Archive for ESPN Wide World of Sports

ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex Celebrates 20 Years

ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex celebrated its 20th anniversary on Tuesday, March 28th. Disney Sports executives Maribeth Bisienere and Faron Kelley marked the occasion with a special on-field moment during the Atlanta Braves-Baltimore Orioles spring training game at the sports complex.

Reggie Williams, former Cincinnati Bengals star and founding executive of the ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex, threw out the ceremonial first pitch before the Braves game, which also featured 20th anniversary merchandise and music and trivia from 1997.

Since its opening on March 28, 1997, ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex has remained a preeminent multi-sport facility for professional, collegiate and youth sports events of all levels, from AAU Basketball National Championships to the NFL Pro Bowl Week.

In its 20-year history the sports complex has hosted more than three million athletes, including some of the biggest names in sports – Muhammad Ali, Venus and Serena Williams, Tiger Woods, Derek Jeter, Shaquille O’Neal, Tom Brady, Lionel Messi and Mia Hamm. The complex hosts 100 annual athletic and entertainment events featuring 70 different sports and over the years has hosted major events such as NFL Pro Bowl Week (2017), the Invictus Games (2016), the inaugural World Baseball Classic (2006) and Tampa Bay Buccaneers training camp (2002-2008).

ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex was one of the first major sports facilities in the country, blazing a new trail in youth sports tourism. In its wake, countless other youth sports complexes have emerged around the country to meet the increasing demand, as 27-percent of all travel taken in the U.S. is solely for organized sporting events.* ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex and others comprise what is now an estimated $7 billion youth sports industry.*

While the celebration kicked off on March 28, there will be more tributes throughout the year to commemorate the anniversary and emphasize the positive impact of youth sports. Additionally, there will be new sports-related initiatives announced that will continue Disney’s long-standing support of youth sports nationally and that will continue to drive tourism in Central Florida for the next 20 years and beyond.    

*Data sourced from a May 2014 National Association of Sports Commission Study

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Braves Pitchers and Catchers Begin Workouts Wednesday for 20th Year at ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex

Atlanta Braves pitchers and catchers begin their 2017 spring training workouts Wednesday, Feb. 15 at ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex at Walt Disney World Resort. Full-squad workouts start Saturday, Feb. 18. Manager Brian Snitker begins his first full season as manager, after taking over in an interim role last season. Pitchers Bartolo Colón, R.A. Dickey, Kurt Suzuki, and 2B Brandon Phillips are among the newcomers on the roster this spring, while 1B Freddie Freeman, OF Ender Inciarte and P Julio Teheran headline the returning veterans. This will be the Braves’ 20th spring training season at Champion Stadium. The Braves’ first home game at Champion Stadium is Saturday, Feb. 25 against the Toronto Blue Jays.

Braves workouts take place at ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex at Walt Disney World Resort. Media can park in the first two rows of guest parking, labeled “Braves Media Parking.”

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NFL PRO BOWL WEEK ACTIVITIES AT WALT DISNEY WORLD RESORT

The 2017 NFL Pro Bowl is coming to Orlando. And, Walt Disney World® Resort is excited to be part of the team hosting a week-long celebration kicking off at ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex.

Pro Bowl Week starts Wednesday, Jan. 25, 2017 and the first stop for the marquee NFL players will be the ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex. This first-class sports venue will host many of the Pro Bowl Week activities, including AFC and NFC team practices; youth football events; a free, family-friendly football-themed festival – NFL Pro Bowl Experience and more.

This site will also host the taping of “The Pro Bowl Skills Showdown,” pitting the AFC and NFC All-Stars against each other, which will air on ESPN on Jan. 26 at 7 p.m. EST. Additional exciting activities are planned for Disney Springs™ and Epcot®, which will be the site of the Pro Bowl 5K run.

And, over at Magic Kingdom Resort, it will be a magic-filled afternoon, as everyone’s favorite Pro Bowlers join Mickey and his pals in a celebratory parade down Main Street U.S.A. on Friday, Jan. 27.

If your Clients are headed to the Walt Disney World Resort Jan. 25-28, be sure to tell them about all of these exciting activities. For more information on Pro Bowl Week, visit espnwwos.com.

Admission to Pro Bowl week activities and events open to the public at ESPN Wide World of Sports is complimentary, but subject to availability, capacity limits, eligibility requirements and may be subject to delay, change or cancellation for inclement weather.

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2017 NFL Pro Bowl to Feature Events at Disney, Throughout Orlando During Weeklong Celebration

The 2017 Pro Bowl presented by Aquafina in Orlando, Fla. is much more than a game on Sunday; it’s a week-long celebration that unites and inspires the entire football community. In the week leading up to the game, the NFL will host events that will bring interactive fan experiences, youth and high school football competitions and a spirit of community to Orlando.

Pro Bowl Week activities include:

  • The NFL FLAG Championships and Punt, Pass and Kick National Championships
  • Pro Bowl Skills Showdown
  • Free access to AFC and NFC team practices
  • NFL Pro Bowl Experience, a free, football-themed fan festival
  • NFL PLAY 60 activities
  • A series of community events with local nonprofit organizations and military personnel.

The week-long celebration will culminate with the Pro Bowl game featuring 88 of the NFL’s best players on Sunday, Jan. 29 at Camping World Stadium that will air on ESPN and ESPN Deportes at 8 p.m. ET.

Visit NFL.com/ProBowl and follow @NFL on Twitter for the most up-to-date Pro Bowl information. Fans may virtually participate in Pro Bowl Week by tagging their tweets with #ProBowl.

Below are ways the NFL will celebrate the football community, provide fans access to a range of free football activities:

Read more

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NFL All-Stars Announced for Pro Bowl Week Festivities at Disney

The 2017 Pro Bowl rosters have been announced, and some of the top NFL veterans and rookies alike will soon make their way to the Walt Disney World Resort for this fun-filled, star-studded event.

The Oakland Raiders led all teams with seven Pro Bowl selections, including Derek Carr, Amari Cooper and Khalil Mack, among others.nNew England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady earned his 11th Pro Bowl selection, most among active players. Additionally, Arizona Cardinals wide receiver Larry Fitzgerald was chosen for the eighth time.

Kansas City’s Tyreek Hill joins Dallas Cowboys sensations, Dak Prescott and Ezekiel Elliot as the only rookies to earn Pro Bowl nods this season. For Prescott, Pro Bowl Week will be somewhat of a homecoming: the young quarterback trained for the 2016 NFL draft at ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex under renowned performance coach, Tom Shaw.

The re-imagined Pro Bowl will feature a return to the traditional AFC vs. NFC game format and, new for 2017, a week’s worth of family-friendly festivities at the Walt Disney World Resort.

The Pro Bowl Skills Showdown will be a series of events where AFC and NFC All-Stars compete against each other in unique competitions. The 2017 Pro Bowl Legends Captains, Jerome Bettis and Ray Lewis of the AFC and Tony Gonzalez and Charles Woodson of the NFC, will lead their respective squads. Each team in the Skills Showdown will feature a mix of quarterbacks, running backs, wide receivers, tight ends, linemen, linebackers, and defensive backs.

Events include:

Epic Pro Bowl Dodgeball: Pro Bowlers will compete in a game of dodgeball.

Power Relay Challenge: AFC and NFC stars will go head-to-head in a timed relay race.

Precision Passing: Two players on each team will battle it out, trying to hit moving targets of varying size and distance.

Best Hands: Quarterback and wide receiver duos from each team will show off their skills, connecting on as many pass attempts as possible before time runs out.

Additionally, guests have the opportunity to see some of their favorite NFL stars during NFC and AFC practices,  which are also held at the sports complex. There are also activities planned for Disney Springs as well as Epcot, which will be the site of the Pro Bowl 5K run.

On Friday, Jan. 27, Pro Bowlers, NFL cheerleaders and various community groups will take part in a celebratory parade, held at Magic Kingdom Park.

The position-by-position rosters for the Pro Bowl are below:

AFC Pro Bowl Roster

Offense

Wide receiver: Antonio Brown*,  Steelers; Amari Cooper*, Raiders; A.J. Green, Bengals; T.Y. Hilton, Colts

Tackle: Joe Thomas*, Browns; Donald Penn*, Raiders; Taylor Lewan, Titans

Guard: Marshal Yanda*, Ravens; Kelechi Osemele*, Raiders; David DeCastro, Steelers

Center: Rodney Hudson*, Raiders; Maurkice Pouncey, Steelers

Tight end: Travis Kelce*, Chiefs; Delanie Walker, Titans

Quarterback: Tom Brady*, Patriots; Derek Carr, Raiders; Ben Roethlisberger, Steelers

Running back: Le’Veon Bell*, Steelers; DeMarco Murray, Titans; LeSean McCoy, Bills

Fullback: Kyle Juszcyzyk*, Ravens

Defense end: Khalil Mack*, Raiders; Cameron Wake*, Dolphins; Jadeveon Clowney, Texans

Interior linemen: Geno Atkins*, Bengals; Ndamukong Suh*, Dolphins; Jurrell Casey, Titans

Outside linebacker: Von Miller*, Broncos; Lorenzo Alexander*, Bills; Brian Orakpo, Titans

Inside/middle linebacker: Dont’a Hightower*, Patriots; C.J. Mosley, Ravens

Cornerback: Marcus Peters*, Chiefs; Aqib Talib*, Broncos; Casey Hayward, Chargers; Chris Harris, Broncos

Free safety: Devin McCourty*, Patriots; Reggie Nelson, Raiders

Strong safety: Eric Berry*, Chiefs

Special Teams

Punter: Pat McAfee*, Colts

Kicker: Justin Tucker*, Ravens

Return specialist: Tyreek Hill*, Chiefs

Special teamer: Matthew Slater*, Patriots

NFC Pro Bowl Roster

Offense

Wide receiver: Julio Jones*, Falcons; Odell Beckham*, Giants; Mike Evans, Buccaneers; Larry Fitzgerald, Cardinals

Tackle: Tyron Smith*, Cowboys; Trent Williams*, Redskins; Jason Peters, Eagles

Guard: Zack Martin*, Cowboys; Brandon Scherff*, Redskins; T.J. Lang, Packers

Center: Travis Frederick*, Cowboys; Alex Mack, Falcons

Tight end: Greg Olsen*, Panthers; Jordan Reed, Redskins

Quarterback: Matt Ryan*, Falcons; Aaron Rodgers, Packers; Dak Prescott, Cowboys

Running back: Ezekiel Elliott*, Cowboys; David Johnson, Cardinals; Devonta Freeman, Falcons

Fullback: Mike Tolbert*, Panthers

Defense

Defensive end: Everson Griffen*, Vikings; Cliff Avril*, Seahawks; Michael Bennett, Seahawks

Interior linemen: Aaron Donald*, Rams; Gerald McCoy*, Buccaneers; Fletcher Cox, Eagles

Outside linebacker: Vic Beasley*, Falcons; Ryan Kerrigan*, Redskins; Thomas Davis, Panthers

Inside/middle linebacker: Bobby Wagner*, Seahawks; Luke Kuechly, Panthers

Cornerback: Janoris Jenkins*, Giants; Patrick Peterson*, Cardinals; Richard Sherman, Seahawks; Xavier Rhodes, Vikings

Free safety: Harrison Smith*, Vikings; Ha Ha Clinton-Dix, Packers

Strong safety: Landon Collins*, Giants

Special teams

Punter: Johnny Hekker*, Rams

Kicker: Matt Bryant*, Falcons

Return specialist: Cordarrelle Patterson*, Vikings

Special teamer: Dwayne Harris*, Giants

* Indicates starter

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Pro Bowlers to Face Off in AFC vs. NFC Skills Challenge at Disney

The Pro Bowl Skills Showdown, pitting AFC and NFC All-Stars against each other in unique competitions, will air during Pro Bowl Week on Thursday, January 26 at 7:00 PM ET on ESPN, the NFL announced Dec. 12.

The Skills Showdown is a part of the re-imagined Pro Bowl Week, culminating in the 2017 Pro Bowl, which features a return to the traditional AFC vs. NFC format following three years using a revised, “unconferenced” structure.

The 2017 Pro Bowl Legends Captains, Jerome Bettis and Ray Lewis of the AFC and Tony Gonzalez and Charles Woodson of the NFC, will lead their respective squads. Each team in the Skills Showdown will feature a mix of quarterbacks, running backs, wide receivers, tight ends, linemen, linebackers, and defensive backs.

Taking place at ESPN’s Wide World of Sports at the Walt Disney World Resort in Lake Buena Vista, Fla., competitions will include:

  • Epic Pro Bowl Dodgeball: Pro Bowlers will compete in a game of dodgeball.
  • Power Relay Challenge: Four team members will compete in a timed relay race.
  • Precision Passing: Two players on each team will battle it out, trying to hit moving targets of varying size and distance.
  • Best Hands: Quarterback and wide receiver duos from each team will show off their skills, connecting on as many pass attempts as possible before time runs out.

The Pro Bowl rosters are determined by the consensus votes of fans, players and coaches. Each group’s vote counts one-third toward determining the 88 All-Star players who will be selected to the Pro Bowl. The NFL is the only sports league that combines voting by fans, coaches and players to determine its all-star teams. It was the first professional sports league to offer online all-star voting in 1995.

The Pro Bowl players will be announced on Tuesday, December 20 in a live primetime special on NFL Network. NFL players and coaches will cast their votes on Friday, December 16.

Fan voting for the 2017 Pro Bowl will end tomorrow, Tuesday, December 13. Fans can vote online and on web-enabled mobile phones at www.NFL.com/probowlvote. Fans may also vote for who they want to see on the 2017 Pro Bowl roster via social media by using #ProBowlVote and the player’s first and last name on Twitter and Instagram. On Facebook, fans may comment on any official Pro Bowl Vote post by the NFL or a club. See official rules on how to vote at www.NFL.com/probowlvoterules.com.

The 2017 Pro Bowl will be played on Sunday, January 29, 2017 and simulcast live on ESPN and ESPN Deportes from Camping World Stadium in Orlando, Florida. Fans may visit  NFL.com/ProBowlOnSale to purchase game tickets.

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ATLANTA BRAVES’ 20TH ANNUAL SPRING TRAINING SCHEDULE AT WALT DISNEY WORLD ANNOUNCED

For the 20th straight season, the Atlanta Braves will hold spring training at  ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex  at Walt Disney World® Resort.

The spring schedule once again includes some matchups against Major League Baseball’s marquee teams, including four opponents – the Toronto Blue Jays (Feb 25), the American League East champion Boston Red Sox (March 3), the Baltimore Orioles (March 28) and the New York Mets (March 10, 25 and 29) – who each reached the post-season earlier this year.

On top of that, the New York Yankees (March 9) are on the 18-game home schedule along with the Philadelphia Phillies, Detroit Tigers, Houston Astros, St. Louis Cardinals, Miami Marlins, Pittsburgh Pirates and Baltimore Orioles.

The Braves players begin arriving at Walt Disney World Resort in mid-February and then open up the spring season here against the Blue Jays on Feb. 25. Tickets go on sale on Dec. 12 at braves.com/springtraining, as well as through Ticketmaster outlets (800-745-3000) and at ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex Box Office.

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Braves Face Four Playoff Teams During 20th Spring Training Season at ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex at Disney

The Atlanta Braves’ 2017 spring training season at ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex at Walt Disney World Resort features matchups against four 2016 MLB playoff teams, a trio of three-game homestands and an afternoon matchup with the New York Yankees.

Gold Glove outfielder Ender Inciarte and the rest of the Braves report to Disney for two weeks of training in mid-February before games get underway.

The Braves have trained at Disney since 1997 and are celebrating their 20th season at Champion Stadium. Their 2017 spring season will be highlighted by marquee matchups against 2016 playoff teams – the Toronto Blue Jays (Feb. 25), the American League East champion Boston Red Sox (March 3), the Baltimore Orioles (March 28) and the New York Mets (March 10, 25 and 29).

The Philadelphia Phillies, Yankees and Mets will be part of a three-game homestand March 8-10, one of three homestands for the team this spring. They will host the Detroit Tigers, St. Louis Cardinals and Miami Marlins on March 18-20 and the Tigers, Orioles and Mets to close out their spring season March 27-29.

Disney character appearances and special moments such as kids running the bases after every game are some of the in-game entertainment opportunities that make Braves spring training at Disney a unique experience.

Individual spring training game tickets go on sale December 12 at www.espnwwos.com/braves, through Ticketmaster outlets (800-745-3000) and at ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex Box Office. Tickets range from $15 (general admission berm seating in left field) to $59 (lower level reserved seats).

Information on Braves spring training season tickets, suite/hospitality, group tickets and mini-plans is available by calling the premium sales team at (407) 939-GAME (4263) and online at www.espnwwos.com/braves. The popular mini-plans will be available again this season, featuring two three-game options.

2017 Atlanta Braves Spring Training Home Schedule

Date Opponent Time
Saturday, February 25 Toronto Blue Jays 1:05 p.m.
Sunday, February 26 Houston Astros 1:05 p.m.
Tuesday, February 28 St. Louis Cardinals 1:05 p.m.
Friday, March 3 Boston Red Sox 1:05 p.m.
Saturday, March 4 Miami Marlins 1:05 p.m.
Wednesday March 8 Philadelphia Phillies 1:05 p.m.
Thursday, March 9 New York Yankees 1:05 p.m.
Friday, March 10 New York Mets 1:05 p.m.
Monday, March 13 Pittsburgh Pirates 1:05 p.m.
Thursday, March 16 Detroit Tigers 1:05 p.m.
Saturday, March 18 Detroit Tigers 1:05 p.m.
Sunday, March 19 St. Louis Cardinals 1:05 p.m.
Monday, March 20 Miami Marlins 1:05 p.m.
Thursday, March 23 Detroit Tigers 6:05 p.m.
Saturday, March 25 New York Mets 1:05 p.m.
Monday, March 27 Detroit Tigers 6:05 p.m.
Tuesday, March 28Wednesday, March 29 Baltimore OriolesNew York Mets 1:05 p.m.1:05 p.m.
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Puerto Rico Tip-Off Moving Venue for 2016 Tournament Event to ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex

The Puerto Rico Tip-Off – to be held Thursday, Nov. 17, Friday, Nov. 18 and Sunday, Nov. 20 – will move its site for the 2016 event to ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex at Walt Disney World Resort near Orlando, Fla. Previously held at the Coliseo Roberto Clemente in San Juan, Puerto Rico, the tournament has been moved due to concerns over the Zika virus.

Now branded the Tire Pros Invitational, the tournament’s field will remain as originally announced with Arizona State, Clemson, Davidson, Missouri, Northern Iowa, Oklahoma, Tulane and Xavier.

“We enjoy the beauty and accommodations that are afforded in Puerto Rico and wanted to make every effort in playing the event in San Juan, but the concern for student-athlete and spectator welfare became the primary driver in the decision,” said Pete Derzis, senior vice president, ESPN Events. “We intend to return to Puerto Rico in the future.”

The bracket consists of 12 games over three days with each team competing in one game per day, advancing through the bracket. The two teams that remain undefeated throughout will face off in a championship game on the final day of competition. The previously announced times and networks of each game will remain the same.

Past winners include Miami (2015 & 2007), West Virginia (2014), Charlotte (2013), Oklahoma State (2012), Alabama (2011), Minnesota (2010), Villanova (2009) and Xavier (2007).

The Tire Pros Invitational is one of two premier men’s college basketball tournaments that will be hosted at ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex this season, as the 2016 AdvoCare Invitational takes place over Thanksgiving weekend, Nov. 24-27. This year’s field features Gonzaga, Iowa State and Miami, Seton Hall, Florida, Indiana State, Quinnipiac and Stanford.

The Tire Pros Invitational and AdvoCare Invitational are owned and operated by ESPN Events, a division of ESPN.

Previously announce schedule

Date Time Game Network
Thu, Nov 17 11 a.m. Clemson vs. Davidson ESPNU
  1 p.m. Xavier vs. Missouri ESPNU
  4:30 p.m. Northern Iowa vs. Arizona State ESPNU
  7 p.m. Tulane vs. Oklahoma ESPN2 or ESPNU
Fri, Nov 18 11:30 a.m. Consolation #1 ESPNU
  1:30 p.m. Semifinal #1 ESPNU
  5 p.m. Consolation #2 ESPNU
  7 p.m. Semifinal #2 ESPNU
Sun, Nov 20 Noon 7th Place Game ESPN3
  2:30 p.m. 5th Place Game ESPNU
  5 p.m. 3rd Place Game ESPNU
  7:30 p.m. Championship Game ESPN2
Sat, Nov 26 Noon Northern Iowa at Xavier^ Locally televised

^ – Non-bracketed game

– See more at: http://disneysportsnews.com/releases/2016/09/26/puerto-rico-tip-off-moving-venue-for-2016-tournament-event-to-espn-wide-world-of-sports-complex/#sthash.HXJbJBRJ.dpuf

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Disney-Based Sprinter LaShawn Merritt Earns Bronze in 400-meter Final at Rio Games

US Olympic Team sprinter LaShawn Merritt, who prepared for the Rio 2016 Games at ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex, is off to a medaling start after his third-place finish in the men’s 400-meter final on Sunday.

Merritt secured the bronze medal with a time of 43.85 seconds, crossing the finish line after Grenada’s Kirani James (43.76), who had won gold in the event at the London 2012 Games, and South Africa’s Wayde van Niekerk, who ran a blistering 43.03-second race to win gold and set a new world record.

Former American sprinter Michael Johnson’s previous world record (43.18 seconds) had stood since 1999.

While Merritt fell short of his gold-medal goals for the 400-meter, he still has two more chances to earn medals for Team USA, with the men’s 200-meter and 4×400-meter relay.

Merritt, who regularly trains at Disney with other world-class sprinters under former US Olympic track coach Brooks Johnson, qualified for this year’s Olympic team after having missed the London Olympic Games in 2012 due to injury. At the 2008 Beijing Games, the veteran sprinter won the gold medal in the 400-meter and 4×400-meter relay.

 

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