become a leading spokesperson on HIV education.

His speech, dubbed “The Magic of Winning,” will touch on themes of leadership, teamwork, philanthropy, adversity, and competition.  Magic will revisit his life story with a passionate message about how we can all make a difference.

“Magic Johnson changed America forever… In an age of diminishing activism in sports, Magic has had indelible power.” —Time magazine

Johnson is a hot ticket on the national speaking circuit. Just in the last week he led a discussion with former President Bill Clinton at the HealthCloud Summit in New York City.

The 2014-15 Arts & Lectures season includes 62 events, starting on October 2 with an opening night celebration featuring legendary singer Tony Bennett at the Granada Theatre.

Tickets to see Magic Johnson go on sale to the general public on August 9, however, those who purchase Arts & Lectures ticket packages currently available can purchase tickets to see Magic in an exclusive presale. Find more ticket information HERE