The ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex, a 220-acre sports facility located at Walt Disney World Resort, hosts almost 300 amateur and professional sports events annually, and officially opened in March 1997. Initially, the complex was called Disney’s Wide World of Sports Complex, but was re-branded ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex on February 25, 2010.
Visitors to the complex will be able to experience some distinct touches, including state of the art video monitors covering the events held within the complex, as well as an on-site digital production center that records the day’s best competitions. Additionally, the ESPN Innovation Lab works tirelessly to come up with new and inventive ways to shape the future of sports broadcasting, a truly unique touch you aren’t likely to find elsewhere.
Additionally, the ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex hosts over 60 sports across nine different venues within the complex, including Jostens Carter, Champion Stadium, HP Field House, Hess Sports Fields, Baseball Quadraplex, Cross Country Course, Diamondplex, Tennis Complex, and the Track and Field Complex. The complex also hosts several various sporting events that take place across all of Walt Disney World Resort, including marathons and other races. The ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex is also the home of the Atlanta Braves during their spring training routine, and they’ve returned here year after year since 1998.
Fans can also stop by the Playstation Pavilion and play one of 17 PS3’s and brand new exclusive games. The pavilion also includes sixteen 40 inch HDTV’s, and comes equipped with its own stage so visitors can grab the mic and rock out to their favorite tunes. The Playstation Pavilion costs $5 for 30 minutes of play, and is located behind the ESPN Wide World of Sports Grill. The $5 fee is in addition to the regular admission fee to the ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex, which is $14.50 for adults and $10 for children ages 3 to 9.
Dining establishments at the ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex includes the ESPN Wide World of Sports Grill, which serves classic fare like hamburgers, sandwiches, salads, pastas, desserts and beverages. A fully stocked bar is also available during normal operating hours. Guests can also stop by one of the many concessions stands to pick up a quick bite to eat.
Visitors can also grab a souvenir or commemorative item from one of several gift shops on property, including the Custom Tee Center where guests can design their own event t-shirt, as well as ESPN Clubhouse Shop for exclusive ESPN merchandise. Additional shopping opportunities are available throughout the complex, as well.
The ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex has been home to many different sporting events since its grand opening in 1997, and the complex continues to be a popular tourist destination for sports fans and athletes from all over the globe. From baseball to martial arts, to runDisney events and everything in between, the ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex continues to host a variety of sporting events for fans of all ages to enjoy.