ESPN Wide World of Sports Guide

 

ESPN Wide World of Sports

 

ESPN Wide World of Sports Guide

ESPN Wide World of Sports (WWoS) opened up in 1997 as the place for sports at Walt Disney World. Since then, it has been the central headquarters for runDisney events, and the place for thousands of athletes to come compete while visiting Walt Disney World. This is the place to play and watch sports with that special Disney Magic adding to the experience.

Facilities Transportation/Parking Events Other Information

Facilities

ESPN Wide World of Sports holds a lot of sporting events. It is a massive location with lots of locations to accommodate as many sports as possible for competitions, exhibitions, and games. In addition to all of the sports facilities there is a Welcome Center, Box Office, and the ESPN Wide World of Sports Grill.

The Arena

The Arena is the newest building at the ESPN WWoS. This 94,000 sq. ft. flexible space can be configured into 4 separate event spaces in order to accommodate both large and small events and competitions. It can accommodate 8,000 spectators and features a concession location, meeting rooms, and a separate box office. The Arena is best suited for performance events like gymnastics, cheerleading, dance, martial arts, basketball, and robotics.

Champion Stadium

Champion Stadium was the Spring Training home of the Atlanta Braves and now Tampa Bay Rays. This venue features 9,500 stadium seats as well as 4 luxury boxes along with outdoor patios and decks and an outfield lawn for spectators. There are concessions along the concourse at the stadium. Disney puts a special touch on Spring Training games as Goofy throws out the first pitch and kids and families are included with fun activities throughout the event.

Baseball Quadraplex

Featuring 4 professional baseball fields along with a practice infield this is a massive baseball complex. The prefect place for games and tournaments. Two of the fields have lights so that play can continue into the night.

Marathon Sports Fields

Home to 17 sports fields that can be used for football, lacrosse, soccer, baseball, softball, or any other field sport. This is one massive sports location! The adaptability of these fields to accommodate so many sports as well as different age groups and competition levels is fantastic. Go Team!

HP Field House

This is a 5,000 seat, 70,000 sq. ft. venue. Home of the  televised AdvoCare Invitational college basketball tournament, this location can accommodate sports events for gymnastics, volleyball, cheer, dance, basketball, and more.

Visa Athletic Center

This is a sports venue accommodating several spectator sports throughout the year. Most guests to ESPN Wide World of Sports will likely be visiting this location as the Expo center for the popular runDisney events held semi-annually Disney World.

Softball Diamondplex

Home to 6 fields with fences at 305 feet. This is the location for softball and youth baseball events held at Walt Disney World.

Tennis Complex

Home to the 1,000 seat Centre Court Stadium, this complex features 10 clay courts.

Track and Field Complex

Home to the AAU Club Championships, this is a state-of-the-art facility with the nicest track surfacing as well as great field equipment.

Transportation and Parking

There is complimentary bus transportation to ESPN Wide World of Sports from Pop Century, All-Star Sports, and Caribbean Beach Disney Resorts. During special events bus transportation may be offered from other resorts as well. This system can become overloaded during large events such as runDisney races or national cheer and dance competitions. Be prepared in case other transportation options must be made. Guests can also utilize the Minnie Van service through Lyft.

If you are driving to an event at ESPN WWoS general parking is complimentary, however valet parking is available for a fee. There are normally parking attendants for large-scale events.On the busiest days the parking area may fill to capacity, then guests will be directed to park in other locations, sometimes in the grass. At these times there may be quite a walk to the entrance. Handicap accessible parking is available. The address to the venue is below:

ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex
700 S. Victory Way
Kissimmee, FL 34747

Events

Ticketing varies based on event. Some events are pre-ticketed only, while for others tickets are sold at the onsite Box Office. Some Disney Annual Passholders have complimentary access to some events at ESPN WWoS, if you think an event you want to attend might be included be sure to check in advance. You don’t want to miss a perk!

For a complete list of events at ESPN WWoS check their official website.

runDisney events are some of the largest at Walt Disney World. Offering fun runs as well as 5k, 10k, half marathon, and marathon races Disney races are massive and highly popular events. For more information on runDisney visit our page here.

If you are attending an event or competition for yourself, your child, or your team be sure to ask ahead about any special considerations you may have. Disney’s guest services are generally extremely accommodating. They can be contacted online or by phone (407) 541-5600. Carefully read any rules or special requirements for your event. As with any venue, rules and requirements may change per event. Some sports governing bodies may have special or extremely strict requirements that cause changes in normal operating procedures.

Other Information

  • Guests are subject to being searched at every event. Weapons (or anything resembling a weapon), glass containers, disruptive noisemakers, selfie sticks, and recreational equipment such as skates or skateboards are prohibited.
  • Folding chairs are only permitted at certain events.
  • Sports equipment storage and locker room facilities are available at some events, however there are no on-site laundry facilities. Laundry facilities are available at every Disney Resort hotel.
  • Strollers are permitted in most guest areas. The Visa Athletic Center and HP Fieldhouse do not allow strollers. Stroller parking is available outside of these venues. Strollers should not be larger than 36in x 52in
  • Wheelchairs are available for rent at the ESPN Clubhouse shop. Most venues are handicap accessible and offer accessible viewing locations.
  • Athletic Trainers and Physical Therapists will be on site for many events. These professionals are provided by Select Physical Therapy.
  • Safety and First Aid Equipment is available throughout the complex. AED machines are at several locations in case of emergency.