ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex at Walt Disney World (formerly known as Disney’s Wide World of Sports Complex) is a massive sports facility that hosts a wide range of athletic events and competitions. Opened in 1997, the complex is part of the larger Walt Disney World Resort in Florida and is renowned for its world-class amenities and ability to host everything from youth sports tournaments to professional events. Here’s an overview:
Overview of the Complex
- Location: Near Disney’s Hollywood Studios and the Pop Century and Art of Animation Resorts within the Walt Disney World Resort.
- Size: Spanning over 220 acres, the complex includes multiple state-of-the-art venues for various sports.
- Partnership with ESPN: In 2010, Disney rebranded the complex as the ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex, enhancing the facility with additional ESPN-branded elements, including live event coverage and broadcasts.
Key Venues
- Champion Stadium
- Capacity: 9,500 seats.
- Primary Use: Baseball and softball. It was the spring training home of the Atlanta Braves from 1997 to 2019. It also hosts youth baseball tournaments and professional baseball events.
- HP Field House
- Capacity: 5,000 seats.
- Primary Use: Indoor sports like basketball, volleyball, gymnastics, and cheerleading competitions. It also serves as the host site for the annual AdvoCare Invitational college basketball tournament.
- Visa Athletic Center
- A multipurpose indoor facility for basketball, volleyball, and other court-based sports. It’s often used for youth sports tournaments and other indoor competitions.
- Baseball Quadraplex
- This area consists of multiple baseball and softball fields used for amateur and professional training and tournaments.
- Soccer Fields
- The complex has multiple soccer fields used for both youth and professional soccer. In 2020, the MLS Is Back Tournament was held at these fields, bringing Major League Soccer to the complex during the pandemic.
- Track and Field Complex
- An outdoor facility for track and field events, cross-country, and other running events.
- Tennis Complex
- There are a number of tennis courts available for professional matches, recreational play, and tournaments.
Events and Competitions
- Youth Tournaments: The complex is home to many youth sports competitions, including baseball, basketball, soccer, volleyball, and cheerleading. Disney hosts numerous amateur sports organizations and leagues, such as AAU (Amateur Athletic Union) and Pop Warner Football.
- Professional and Collegiate Events: ESPN Wide World of Sports hosts several professional sports events, including college basketball tournaments, spring training for MLB teams, and special exhibitions. It has also been a site for Walt Disney World Marathon Weekend events.
- Cheerleading and Dance Competitions: One of the largest cheerleading and dance events in the world, the UCA and UDA College Cheerleading and Dance Team National Championship, takes place here, attracting thousands of participants.
- Special Events: The facility is often used for unique sporting events and training camps, including international soccer matches, track and field meets, and even the NBA Bubble during the 2020 pandemic, where the NBA completed its season at Disney World due to COVID-19 restrictions.
ESPN Features
- Live Broadcasting: As part of its partnership with ESPN, the complex is equipped with broadcasting facilities, allowing many events to be covered live on ESPN or other Disney-owned sports networks.
- Digital Technology: The complex integrates advanced technology for athletes and spectators, including live game updates, professional analysis, and highlights.
Training Facilities
- Athletes have access to top-tier training facilities and resources. This makes the complex a popular choice for sports camps and clinics, including those led by former and current professional athletes.
Recreational Use
- Guests visiting Walt Disney World Resort can enjoy various amateur sporting events as spectators, and the complex also offers opportunities for visitors to participate in select sports and recreational activities.
The ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex is a premier destination for both athletes and fans, offering a blend of world-class sports venues, professional-grade events, and the magic of Disney.
