Saints’ Drew Brees ‘Going to Disney World’ To Celebrate Victory, MVP Performance in Super Bowl XLIV
LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla. – So how is New Orleans Saints quarterback Drew Brees celebrating his heroic play in Super Bowl XLIV? In the frenzied moments just after his team claimed the National Football League championship Sunday night in South Florida, he stood in front of a TV camera and shouted five words that have become an almost iconic reaction to milestone achievements: “I’m going to Disney World!”
Brees’s pronouncement, part of the production for one of TV’s most enduring and celebrated commercials, was captured after the Saints’ 31-17 victory over the Indianapolis Colts – a game during which he earned the MVP honor, completing a Super Bowl record-tying 32 passes for 288 yards and two touchdowns. He was 16-for-17 in the second half, twice leading the Saints from behind. It added up to be a catalyst for the Saints’ first Super Bowl celebration in team history
On Monday (Feb. 8), Brees was to go to the place where millions of vacationers celebrate their personal milestone moments – Walt Disney World Resort. He was to be joined in the Magic Kingdom by NFL Youth Football players, who will participate with the Saints star in a Super Bowl celebration parade down Main Street, U.S.A.
This latest commercial is the 42nd of a series that began in 1987 following Super Bowl XXI. The first “I’m going to Disney World” commercial, featuring New York Giants quarterback Phil Simms, was regarded as a groundbreaking concept – a produced national commercial involving a current event, airing on major networks within hours of its conclusion. Brees joins a lineup of people from sports and beyond who have celebrated milestone accomplishments in “I’m going to Disney World” commercials.
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Aulani, a Disney Resort & Spa -- Main Lobby -- Artist Concept/Proposed.
 AULANI: Pictured, a rendering of the main lobby area for Aulani, a Disney Resort & Spa. The highly anticipated Disney destination resort currently under construction on the Hawaiian island of O‘ahu now has an official name and a dynamic new Web site offering an inside look at the project. The resort’s name – Aulani, a Disney Resort & Spa, Ko Olina, Hawai‘i – reflects the company’s deep commitment to celebrating the islands’ rich history and traditions. Plans call for the first phase of the resort to open in fall 2011. Disney has launched a new preview Web site, www.DisneyAulani.com, to provide updates and background information on the resort now under construction. The site also details some of the adventures and amenities under development, and includes conceptual art, descriptions of resort highlights, regularly updated resort information and photos of Aulani as it nears completion. Artist Concept/Proposed. ©2010 The Walt Disney Co.
SIGN OF THE TIMES: Disney Sports Complex receives its new name: ESPN WIde World of Sports Complex
 SIGN OF THE TIMES: The new marquee sign at ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex at Walt Disney World Resort is installed on Jan. 28, 2010. The leading multi-sport venue for amateur and professional athletes in the nation, the complex is being relaunched with the signature elements of ESPN and will officially take its new name on Feb. 25, 2010. Disney's multi-sport venue hosts more than 250 sporting events each year for amateur and professional athletes. On Feb. 25, ESPN Wide World of Sports will re-open with more than 40 high-definition and robotic video cameras, plus 10 handheld cameras, and 40 high-definition video screens, including two Jumbotrons placed throughout the complex. (Gene Duncan, Photographer)
La Nouba by Cirque du Soleil Adds ‘Happy Hour’ to the Party
World-Renowned Juggler Joins the 90-Minute Show at Downtown Disney
LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla. (Jan. 29, 2010)– La Nouba by Cirque du Soleil announced today that an incredible new act featuring world-renowned juggler Anthony Gatto will be added permanently to the 90-minute spectacle at Downtown Disney at Walt Disney World Resort beginning Feb. 5, 2010.
Anthony Gatto comes to La Nouba from the tour of KOOZA by Cirque du Soleil and holds 11 world records in juggling. In the nine-minute act, Gatto juggles balls, hoops and clubs in unprecedented numbers at amazing speed with seemingly impossible accuracy.
Gatto joins the ranks of professional athletes, dancers, vocalists, musicians and comedic performers in the cast of 67 artists in the incredibly creative and dynamic gem La Nouba.
“Anthony is a true showman and we are pleased to have him join the dedicated and talented cast of La Nouba. The juggling act is fast-paced and will add to the energy on stage,” said Neil Boyd, company manager. “This act is an amazing new addition for our fans that come to see the show year after year.”
Time magazine calls Gatto, “simply the best juggler ever.”
The new act is entitled “cinq-a-sept” which means “five-to-seven,” generally known as “happy hour.” This fits well with the meaning of La Nouba - “to party” or “live it up.”
This new act replaces the chair balancing act in the show.
TICKET INFORMATION
Florida residents can purchase tickets at 30 percent off of the regular price of Category 2 seats for shows from Feb. 2 through March 27. Discounted tickets are $58.85 for adults and $47.77 for children (ages 3 – 9). Tickets are available by calling 407/939-7328, in person at the box office located at the plaza level of the theater, or by logging on to cirquedusoleil.com/lanouba. For discounted group reservations of 12 or more, call 866/353-5625. For more information and to receive news alerts and priority sale details, visit facebook.com/lanouba.
PERFORMANCE SCHEDULE
Tuesdays through Saturdays at 6 and 9 p.m. The theater is dark Sundays, Mondays and select times throughout the year.
La Nouba is performed exclusively at Downtown Disney West Side at Walt Disney World Resort.
ABOUT CIRQUE DU SOLEIL
From a group of 20 street performers at its beginnings in 1984, Cirque du Soleil is now a major international organization providing high-quality artistic entertainment. Since its founding, Cirque du Soleil has thrilled close to 90 million spectators in more than 200 cities on five continents.
In addition to presenting La Nouba at Downtown Disney West Side, Cirque du Soleil presents seven equally unique and innovative productions in Las Vegas: Mystère™at Treasure Island, “O”™ at Bellagio, Zumanity™, The Sensual Side of Cirque du Soleil™ at New York-New York Hotel & Casino, KÀ™ at MGM Grand, The Beatles™, LOVE™, at The Mirage, CRISS ANGEL Believe™ at Luxor and Viva ELVIS™ at ARIA Resort & Casino at CityCenter.
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Photos available upon request.
CONTACT:
Laura J. Murphy
Cirque du Soleil | Publicist
O: 407.934.8117¦C: 407.451.8189
Go behind the scenes at La Nouba on Facebook!
JUGGLER 2010/1-29-10
NEW ACT FOR LA NOUBA: La Nouba by Cirque du Soleil is adding a new act featuring world-renowned juggler Anthony Gatto.
 NEW ACT FOR LA NOUBA: La Nouba by Cirque du Soleil is adding a new act featuring world-renowned juggler Anthony Gatto. Gatto will be added permanently to the 90-minute spectacle at Downtown Disney at the Walt Disney World Resort beginning February 5. Anthony Gatto comes to La Nouba from the tour of KOOZA by Cirque du Soleil and holds 11 world records in juggling. In the nine-minute act Gatto juggles balls, hoops and clubs in unprecedented numbers at amazing speed with seemingly impossible accuracy.
Table is Set for Exciting Dining Additions Coming to Epcot
LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla. – Two exciting additions are coming to Epcot World Showcase, with culinary expansions under way at the Italy pavilion and Mexico pavilion.
In Italy, an authentic Neapolitan pizzeria is under construction with opening planned for fall 2010 in time for the Epcot International Food & Wine Festival. Operated by Patina Restaurant Group, the same restaurateurs who run the pavilion’s Tutto Italia Ristorante, the 300-seat pizzeria is inspired by Naples 45, another Patina Restaurant Group pizzeria on East 45th Street in New York City.
The casual pizzeria will feature wood-burning ovens – and will import water from a source that most resembles the water in Naples, Italy, home of some of the world’s best pizza dough. The menu also will feature pastas, salads, sandwiches and Italian wines.
The 14,000-square-foot space will include indoor and outdoor dining.
At Mexico, the popular Cantina de San Angel restaurant is expanding, and will feature 400 seats with al fresco seating for lunch and a perfect place for viewing “IllumiNations: Reflections of Earth,” the nightly Epcot fireworks spectacular.
The restaurant will feature south-of-the border creations from the culinary team at San Angel Inn LLC, who have run both the outside eatery and the pavilion’s San Angel Inn for more than 25 years. Opening also is set for fall 2010.
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CELEBRATING VOLUNTEER SERVICE: Chad Ochocinco and a group of fans celebrate their volunteer service at the Magic Kingdom -- Jan. 23, 2010
 CELEBRATING VOLUNTEER SERVICE: Cincinnati Bengals All Pro wide receiver Chad Ochocinco (right) takes a ride Jan. 23, 2010 aboard the Big Thunder Mountain Railroad roller coaster at the Magic Kingdom in Lake Buena Vista, Fla. with fan John Ross (left) of Miami Beach, Fla. Ross was among 10 fans chosen to join the "Ocho Cinco Tour For Giving," a philanthropic bus tour with stops at charity organizations in Cincinnati, Ohio; Atlanta and Orlando, Fla. Immediately prior to bringing the 10 fans to the Magic Kingdom at Walt Disney World, Ochocinco accompanied the group to downtown Orlando, Fla. where he and the fans performed volunteer service at the Orlando Union Rescue Mission. (Todd Anderson, photographer)
ALL YOU NEED IS GLOVE: Cincinnati Bengals All Pro Wide Receiver Chad Ochocinco at the Magic Kingdom - Jan. 23, 2010
 ALL YOU NEED IS GLOVE: Wearing oversized Mickey Mouse gloves, Cincinnati Bengals wide receiver Chad Ochocinco catches a pass Jan. 23, 2010 in front of Cinderella Castle at the Magic Kingdom in Lake Buena Vista, Fla. The NFL All Pro visited the theme park during the "Ocho Cinco Tour For Giving," a philanthropic bus tour with stops at charity organizations in Cincinnati, Ohio, Atlanta and Orlando, Fla. The three-day journey kicked off in Cincinnati, where 10 lucky fans were chosen to join the NFL star for the tour. Immediately prior to coming to the Magic Kingdom at Walt Disney World, Ochocinco accompanied the group to downtown Orlando, Fla. where he and the fans performed volunteer service at the Orlando Union Rescue Mission. (Todd Anderson, photographer)
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Off the Beaten Path - Discover the Undiscovered at Walt Disney World Resort
LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla. – High-flying elephants and spinning teacups usually take center stage when a guest is thinking of Walt Disney World Resort. But did you know that 9-pound lemons flourish at The Land pavilion at Epcot, or that sunset safaris explore Africa-inspired savannas in the middle of Florida? Guests who take a second – or third – glance will come across countless undiscovered gems within the 40-square-mile Vacation Kingdom. Here’s a sample of “the unexpected”:
Experiences:
Find treasure at The Pirates League at Magic Kingdom – This buccaneer experience in Adventureland features makeovers that turn guests ages 3 and up into savvy swashbucklers. Guests who want to join Captain Jack’s motley crew will receive a pirate identity, be transformed into a pirate by a sea-sailing Pirate Master, gain access to a secret treasure room and unlock clues to more pirate encounters within Adventureland. All three packages include a sword and sheath, earring and eye patch, temporary tattoo, exclusive pirate coin necklace, map case folder, a personalized pirate oath and a pirate portrait. Packages start at $49.95 plus tax (407/WDW-CREW).
Take a spin on a Segway Personal Transporter – The Segway PT, originally the “Human Transporter” first displayed to the public at Epcot Innoventions in 2002, is the world’s first self-balancing personal transporter that uses advanced technology, gyroscopes and tilt sensors to emulate human balance. Guests can put these high-tech machines to the test in two tours offered most days at Epcot and also at Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort and Campground.
- Around the World at Epcot is a two-hour tour that allows guests to operate the device throughout World Showcase before the area opens to park guests ($99/person not including tax; tours are daily at 7:45, 8:30,9 and 9:30 a.m.).
- Simply Segway is a one-hour program that gives guests a product overview, training and indoor riding time at Innoventions ($35/person not including tax; daily at 11:30 a.m.). For both programs, class size is limited to 10 guests (407/WDW-TOUR).
- The Wilderness Back Trail Adventure at Disney's Fort Wilderness Resort is a two-hour beginner’s tour that allows guests to experience the outdoors first-hand on a Segway X2 Personal Transporter. The program also includes a product overview and training ($90/person not including tax; tours are Tuesday-Saturday 8:30 a.m. and 11:30 a.m.).
Harmony Barber Shop a cut above the rest – Sit back in the barber’s chair and experience a good old-fashioned haircut at Harmony Barber Shop on Main Street, U.S.A. in Magic Kingdom. Located near the Emporium and with a signature candy-striped pole outside, the shop transports guests to a simpler time when barbershop quartets entertained and getting a haircut was a real treat. “First Haircuts,” the establishment’s specialty, treats young’uns to pixie dust, bubbles, Mickey Mouse stickers and an extra-special “My 1st Haircut” set of Mouse Ears. Haircuts are $18 for “Baby’s First Haircut;” $15 for children; $19 for adults; first-come, first-serve.
Sunset Safari at Disney’s Kingdom Lodge offers up-close encounters with exotic creatures – Guests staying at the lodge can enter a serene animal reserve for an up-close encounter on the Wanyama Safari. Just before sunset seven nights a week, guests board a specially designed vehicle that explores the resort’s three savannas. Guests get picture-perfect views of more than 200 mammals and exotic birds and then partake in a savory South African feast at the resort’s signature restaurant, Jiko-The Cooking Place. The 3 ½-hour experience, including dinner, is $170. For reservations at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge, call 407/W-DISNEY.
The Land at Epcot mixes science and entertainment to grow one-of-a-kind plants – Behind the brightly colored, mosaic façade of The Land pavilion at Epcot sits offices where greenhouse magic takes place. “Horti-tainment,” a mix of horticulture and entertainment, creates some of the most visually interesting fruits and vegetables found under one roof anywhere in the world. Among the highlights: a world-record harvest from a single tomato vine (see below); Mickey Mouse-shaped cucumbers, watermelons and pumpkins; 9-pound lemons, and more.
‘Tomato Tree’ sets record with 32,000 tomatoes – The Tomato Tree at The Land pavilion at Epcot has blossomed into a record-setting plant. The tree was recognized as an official Guinness World Record Holder, with a one-year harvest of more than 32,000 tomatoes and a total weight of 1,151 pounds. Guests can spot the tree during the pavilion’s Living with the Land boat ride.
Take the ultimate divein a 6-million-gallon indoor aquarium with more than 65 species of marine life, including sharks, turtles, eagle rays and diverse tropical fish. DiveQuest at Epcot offers guaranteed calm seas, no current, unlimited visibility, incredible marine life and bright coral structures. Additionally, you become part of the show. Your family members and friends (with Epcot admission) can view your dive through any of the 56 giant acrylic windows at The Seas with Nemo & Friends. Guest must be at least 10 years of age and must provide proof of SCUBA certification to participate. Price of $175/person (not including tax) includes a limited edition T-shirt, refreshments, dive certificate and a dive log stamp. Call 407/WDW-TOUR for information.
Build your own roller coaster at the DisneyQuest CyberSpace Mountain attraction – Bill Nye the Coaster Guy walks guests through the design process where they choose from three different speeds, three world settings (fire, ice or outer space) and an infinite number of track combinations. The roller coaster of your dreams (or nightmares!) can do flips, corkscrews and even wild maneuvers such as a loop that flies off the tracks. A digital card tracks guests’ personal coasters and the simulator re-creates it both visually and physically. Downtown Disney guests must be 51" to ride, 407/W-DISNEY for more information.
Learn to hula dance at Disney’s Polynesian Resort, where complimentary classes take place most days in the resort’s lobby. Auntie Kaui, a hula dancer and instructor with 50 years experience, leads most of the classes offered Monday through Saturday at 3:45 p.m., and Saturday mornings from 10 a.m. until noon. Weekday classes are geared toward the younger set, with leis and grass skirts aplenty, while the Saturday morning lessons encourage guests of all ages to do the hula shake. And whether guests stay for five minutes or the full two-hour Saturday classes, they’ll learn a variety of chants and dances from such tropical locales as Hawaii, Tahiti and more.
The Archery Experience at Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort and Campground – Whether novice or expert marksman, an archery guide offers training and tips on how to hit the bulls-eye. Open to resort guests (ages 6 and up) and non-guests alike, the 90-minute experience costs $25 (plus tax) per person, includes equipment and instruction and can be booked up to 180 days in advance by calling 407/939-7529. Offered Thursday, Friday and Saturday afternoons.
Merchandise & Dining:
New, stylish boutique at Downtown Disney is sure to turn heads – Tren-D, the newest retail shop at Downtown Disney Marketplace, is packed full of retro, urban-inspired merchandise. With its designer flair and eclectic offerings, the specialty store is a one-of-a-kind destination for fashion-conscious shoppers seeking trendy apparel and novel accessories. Offerings include organic loungewear, embroidered handbags, jeweled sunglasses and hip accessories set among stylish art and unique furnishings. The eclectic environment offers a raw and unfinished feel with jeweled chandeliers, distinct fixtures and mod furnishings. Designers such as Kidada Jones, Tarina Tarantino and Roxy showcase their artistry – blending it with Disney-inspired creations.
New, fashionable Mickey Mouse earhats “all the rage” – Trendsetters and fashion gurus can strut their stuff with new Mickey Mouse earhats that come in a variety of vibrant colors and styles to suit guests of all ages. In addition to traditional earhats, there are specially designed ears with character-specific themes. Gal versions don pink veils, jeweled princess crowns or wild cheetah prints. For the boys, pirate scarves and hoop earrings adorn the headgear, plus Stitch-themed offerings and more. And with the Create Your Own Ears option, guests can custom design their own pair. The Mickey Mouse earhats are available in limited quantities at select locations throughout Walt Disney World Resort starting at $11.95.
Creative minds are put to good use at Once Upon a Toy in Downtown Disney Marketplace, where kids can build and customize toys in five uniquely themed rooms. The Build Your Own Mr. Potato Head display has customizable options including Mickey Mouse ears, a sorcerer’s hat and a teacup vehicle from Disney’s Mad Tea Party attraction. Guests can also enjoy the Build Your Own Lightsaber display, which is a step-by-step “Star Wars” merchandise experience that invites guests to build custom lightsabers with dozens of unique possibilities. It’s the ultimate toy-store shopping experience where kids and families can play and create together.
Walt Disney World guests are put right inside their own fairy tale thanks to the special offerings of the Walt Disney World Florist. From popping the question to a birthday or anniversary to “just because,” the choices are endless. Surprise moments can be created during a Disney dining experience. A park-goer can return to a guestroom strewn with rose petals. Or a lover can be surprised, during a carriage ride, with a glass slipper – nestled on a pillow made of flowers, ribbons and pearls. Guests can visit www.disneyflorist.com or call 407/827-3505.
In World Showcase, young guests can create their own Epcot souvenirs at the park’s Kidcot Funstops. Craftsmen teach the budding artisans how to create one-of-a-kind masks or musical instruments using their own magical touch. Parents and children alike will love to “travel the world” and discover these activity-filled craft areas at each of the pavilions.
Epcot is a World Showcase for art lovers – Epcot World Showcase has been a “showplace” of nations since its grand opening in 1982. But beyond the pagodas in Japan and the longboats in Norway lies a whole other world: treating art lovers to museum-quality galleries. Current exhibitions are located at Norway, China, Japan, Morocco, The American Adventure and Mexico. Admission to the exhibitions is included with general park admission.
Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge houses a diverse collection of African art sure to impress amateurs and aficionados alike. Sculptures and carvings throughout the resort tell stories that help familiarize guests with Africa and its diverse countries and regions. Among the art is the 16-foot-tall Igbo Ijele mask, a piece created and exported by the Igbo people of Nigeria specifically for use in the lodge.
Guests can slurp a sandwich at the 50s Prime Time Café at Disney’s Hollywood Studios where peanut butter and jelly take yummy milkshake form. At this fabulous 1950s kitchenette, the servers holler for guests to take their seats among Formica tables, pull-down lamps and knickknacks, checking in periodically to make sure each person eats their veggies and cleans their plate. Wash it down with a PB&J shake.
A popular place to take a break at Epcot is Club Cool, where guests can savor complimentary samples of Coca-Cola products from countries around the world including China, Israel, Italy and Costa Rica.
Coca-Cola products are available for purchase, including Frozen Coke, Style My Coke (contour bottle wrappers) and an array of merchandise.
The Dole Whip, sold at Aloha Isle in Adventureland at Magic Kingdom, combines pineapple soft serve in a delectable swirl with either vanilla or chocolate ice cream. The tasty, fruit-flavored treat can also be ordered with pineapple chunks or as a dole whip float, all sinfully sweet for a mid-day cool-down, and each for $5 or less.
For more information about Walt Disney World Resort, guests can visit www.disneyworld.com or phone 407/824-4321.
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OFFBEATUNEXPECTEDPT.3/01-21-10:as
Two-time MLS Cup Champion Houston Dynamo Headline Inaugural Walt Disney World Pro Soccer Classic
Pre-season tournament helps launch
Re-imagined ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex
LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla. (Jan. 21, 2010) – Four Major League Soccer clubs, FC Dallas, Houston Dynamo, the New York Red Bulls and Toronto FC, will compete in the inaugural Walt Disney World Pro Soccer Classic Feb. 25 and 27, 2010.
The Walt Disney World Pro Soccer Classic kicks off the re-launch of the ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex and is part of the 2010 ESPN The Weekend presented by Dick’s Sporting Goods.
On Thursday, Feb. 25 the Houston Dynamo face the New York Red Bulls at 6 p.m. followed by FC Dallas versus Toronto FC at 8:30 p.m. On Saturday, Feb. 27, the two losing teams will kick off at 6 p.m. with the two winners playing in the championship game at 8:30 p.m.
FC Dallas finished the 2009 season as one of the league's hottest teams, narrowly missing the post-season under the direction of Coach Schellas Hyndman. The FC Dallas squad was anchored by the MLS leading goal scorer, Jeff Cunningham, who notched 17 goals in his second season with the team. With key players from last season returning for the 2010 season including David Ferreira, Heath Pearce and Dax McCarty, FC Dallas are ready to start the MLS campaign and their quest for a playoff berth.
In their first two seasons, the Houston Dynamo won back-to-back MLS Cup championships in 2006-07. Led by head coach Dominic Kinnear, the Dynamo have also finished first (2008) and tied for first (2009) in the Western Conference in the last two seasons and represented the United States consistently in international competition.
The New York Red Bulls look to get off to a flying start in 2010, opening their brand new stadium, Red Bull Arena, in Harrison, N.J. this March. On the field, the Red Bulls are led by 2007 MLS Most Valuable Player finalist, Juan Pablo Angel, as well as new Coach Hans Backe. The Red Bulls look to return to the MLS Cup Playoffs and advance to the MLS Cup Final as they did in 2008.
Toronto FC begins their fourth season in MLS with hopes of reaching the post-season for the first time. Playing in the Eastern Conference, the League’s lone Canadian club finished with 39 points in 2009 and 10 wins, their best showing since their inception. With their new Coach, Preki, a strong nucleus of players led by two-time MLS Cup MVP Dwayne De Rosario, and a new grass pitch at their home BMO Field, Toronto FC is hoping for big things in 2010.
“Bringing four Major League Soccer teams to Central Florida to play in the Walt Disney World Pro Soccer Classic is very exciting and a big win for all of our local soccer players, fans, parents and spectators,” said Disney Sports Area Manager Patrick Dicks. “ESPN The Weekend is serving as a major platform for these teams to prepare for the upcoming season and we are proud to have them be a part of this re-branding weekend.”
Disney Sports plays host to some of the top youth soccer tournaments worldwide. Disney’s Soccer Showcase is one of the largest and most elite recruiting tournaments in the country, pulling in over 500 boys and girls youth soccer teams that compete for both medals and collegiate scholarships. The Disney Cup International is one of the premier international youth soccer tournaments in the world and since 1999 has brought in teams from more than 20 countries.
Opened in 1997, the ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex is a premier multi-sport venue for amateur and professional sports in the United States and has recently undergone changes to incorporate signature ESPN elements, ultimately taking the sports experience to the next level. High-definition video cameras, along with high-definition video screens and two Jumbotrons, have been added throughout the complex. Game highlights and action will be broadcast across the complex, in all Walt Disney World Resort rooms and will also feed into a new state-of-the-art digital center with a direct uplink to ESPN in Bristol, CT.
Daily tickets to the Disney Pro Soccer Classic will include admission to the complex for both games and entrance to ESPN The Weekend events that are taking place at the complex. Tickets can be bought on-site at the complex box office or through ticketmaster. For a full list of ESPN The Weekend events and ticket packages, visit www.disneysports.com and www.espntheweekend.com.
ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex
Opened in 1997 at Walt Disney World Resort, the ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex is the leading multi-sport venue for amateur and professional sports in the United States, hosting more than 250 events each year, and accommodating 60 different sports and athletes from more than 70 countries. In 2008, ESPN and Disney partnered to incorporate signature ESPN elements and re-imagine the complex, ultimately taking the sports experience to the next level. On Feb. 25, 2010 the ESPN Wide World of Sports will re-open with more than 44 high-definition and robotic video cameras, plus 10 handheld cameras, and 40 high-definition video screens, including two Jumbotrons placed throughout the complex. Game highlights and action from the complex will be fed into a new 2,500 square foot state-of-the-art digital center with eight edit bays and a direct uplink to ESPN in Bristol, CT.
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; the Hess Sports Fields, which include multiple baseball, softball and soccer fields; and the 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 and field complex. The complex is home to the Major League Baseball Atlanta Braves spring training, the Pop Warner Super Bowl, Chelsea Football Club events, the Special Olympics Florida Summer Games and AAU National Championship events, among others. Please visit www.disneysports.com for more information and follow us on Twitter @DisneySports.
ESPN The Weekend
ESPN The Weekend presented by Dick’s Sporting Goods is a one-of-a-kind experience for sports fans of all ages. Visit Disney’s Hollywood Studios and the ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex to get up-close and personal with star athletes and ESPN personalities. Take your best shot at the Interactive Sports Zone and catch live telecasts of Mike & Mike in the Morning, NFL Live, Baseball Tonight and more. For a schedule of events please visit www.espntheweekend.com.
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Contact:
Marissa May, Disney Sports Public Relations – 407/566.2739 (office)
SOCCERCLASSIC2-10/1-21-10
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