Disney News Blog

Disney’s Wide World of Sports, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers 2008 training camp on the Hess Sports Fields.

ARE YOU READY FOR SOME FOOTBALL? Disney’s Wide World of Sports, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers conducted their 2008 training camp on the Hess Sports Fields. This marked the seventh year in a row (2002-08) that the Buccaneers trained at the Walt Disney World Resort.

Head coach Jon Gruden and the Bucs, who have trained at Disney since 2002, hit the Hess Sports Fields during the month of August.

LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla., Sept. 24, 2008 – With the sports tourism industry expanding by $200 million last year, Disney’s Wide World of Sports Complex today outlined plans to further grow its business and bring new visitors to Central Florida.

The strategy includes plans to expand facilities, enhance existing events, diversify the Complex’s events portfolio and create more one-of-a-kind, immersive sports experiences that only Disney can provide.

Expansion plans for the complex reflect a nationwide trend in which more youth are participating in sports and are willing to travel longer distances for competition. Last year in the United States, the sports tourism industry grew from $700 million to $900 million, with an overall economic impact of $6.1 billion.

“Our goal is to be recognized as the pre-eminent multi-sports venue for amateur and professional sports and create events that benefit guests, the community and business,” said Ken Potrock, senior vice president of Disney Sports Enterprises. “Each year, Disney’s Wide World of Sports Complex draws more than a million spectators who might not otherwise visit Central Florida, resulting in a significant economic benefit to our region.”

At the center of the complex’s growth strategy are plans announced earlier this year to re-brand Disney’s Wide World of Sports Complex as ESPN Wide World of Sports, aligning the world’s No. 1 family vacation destination with the worldwide leader in sports.

“Through the collaboration of two powerful brands we will be able to help make the ultimate sports dreams come true for young athletes and further establish the Wide World of Sports Complex as the place to compete and watch sports,” said Potrock. “Athletes will be able to compete and train on world-class fields and courts and be immersed in an experience that only Disney and ESPN can provide.’’

Creative teams are still in the early stages of working together to bring this experience to life. Initial concepts involve incorporating many signature elements of ESPN, such as sports programming, sports events, breaking news, on-air talent and sports celebrities to complement the event management and renowned hospitality already evident at the Sports Complex.

As part of this commitment to growth, Potrock today announced that Disney Sports and ESPN are creating a week-long, multi-sport event planned for July 2009 that will feature some of the top high school athletes in the country. The ESPN RISE Sports Festival, scheduled for July 18 to 25, will involve more than 2,000 young athletes, many of whom are among the most heavily recruited in the nation, competing in six sports - softball, baseball, basketball, football, lacrosse and track & field – at the Wide World of Sports Complex. The competition will be televised live on ESPNU and other ESPN Web outlets.

This growing demand in sports tourism has prompted expansion plans throughout the Sports Complex, including several announcements this year.

Earlier this summer, the sports complex opened Jostens Center, a new state-of-the-art field house that will enable Disney to accommodate twice as many indoor sports events each year such as basketball, volleyball, wrestling, cheerleading as well as other competitions.

In June, the complex announced plans to partner with Osceola County and the Central Florida Sports Commission to bring 13 United States Bowling Congress tournaments to Osceola County – each of which could bring 70,000 to 85,000 athletes and spectators to Central Florida. As part of this agreement, Disney will make land available for a new 100-lane bowling center that is large enough to accommodate the tournaments.

In December 2007, the sports complex debuted additional outdoor playing fields for football, soccer, lacrosse and field hockey competitions.

Each year, the Disney sports complex stages more than 180 events. Since its inception, the complex has hosted athletes from more than 70 countries involved in more than 50 different sports. “A majority of the athletes and spectators who compete in a Disney sports event are first-time visitors to Disney,” said Potrock. “In fact, roughly 85 percent of these guests would not have come to Disney if it weren’t for an event at our sports complex, and many of them, particularly coaches, are repeat visitors.”

For example, one of the largest events is the Walt Disney World Marathon, which draws nearly 80,000 runners and spectators to Central Florida annually, making the event the largest sports event in Central Florida and on-par with some of the area’s largest conventions. In addition, an overwhelming majority -- nearly 90 percent of Marathon and Half-Marathon participants – travel from outside of Central Florida, which has an economic ripple on area hotels, restaurants, retailers and more.

Since Disney opened the sports complex in 1997, nearly 2 million athletes and enthusiasts have competed at the venue including many of the biggest names in amateur and professional sports, such as Tiger Woods, Brett Favre, Peyton Manning, Mia Hamm, Derek Jeter, Chipper Jones, Serena Williams, Shaquille O’Neal and Pete Sampras, among others. In one year alone, Disney’s competition schedule includes more than:

3,000 basketball games
2,400 softball games
1,800 baseball games
3,900 soccer matches

The Wide World of Sports also hosts the Atlanta Braves spring training season, a Tampa Bay Rays regular-season series, the Major League Baseball Draft, the NBA Pre-Draft Camp, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers training camp, Chelsea Football Club-sponsored events, the Pop Warner Super Bowl, Amateur Athletic Union National Championships, Varsity All-Star Cheerleading competitions and USSSA events. ESPN televised 20 sporting events from the complex in the last year. Walt Disney World Resort and ESPN also annually work together to host the popular ESPN The Weekend event at Disney’s Hollywood Studios.

Changes to benefit guests, the community and business

LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla. – With the sports tourism industry expanding by $200 million last year, Disney’s Wide World of Sports Complex outlined plans to further grow its business and bring new visitors to Central Florida.

The strategy includes plans to expand facilities, enhance existing events, diversify the Complex’s events portfolio and create more one-of-a-kind, immersive sports experiences that only Disney can provide.

Expansion plans for the complex reflect a nationwide trend in which more youth are participating in sports and are willing to travel longer distances for competition. Last year in the United States, the sports tourism industry grew from $700 million to $900 million, with an overall economic impact of $6.1 billion.

“Our goal is to be recognized as the pre-eminent multi-sports venue for amateur and professional sports and create events that benefit guests, the community and business,” said Ken Potrock, senior vice president of Disney Sports Enterprises. “Each year, Disney’s Wide World of Sports Complex draws more than a million spectators who might not otherwise visit Central Florida, resulting in a significant economic benefit to our region.”

At the center of the complex’s growth strategy are plans announced earlier this year to re-brand Disney’s Wide World of Sports Complex as ESPN Wide World of Sports, aligning the world’s No. 1 family vacation destination with the worldwide leader in sports.

“Through the collaboration of two powerful brands we will be able to help make the ultimate sports dreams come true for young athletes and further establish the Wide World of Sports Complex as the place to compete and watch sports,” said Potrock. “Athletes will be able to compete and train on world-class fields and courts and be immersed in an experience that only Disney and ESPN can provide.’

Creative teams are still in the early stages of working together to bring this experience to life. Initial concepts involve incorporating many signature elements of ESPN, such as sports programming, sports events, breaking news, on-air talent and sports celebrities to complement the event management and renowned hospitality already evident at the Sports Complex.

As part of this commitment to growth, Potrock announced that Disney Sports and ESPNare creating a week-long, multi-sport event planned for July 2009 that will feature some of the top high school athletes in the country. The ESPN RISE Sports Festival, scheduled for July 18 to 25, will involve more than 2,000 young athletes, many of whom are among the most heavily recruited in the nation, competing in six sports – softball, baseball, basketball, football, lacrosse and track & field – at the Wide World of Sports Complex. The competition will be televised live on ESPNU and other ESPN Web outlets.

This growing demand in sports tourism has prompted expansion plans throughout the Sports Complex, including several announcements this year.

-- Earlier this summer, the sports complex opened Jostens Center, a new state-of-the-art field house that will enable Disney to accommodate twice as many indoor sports events each year such as basketball, volleyball, wrestling, cheerleading as well as other competitions.

-- In June, the complex announced plans to partner with Osceola County and the Central Florida Sports Commission to bring 13 United States Bowling Congress tournaments to Osceola County – each of which could bring 70,000 to 85,000 athletes and spectators to Central Florida. As part of this agreement, Disney will make land available for a new 100-lane bowling center that is large enough to accommodate the tournaments.

-- In December 2007, the sports complex debuted additional outdoor playing fields for football, soccer, lacrosse and field hockey competitions.

Each year, the Disney sports complex stages more than 180 events. Since its inception, the complex has hosted athletes from more than 70 countries involved in more than 50 different sports. “A majority of the athletes and spectators who compete in a Disney sports event are first-time visitors to Disney,” said Potrock. “In fact, roughly 85 percent of these guests would not have come to Disney if it weren’t for an event at our sports complex, and many of them, particularly coaches, are repeat visitors.”

For example, one of the largest events is the Walt Disney World Marathon, which draws nearly 80,000 runners and spectators to Central Florida annually, making the event the largest sports event in Central Florida and on-par with some of the area’s largest conventions. In addition, an overwhelming majority – nearly 90 percent of Marathon and Half-Marathon participants – travel from outside of CentralFlorida, which has an economic ripple on area hotels, restaurants, retailers and more.

Since Disney opened the sports complex in 1997, nearly 2 million athletes and enthusiasts have competed at the venue including many of the biggest names in amateur and professional sports, such as Tiger Woods, Brett Favre, Peyton Manning, Mia Hamm, Derek Jeter, Chipper Jones, Serena Williams, Shaquille O’Neal and Pete Sampras, among others. In one year alone, Disney’s competition schedule includes more than:

-- 3,000 basketball games
-- 2,400 softball games
-- 1,800 baseball games
-- 3,900 soccer matches

The Wide World of Sports also hosts the Atlanta Braves spring training season, a Tampa Bay Rays regular-season series, the Major League Baseball Draft, the NBA Pre-Draft Camp, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers training camp, Chelsea Football Club-sponsored events, the Pop Warner Super Bowl, Amateur Athletic Union National Championships, Varsity All-Star Cheerleading competitions and USSSA events. ESPN televised 20 sporting events from the complex in the last year. Walt Disney World Resort and ESPN also annually work together to host the popular ESPN The Weekend event at Disney’s Hollywood Studios.

This year’s schedule to offer best lineup of games in 12-year history
at Disney’s Wide World of Sports Complex

LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla. (Nov. 20, 2008) – The Atlanta Braves will host several marquee opponents in 2009, including visits from the New York Yankees, Boston Red Sox, New York Mets and World Series champion Philadelphia Phillies, during the Major League Baseball Spring Training season at Champion Stadium at Disney’s Wide World of Sports Complex.

After two weeks of workouts, the Braves play an 18-game home schedule that includes a number of premier opportunities for fans in 2009, such as World Baseball Classic Exhibition games featuring Panama (March 3) and Venezuela (March 5), and a pair of contests against the Yankees and Mets at Disney’s Wide World of Sports Complex, the leading venue for amateur and professional sports in the country.

One of the highlights of the expanded schedule in 2009 is the Boston Red Sox, who will make just their second trip to Disney’s Wide World of Sports on March 30. Atlanta’s 18 games at Champion Stadium mark the highest number of single spring home contests for the Braves since the franchise moved to Disney in 1997.
The 26-time world champion New York Yankees return to Champion Stadium for a pair of dates, March 4 and 28, marking the first time the Yankees will play multiple dates at Disney.

Atlanta will host all four of its division rivals, including the pennant-winning Philadelphia Phillies on March 1 and 8, as well as the New York Mets, March 17 and 21, Florida Marlins, March 20 and Washington Nationals, March 12.

The Houston Astros are slated to visit Disney three times during the spring, including the home opener Feb. 26, as well as March 6 and 15.

The 2009 schedule features three night games, including a March 19 contest with Detroit, as well as the Pittsburgh Pirates game on March 24 (6 p.m.) and Houston’s visit on March 6.

Last season, the Detroit Tigers night game set an all-time record at Champion Stadium with an attendance of 11,606. The Tigers return for a second spring contest on March 27. The Toronto Blue Jays visit Disney’s Wide World of Sports March 26.

Each game has fun for the whole family including entertainment in a way that only Disney can, with appearances by Disney characters, live music, an all-new On-Field Spectator Experience and the opportunity for kids to run the bases after every game.

The Braves drew 138,811 during 16 games at Champion Stadium in 2008 – a total that ranked second only to the New York Yankees among the 18 Major League Baseball teams who trained in Florida as part of the Grapefruit League.

Braves pitchers and catchers report Feb. 14, marking the beginning of the 12th year the Braves have come to Walt Disney World Resort for spring training. Position players arrive Feb. 17, with the first full-squad workouts on Feb. 18.

Individual game tickets for the Braves’ home spring training season go on sale Saturday, Jan. 10, at 10 a.m. through Ticketmaster (407/839-3900 and ticketmaster.com) and at the Disney’s Wide World of Sports Complex box office. Prices range from $15 (general admission lawn seats) to $28 (lower reserved); please add $4 per ticket for Premium Games (Yankees, Mets and Red Sox).

Information on the Braves’ spring training season, group tickets and mini-packs is available by calling 407/939-GAME (4263) and online at disneysports.com. The popular mini-packs will include both three-game and five-game options in 2009 and are currently on sale, giving fans their first opportunity to purchase tickets to specific games on the Braves’ 2009 spring training schedule. Fans may also purchase Atlanta Braves Spring Training travel packages through Spring Training USA. Travel packages include Braves game tickets, accommodations at Walt Disney World Resort and other benefits. Information is available online at springtrainingtours.com.

About Disney’s Wide World of Sports Complex

Opened in 1997 at Walt Disney World Resort, Disney’s Wide World of Sports Complex is a leading sports and entertainment venue for amateur and professional sports in the United States. The sprawling 220-acre state-of-the-art complex features The Milk House, a 165,000-square-foot field house which seats 5,500 for basketball; the 9,500-seat Champion Stadium ballpark; Hess Sports Fields, which include multiple baseball, softball and soccer fields; and Jostens Center, an 80,000-square-foot multi-sport field house. In addition, the complex has 11 tennis courts, including a stadium court, and a track & field complex. The complex is home to more than 180 amateur and professional sports and entertainment events each year, including the NFL Tampa Bay Buccaneers training camp, the Major League Baseball Atlanta Braves spring training, a Tampa Bay Rays regular-season series, the NBA Pre-Draft Camp, the Pop Warner Super Bowl, Chelsea Football Club events, the Special Olympics Florida Summer Games and the AAU National Championship events. Please visit disneysports.com for more information.


2009 Atlanta Braves Spring Training Home Schedule
at Disney’s Wide World of Sports Complex
Key Dates:
Saturday, Jan. 10 Single-game tickets on sale
Thursday, Feb. 14 Pitchers and catchers report
Friday, Feb. 15 Pitchers and catchers first workout
Tuesday, Feb. 17 Position players report
Wednesday, Feb. 18 First full-squad workout


Game Date Opponent Time
Thursday, Feb. 26 Houston Astros 1:05 p.m.
Sunday, March 1 Philadelphia Phillies 1:05 p.m.
Tuesday, March 3 World Baseball Classic Exb. (Panama) 1:05 p.m.
Wednesday, March 4 New York Yankees 1:05 p.m.
Thursday, March 5 World Baseball Classic Exb. (Venezuela) 2:05 p.m.
Friday, March 6 Houston Astros 7:05 p.m.
Sunday, March 8 Philadelphia Phillies 1:05 p.m.
Thursday, March 12 Washington Nationals 1:05 p.m.
Sunday, March 15 Houston Astros 1:05 p.m.
Tuesday, March 17 New York Mets 1:05 p.m.
Thursday, March 19 Detroit Tigers 7:05 p.m.
Friday, March 20 Florida Marlins 1:05 p.m.
Saturday, March 21 New York Mets 1:05 p.m.
Tuesday, March 24 Pittsburgh Pirates 6:05 p.m.
Thursday, March 26 Toronto Blue Jays 1:05 p.m.
Friday, March 27 Detroit Tigers 1:05 p.m.
Saturday, March 28 New York Yankees 1:05 p.m.
Monday, March 30 Boston Red Sox 1:05 p.m.

All times are Eastern and are subject to change.
All games to be played at Champion Stadium at Disney’s Wide World of Sports Complex.

Atlanta Braves Spring Training Ticket Prices:

Seat Location Season ndividual Game
Lower Level Reserved $425 $28
Upper Level Reserved (Rows A-L) $340 $24
Upper Level Reserved (Rows M-W) $323 $22
Bleacher Reserved (Sections 104-106) $340 $24
Bleacher Reserved (Sections 101-103) $323 $22
Grass Berm - General Admission $255 $15

(Add $4 per ticket for Premium Games: Yankees, Mets and Red Sox).

Five-Game Mini-Plan includes tickets to: Nationals (3/12), Astros (3/15), Mets (3/17), Marlins (3/20) and Yankees (3/28) games for $128(upper reserved, rows A-L, or bleacher reserved sections 104-106 – on sale now)

First Half Three-Game Mini-Packincludes tickets to: Phillies (3/1), Yankees (3/4) and Astros (3/6) games for $76 (upper reserved, rows A-L, or bleacher reserved sections 104-106 – on sale now)

Second Half Three-Game Mini Pack includes tickets to: Pirates (3/24), Tigers (3/27) and Red Sox (3/30) games for $76 (upper reserved, rows A-L, or bleacher reserved sections 104-106 – on sale now)

Single-Game Tickets: Ticketmaster – 407/839-3900, www.ticketmaster.com or DWWS box office

Season and Group Tickets/Suites/Mini-Packs: DWWS Sports Sales – 407/939-GAME (4263)

After two weeks of workouts, the Braves play an 18-game home schedule that includes a number of premier opportunities for fans in 2009, such as World Baseball Classic Exhibition games featuring Panama (March 3) and Venezuela (March 5), and a pair of contests against the Yankees and Mets at Disney’s Wide World of Sports Complex, the leading venue for amateur and professional sports in the country.

One of the highlights of the expanded schedule in 2009 is the Boston Red Sox, who will make just their second trip to Disney’s Wide World of Sports on March 30. Atlanta’s 18 games at Champion Stadium mark the highest number of single spring home contests for the Braves since the franchise moved to Disney in 1997.

The 26-time world champion New York Yankees return to Champion Stadium for a pair of dates, March 4 and 28, marking the first time the Yankees will play multiple dates at Disney.
Atlanta will host all four of its division rivals, including the pennant-winning Philadelphia Phillies on March 1 and 8, as well as the New York Mets, March 17 and 21, Florida Marlins,
March 20 and Washington Nationals, March 12.

The Houston Astros are slated to visit Disney three times during the spring, including the home opener Feb. 26, as well as March 6 and 15.

The 2009 schedule features three night games, including a March 19 contest with Detroit, as well as the Pittsburgh Pirates game on March 24 (6 p.m.) and Houston’s visit on March 6.

Last season, the Detroit Tigers night game set an all-time record at Champion Stadium with an attendance of 11,606. The Tigers return for a second spring contest on March 27. The Toronto Blue Jays visit Disney’s Wide World of Sports March 26.

Each game has fun for the whole family including entertainment in a way that only Disney can, with appearances by Disney characters, live music, an all-new On-Field Spectator Experience and the opportunity for kids to run the bases after every game.

The Braves drew 138,811 during 16 games at Champion Stadium in 2008 – a total that ranked second only to the New York Yankees among the 18 Major League Baseball teams who trained in Florida as part of the Grapefruit League.

Braves pitchers and catchers report Feb. 14, marking the beginning of the 12th year the Braves have come to Walt Disney World Resort for spring training. Position players arrive Feb. 17, with the first full-squad workouts on Feb. 18.

Individual game tickets for the Braves’ home spring training season go on sale Saturday, Jan. 10, at 10 a.m. through Ticketmaster (407/839-3900 and ticketmaster.com) and at the Disney’s Wide World of Sports Complex box office. Prices range from $15 (general admission lawn seats) to $28 (lower reserved); please add $4 per ticket for Premium Games (Yankees, Mets and Red Sox).

Information on the Braves’ spring training season, group tickets and mini-packs is available by calling 407/939-GAME (4263) and online at disneysports.com. The popular mini-packs will include both three-game and five-game options in 2009 and are currently on sale, giving fans their first opportunity to purchase tickets to specific games on the Braves’ 2009 spring training schedule. Fans may also purchase Atlanta Braves Spring Training travel packages through Spring Training USA. Travel packages include Braves game tickets, accommodations at Walt Disney World Resort and other benefits. Information is available online at springtrainingtours.com.


2009 Atlanta Braves Spring Training Home Schedule
At Disney’s Wide World of Sports Complex
Key Dates:
Saturday, Jan. 10 Single-game tickets on sale
Thursday, Feb. 14 Pitchers and catchers report
Friday, Feb. 15 Pitchers and catchers first workout
Tuesday, Feb. 17 Position players report
Wednesday, Feb. 18 First full-squad workout


Game Date Opponent Time
Thursday, Feb. 26 Houston Astros 1:05 p.m.
Sunday, March 1 Philadelphia Phillies 1:05 p.m.
Tuesday, March 3 World Baseball Classic Exb. (Panama) 1:05 p.m.
Wednesday, March 4 New York Yankees 1:05 p.m.
Thursday, March 5 World Baseball Classic Exb. (Venezuela) 2:05 p.m.
Friday, March 6 Houston Astros 7:05 p.m.
Sunday, March 8 Philadelphia Phillies 1:05 p.m.
Thursday, March 12 Washington Nationals 1:05 p.m.
Sunday, March 15 Houston Astros 1:05 p.m.
Tuesday, March 17 New York Mets 1:05 p.m.
Thursday, March 19 Detroit Tigers 7:05 p.m.
Friday, March 20 Florida Marlins 1:05 p.m.
Saturday, March 21 New York Mets 1:05 p.m.
Tuesday, March 24 Pittsburgh Pirates 6:05 p.m.
Thursday, March 26 Toronto Blue Jays 1:05 p.m.
Friday, March 27 Detroit Tigers 1:05 p.m.
Saturday, March 28 New York Yankees 1:05 p.m.
Monday, March 30 Boston Red Sox 1:05 p.m.

All times are Eastern and are subject to change.
All games to be played at Champion Stadium at Disney’s Wide World of Sports Complex.

Atlanta Braves Spring Training Ticket Prices:

Seat Location Season ndividual Game
Lower Level Reserved $425 $28
Upper Level Reserved (Rows A-L) $340 $24
Upper Level Reserved (Rows M-W) $323 $22
Bleacher Reserved (Sections 104-106) $340 $24
Bleacher Reserved (Sections 101-103) $323 $22
Grass Berm - General Admission $255 $15

(Add $4 per ticket for Premium Games: Yankees, Mets and Red Sox).

Five-Game Mini-Plan includes tickets to: Nationals (3/12), Astros (3/15), Mets (3/17), Marlins (3/20) and Yankees (3/28) games for $128(upper reserved, rows A-L, or bleacher reserved sections 104-106 – on sale now)

First Half Three-Game Mini-Packincludes tickets to: Phillies (3/1), Yankees (3/4) and Astros (3/6) games for $76 (upper reserved, rows A-L, or bleacher reserved sections 104-106 – on sale now)

Second Half Three-Game Mini Pack includes tickets to: Pirates (3/24), Tigers (3/27) and Red Sox (3/30) games for $76 (upper reserved, rows A-L, or bleacher reserved sections 104-106 – on sale now)

Single-Game Tickets: Ticketmaster – 407/839-3900, www.ticketmaster.com or DWWS box office

Season and Group Tickets/Suites/Mini-Packs: DWWS Sports Sales – 407/939-GAME (4263)

January 19, 2009

ESPN Regional Television, Inc. (ERT), a subsidiary of ESPN, announced today the complete field for the 2009 Old Spice Classic, to be held Thanksgiving weekend at the Milk House at Disney’s Wide World of Sports® Complex near Orlando, Fla.

Florida State rounds out the eight-team field for the fourth annual Old Spice Classic. The other teams, announced previously: Alabama, No. 21 Baylor, Creighton, Iona, No. 14 Marquette, No. 24 Michigan and No. 16 Xavier. Florida State received votes last week in The Associated Press Top 25 poll.

Three of the seven teams announced reached the 2007-08 NCAA Tournament: Xavier, Baylor, Marquette. Xavier advanced to the Elite Eight. Creighton and Florida State participated in the National Invitation Tournament.

The 2009 Old Spice Classic, a bracket-format tournament, will feature 12 games in three days, Nov. 26, 27 and 29. Sponsors include Old Spice, ESPNU and Disney’s Wide World of Sports. The Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference (MAAC) will serve as the event’s sponsoring conference for the fourth straight year.

Each team will compete in one game per day, advancing through a bracket-tournament format. The two teams that remain undefeated throughout will face off in a championship match Sunday, Nov. 29.

The tournament is a weekend-long affair at the Walt Disney World Resort, and participating teams are invited to the Walt Disney World Resort Theme Parks and other event functions.

Last November at the Milk House, then-No. 10 Gonzaga won the 2008 Old Spice Classic with an 83-74 victory over then-No. 12 Tennessee in the championship game. Previous winners were North Carolina State in 2007 and Arkansas in 2006.

Additional information, including travel packages, can be found on the Old Spice Classic Web site at www.oldspiceclassic.com. For more information on Disney’s Wide World of Sports, visit www.disneysports.com.

The Atlanta Braves report to Disney's Wide World of Sports Complex for baseball spring training. The On-Field Spectator Experience is one of several new immersive options for fans attending the games. A few baseball fans - including Goofy - have fun snapping photos of all the action.

Special viewing areas, concerts, all-you-can-eat options and expanded Disney character appearances among features aimed at creating more immersive experience for spectators

LAKE BUENA VISTA- (Feb. 19, 2009) - Fans attending Atlanta Braves spring training games this year at Disney’s Wide World of Sports Complex have the opportunity to customize their experience with a variety of new immersive features created specifically for spectators.

Among the features at Disney:

· On-Field Spectator Experience ($75 per person): Sponsored by Kodak, this option allows a limited number of fans to watch pre-game batting practice and warm-ups on the field in an area behind home plate. Fans purchasing this option will also receive a free disposable Kodak camera.

· House of Blues Entertainment (Free): Special pre-game and in-game concerts in the ballpark featuring blues musicians Ruth King and Jeff Coffee at select games.

· All-You-Can-Eat Buffet ($18.95 per person): Designated patio along the third base side that features all-you-can-eat hot dogs, hamburgers, popcorn, peanuts, soda and bottled water.\

· Disney Character Appearances: A classic Disney character will be on hand at all 18 home games. Characters will accompany first-pitch contestants to the mound.

· Music-Themed Games: Six games will be themed with music from the 1950s, 60s, 70s, 80s and 90s, as well as Latin music.

Additional fan features include trivia contests and several promotional nights, all designed to give fans a baseball spring training experience they can’t get anywhere else.

“With these new guest enhancement options, fans will have the ability to immerse themselves in Braves spring training like never before, creating a customizable experience at an affordable price that can bring them closer to their favorite players and enhance their overall spring training experience at Disney,” said Faron Kelley, director of Marketing and Communications for Disney Sports. “We think these fan options, coupled with the Braves’ extraordinary spring schedule that includes the Yankees, Red Sox and reigning World Series champion Phillies, will make this year’s spring training season one of the best ever for fans attending the games.”

The 12th edition of Atlanta Braves Spring Training at Disney features the best schedule ever at Champion Stadium including games against the New York Yankees, the New York Mets, the World Champion Philadelphia Phillies, the Boston Red Sox and two World Baseball Classic exhibitions against Venezuela and Panama. The Braves open the spring season Feb. 26 against the Houston Astros.

Individual game tickets range from $15 (general admission lawn seats) to $28 (lower reserved); please add $4 per ticket for Premium Games (Yankees, Mets and Red Sox). Tickets can be purchased through Ticketmaster (407/839-3900 and ticketmaster.com) and at the Disney’s Wide World of Sports Complex box office.

Information on the Braves’ spring training season, group tickets and mini-packs is available by calling 407/939-GAME (4263) and online at disneysports.com. Fans may also purchase Atlanta Braves Spring Training travel packages through Spring Training USA. Travel packages include Braves game tickets, accommodations at Walt Disney World Resort and other benefits. Information is available online at springtrainingtours.com.

2009 Atlanta Braves Spring Training Home Schedule
At Disney’s Wide World of Sports Complex

Game Date Opponent Time
Thursday, Feb. 26 Houston Astros 1:05 p.m.
Sunday, March 1 Philadelphia Phillies 1:05 p.m.
Tuesday, March 3 World Baseball Classic Exb. 1:05 p.m.
Wed., March 4 New York Yankees 1:05 p.m.
Thurs., March 5 World Baseball Classic Exb. 2:05 p.m.
Friday, March 6 Houston Astros 7:05 p.m.
Sunday, March 8 Philadelphia Phillies 1:05 p.m.
Thursday, March 12 Washington Nationals 1:05 p.m.
Sunday, March 15 Houston Astros 1:05 p.m.
Tuesday, March 17 New York Mets 1:05 p.m.
Thursday, March 19 Detroit Tigers 7:05 p.m.
Friday, March 20 Florida Marlins 1:05 p.m.
Saturday, March 21 New York Mets 1:05 p.m.
Tuesday, March 24 Pittsburgh Pirates 6:05 p.m.
Thursday, March 26 Toronto Blue Jays 1:05 p.m.
Friday, March 27 Detroit Tigers 1:05 p.m.
Saturday, March 28 New York Yankees 1:05 p.m.
Monday, March 30 Boston Red Sox 1:05 p.m.

All times are Eastern and are subject to change.
All games to be played at Champion Stadium at Disney’s Wide World of Sports Complex.

Atlanta Braves Spring Training Ticket Prices:

Seat Location Season Individual Game
Lower Level Reserved $425 $28
Upper Level Reserved (Rows A-L) $340 $24
Upper Level Reserved (Rows M-W) $323 $22
Bleacher Reserved (Sections 104-106) $340 $24
Bleacher Reserved (Sections 101-103) $323 $22
Grass Berm - General Admission $255 $15

(Add $4 per ticket for Premium Games: Yankees, Mets and Red Sox).

Five-Game Mini-Plan includes tickets to: Nationals (3/12), Astros (3/15), Mets (3/17), Marlins (3/20) and Yankees (3/28) games for $128 (upper reserved, rows A-L, or bleacher reserved sections 104-106 – on sale now)

First Half Three-Game Mini-Pack includes tickets to: Phillies (3/1), Yankees (3/4) and Astros (3/6) games for $76 (upper reserved, rows A-L, or bleacher reserved sections 104-106 – on sale now)

Second Half Three-Game Mini-Pack includes tickets to: Pirates (3/24), Tigers (3/27) and Red Sox (3/30) games for $76 (upper reserved, rows A-L, or bleacher reserved sections 104-106 – on sale now)

Single-Game Tickets: Ticketmaster – 407/839-3900, www.ticketmaster.com or DWWS box office

Season and Group Tickets/Suites/Mini-Packs: DWWS Sports Sales – 407/939-GAME (4263)

LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla. – (Mar. 8, 2009) – In a perfect end to a fairytale weekend, Liza Galvan of San Antonio, Tex., led over 7,500 women runners from around the world to victory at Disney’s Princess Half Marathon on Sunday. Galvan, 39, battled second-place finisher Nadezhda Tuptova for most of the 13.1 mile race through Magic Kingdom and Epcot before cruising to the finish line in 1:18:18. Tuptova (Gainesville, Fla.), 33, crossed the line in a time of 1:19:24. Firaya Sultanova, 47, also from Gainesville, Fla., posted a time of 1:20:26 to finish third.

In the Masters Division, Lilian Kroner (Monroe, N.Y.), 43, won in a time of 1:22:25 – besting the next competitor by nearly four minutes. Jacqui Kapinowski from Point Pleasant, N.J. crossed the finish line in a time of 1:22:26 to win the wheelchair division.

Disney’s Princess Half Marathon was the signature event that saw more than 11,000 women runners compete in various races that included the Royal Family 5K and the Princess Kids’ Races, making the inaugural event one of the largest endurance race weekends geared towards women.

The weekend also involved a health and wellness expo that included renowned fitness experts leading seminars on training, racing and nutrition, and the latest running and fitness equipment. Participants and their guests experienced Princess meet and greets, a makeover at Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique and a Princess-themed after party at Disney's Hollywood Studios with live entertainment and a special gift at the stroke of midnight. While the weekend is designed for women, more than 200 men participated on behalf of the women in their lives.

About Disney’s Endurance Series
Disney’s Endurance Series gives recreational athletes of all ages and abilities the chance to walk, jog, run, bike and swim their way “around the world.” From marathons to road races to triathlons, athletes from across the country and around the world compete to stay in shape, achieve personal-best times and raise donations for charitable causes. Popular Endurance Series events are the Walt Disney World Marathon and Half Marathon (January), Expedition Everest Challenge (September), Disneyland Half Marathon (September), Disney’s Race for the Taste 10K (October) and The Twilight Zone Tower of Terror 13K (October). Visit disneyenduranceseries.com for more information.

A PERFECT 10: Mickey Mouse warms up with Super Bowl XLIII MVP Santonio Holmes (left) and 1999 National League MVP Chipper Jones (right) as they exchange their #10 jerseys and autographs March 27, 2009 at Disney's Wide World of Sports Complex in Lake Buena Vista, Fla. Jones, who plays third base for the Atlanta Braves, is currently playing at the complex's Champion Stadium during the Braves' Spring Training season. Holmes, wide receiver for the Pittsburgh Steelers, is training with several of his teammates on the complex's football fields in preparation for the upcoming 2009 NFL season. (Diana Zalucky, photographer)

The Disney Endurance Series' fall lineup offers a full slate of new immersive features for guests including never-before-seen medals, new road races and exclusive post-race parties. Runners registering for Disney's Race for the Taste 10K and either the Twilight Zone Tower of Terror 13K or the Expedition Everest Challenge presented by Champion will receive a bonus medal.

Finishers of two fall races to earn one-of-a-kind medal; events to feature expanded race options; registration now open


LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla. (April 29, 2009) – Disney Sports is creating a one-of-a-kind bonus medal for runners who complete the Fall Race Challenge, competing in two of Disney’s three fall endurance events at Walt Disney World Resort. Runners that record an official time for Disney’s Race for the Taste 10K and either the Expedition Everest Challenge presented by Champion or The Twilight Zone Tower of Terror 13K will receive the bonus medal in addition to individual race medals – a total of three race medals for running two races. Registration for all three fall events is now open.

“Disney is dedicated to providing guests with new, interactive features to make their race experience more fun, more exciting and more memorable,” says Disney Endurance Series Director Kathleen Duran. “We are always looking for new ways to differentiate our Disney events by creating unique, immersive experiences.”

Disney’s fall lineup includes expanded race options. The Twilight Zone Tower of Terror 13k event will feature a 5k and an exclusive post-race party. Disney’s Race for the Taste 10k event will include a new 3k race designed for casual runners and those looking to compete in their first endurance event.

The Disney Endurance Series fall lineup includes:

Expedition Everest Challenge presented by Champion (Sept. 26, 2009): This second-year event is the first urban adventure race in Disney’s Endurance Series. The two-person team competition features a 5k, scavenger hunt and an obstacle course designed to challenge runners physically and mentally. There is an exclusive post-race party at Disney’s Animal Kingdom for the finishers. A portion of all entry fees will benefit the Himalayan Youth Foundation and Disney’s Wildlife Conservation Fund.

Disney’s Race for the Taste 10K (Oct. 11, 2009): This race takes runners through Disney’s Hollywood Studios and around the 11 pavilions of Epcot World Showcase. Guests have access to a post-race picnic that includes food samples from the Epcot International Food & Wine Festival, live Disney entertainment, music, games and face painters.

The Twilight Zone Tower of Terror 13K (Oct. 24, 2009): This road race returns for its third year and the journey includes a haunting course through the vacant streets of Disney’s Hollywood Studios. The event includes an exclusive post-race party with family and friends.

To register for these and more Disney Endurance Series events including the Walt Disney World Marathon (Jan. 7-10, 2010), visit disneyenduranceseries.com.

About Disney’s Endurance Series
Disney’s Endurance Series gives recreational athletes of all ages and abilities the chance to walk, jog, run, bike and swim their way “around the world.” From marathons to road races to triathlons, athletes from across the country and around the world compete to stay in shape, achieve personal-best times and raise donations for charitable causes. Popular Endurance Series events include the Walt Disney World Marathon and Half Marathon (January), Disney’s Princess Half Marathon (March) and the Disneyland Half Marathon (September).

NOTE: Registration for Goofy's Race and Half Challenge is reopened due to unprecedented demand and increased Half Marathon course capacity for 2010. Come celebrate the 5th anniversary of Goofy's Race and a Half Challenge with 7500 of your closest friends!

Ever thought you could run the Disney Marathon? How about in three minutes or less? Take a tour of the Walt Disney World Marathon from start to finish. See the sights, sounds and entertainment along the way on this 26.2 mile magical journey through all four theme parks (Magic Kingdom, Epcot, Disney's Hollywood Studios, Epcot) in just three minutes.