ESPN Wide World of Spots Complex at Walt Disney World Resort

I shared previously that our first scheduled event at the Social Media Mom's Conference was attending a special presentation about what's next for Walt Disney World followed by a fun tail gate style dinner and dance party.

Held at the soon to be renamed ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex, this 220-acres location is both large and expansive, one that before attending this conference, I had no idea even existed. I didn't realize that sports events of any kind took place at Disney World! It was kind of a shock to find out that over 250 events are staged each year, featuring around 60 different sports; involving athletes from over 70 countries. Over 2 million athletes, coaches, and families visit it each year.
It's where the Atlanta Braves have their spring training session, which interested me because baseball is one of the few sports I do follow. Several cheerleading events such as the World Cheerleading Championships, USSSA events, and the Walt Disney World Marathon, one of the top marathons in the nation all are held at Walt Disney World and ESPN televises more than 20 sporting events from the complex.

It really takes youth sports to the next level, and this entertaining venue filled with ESPN elements must make athletes feel like they've reached the big time. After a hard day of competition, players might be greeted with an ESPN style news flash on the big screens featuring themselves. Wouldn't that be a thrilling experience! It will also help connect them with favorite ESPN programs, personalities and elements as well as provide advertisers new sponsorship opportunities at the grass-roots level.
A wide variety of sports can be played at the sports complex from typical group sports many of us are aware of such as softball, soccer, football, and a variety of track & field to ones I am less familiar with like canine agility, cricket, and fencing and even some I've never heard of, dragon boat anyone?

I thought it was pretty neat touring an area of Walt Disney World I would have no reason to see otherwise. I think I need to start encouraging ER in athletics, I'd love to return as a proud mama cheering from the sidelines☺

{Disclaimer: All photos are courtest of Walt Disney World and press materials were utilized to help me write this post. I visited the ESPN Wide World of Sport Complex at Walt Disney World as part of the Social Media Moms Celebration. Observations and opinions expressed are my own.}