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9 Things You Probably Didn’t Know About The ESPN Wide World Of Sports

9 Things You Probably Didn’t Know About The ESPN Wide World Of Sports

Last week I was honored to be invited by Disney to check out the amazing ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex at the Walt Disney World Resort. Previously I had only been there to pick up race packets, but I learned so much about the incredible facility and I’m excited to share more about it with you today!

The Architecture

David Schwartz (which is also the architect of the beautiful ball park at Arlington, home of the Texas Rangers) designed the complex to be “Florida Picturesque” with a mediterranean flavor design, blue and green accent tiling and beautiful vibrant yellow color everywhere you turn.

Champion Stadium

This stadium is the centerpiece of the sports complex, its a really cool retro style Major league baseball ballpark that hosts MLB Spring trying for the Atlanta Braves and also hosts amateur tournaments, concerts, corporate hospitality functions and event opening ceremonies.

The maximum capacity for the stadium is 11,500 guests including 9,500 permanent and lower deck seats. Not to mention there are four luxury suites which we got to experience during the Opening Ceremonies of the International Champions Cup Futures Tournament. The suite was beautiful and even had special outdoor seating—I was in and out because Florida heat. 🙂

HP Field House

The 50k square foot multi sport area looks reminiscent of a 1950s style fieldhouse. It’s a multi purpose facility that can pretty much adapt to any sport including basketball, wrestle, gymnastics, volleyball, martial arts—you name it. The field house actually has room for 6 full size collegiate basketball courts.

The Arena at ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex

This new multi-sports and entertainment venue opened up this year and it seats 8,000 guests. This area is specifically designed  for cheer and dance events (but it can do so much more too!).

Specifically for the cheer and dance events The Arena can accommodate performance and warm-up spaces as well as host up to four competitions at once.

The VISA Athletic Center

This one is a multi-sport field house. It has space for 6 basketball courts, 12 regulation-size volleyball courts, two roller hockey rinks, locker rooms, conference rooms and even rooms for officials!

Marathon Sports Fields

The Marathon Sports Fields accommodates many outdoor sports including soccer, lacrosse, field hockey, baseball and more. There are seven grass playing surfaces and four fields. Plus bleacher seating is available at each field.

Baseball Quadraplex

The baseball Quadraplex includes four professional baseball fields and a half field. MLB players come here annually for spring training and minor league players also come for the rookie leagues. 

The softball diamondplex has six field that can handle fast pitch and slow pitch softball. There are four recreational and competitive softball events that take place on these fields.

Track and Field Complex

The Track & Field complex has a 400 meter track that meets the highest governing body standards. There is also a featured adaptable cross country course.

ESPN Wide World Of Sports Grill

After working up such an appetite, you can fill your tummy at the sports-themed, casual restaurant with a full bar and a menu filled with burgers, pizza and signature salads. Of course, like any amazing sports grill there are high def TV screens so you can enjoy the game!

Check out this fun behind the scenes video and check out the ESPN Wide World Of Sports website for more information!

Have you every been to the ESPN Wide World of Sports? Are your kids involved in Youth Sports?

Tamara

Sunday 29th of July 2018

I didn't know these things, but I did imagine them to be pretty awesome. That complex is a dream! And yes, my kid is into youth sports! I wish Des was too, but there's still time for him.

Allie

Friday 27th of July 2018

You are right - I had no clue about most of that existing at the ESPN complex! Wow!! That looks like my husband's dream come true. I will have to keep this in the back of my mind if I ever want to lure him to Disney :-)

Janine Huldie

Thursday 26th of July 2018

OK so this is a part of Disney that I haven't really had the pleasure of visiting myself. So loved getting a bit of a tour here with you today. Also, still so awesome that you got to go and be a part of this, as well :)