Filed under: baseball, sports, spring training, top-feature, Walt Disney World Resort
Disney World Hosts Atlanta Braves Spring Training
Spring workouts for Major League baseball teams have been a tradition in Florida nearly 100 years. What began as a smattering of exhibition games between the Big League and local semi-pro teams, turned into a full fledged training session for Chicago Cubs players when they arrived in Tampa in 1913.
Lured to the area by the mayor of Tampa, who agreed to pay all their expenses up to $100 per player, the manager of the Cubs hoped the warm sunshine would give his team the boost they needed – since the former National League Champions had been slipping in the rankings. Vacationing tourists and residents gathered to watch the team as they were worked into shape, and nearly 6,000 fans attended an exhibition game against the Havana Athletics.
Other Florida towns began offering training sites to other teams. Spring fever soon took over America’s National Pastime and Florida’s Grapefruit League was born. Today, 15 Major League teams comprise the League that head to cities within Florida annually for spring training, and for the 14th consecutive season, Walt Disney World Resort (map) will host the Atlanta Braves.
Held at ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex the double-decked Champion Stadium (map) boasts luxury sky boxes, open air suites and patios among its 9,500 seats providing the feel of a true major league stadium. Yet, with bleachers and lawn seats available on a grassy knoll, fans enjoy a closeness to their favorite players.
Tickets are now on sale for an 18 game series running February 27 – March 28 and features such worthy opponents and fan favorites as the New York Yankees, Boston Red Sox, St. Louis Cardinals, and Philadelphia Phillies. Season ticket holders can enjoy many extra amenities including a general admission pass for all non-game day practices, a complimentary golf membership at Walt Disney World Courses, and an invitation to an exclusive event with Atlanta Braves players. Guests in town for a short time can take advantage of Mini-Season ticket package that grants access to four games.
Official Braves Spring Training Packages are available and include tickets, with options for accommodations that offer everything from luxury to pure convenience. Fans that select accommodations at either Disney’s Boardwalk Inn or Disney’s Port Orleans will receive the added money and time saving bonus of complimentary travel to their hotel aboard Disney’s Magical Express.
An On-Field Spectator Experience is available for the ultimate baseball fan. Guests feel like part of the team as they go on the field during warm-ups and batting practice of both the Atlanta Braves and their opponents. Purchased in addition to the game ticket, this exclusive experience is available in a limited number.
Another great way to feel a part of the game while at ESPN Wide World of Sports is to visit PlayStation Pavilion. The Pavilion holds a large number of PS3 gaming systems and new exclusive titles projected on 40 inch HDTVs allowing participants to virtually jump in the field of play. Not feeling athletic? Then grab the mic, hit the stage and jam to your favorite tunes. PlayStation Pavilion is located within the Wide World of Sports Grill that serves a variety of sandwiches, salads and pasta dishes and is a great place to relax or relive the game. Above all, do not leave this area without taking advantage of the ultimate photo opportunity, a picture of yourself behind the replicated ESPN Sport Center desk.
The close proximity of the Sports Complex to Walt Disney Resort opens a whole world of additional dining options. Disney’s Boardwalk (map) holds dining and entertainment options including ESPN Club, known as the ultimate sports dining/entertainment spot. Over 100 monitors will keep you up on all the action, or play one of the arcade games right at your seat. Keep your eyes open for your favorite celebrity sports figure as interviews are often conducted here. Also on the Boardwalk is Big River Grille and Brewing Works, Disney’s only micro-brewery.
While it may not be baseball, sports fans cannot look past the opportunity to dine with a legend at Shula’s Steak House, located within Walt Disney World Dolphin Resort (map). Named for the coach of the 1972 Miami Dolphins, Don Shula, the steak house is decorated with photos and memorabilia commemorating the only NFL team to go undefeated. Shula’s is the winner of numerous awards including Wine Spectators Award of Excellence and Orlando’s Best High End Steak House. Guests make selections from a menu printed on an NFL football autographed by the coach himself. If you are feeling extra hungry, try the 48-ounce Porterhouse – clean your plate from this morsel and you are a member of the exclusive Shula’s 48-ounce Club.
Fans needing to stretch their legs a bit will enjoy the shopping, dining and entertainment options available at the Downtown Disney Area (map). One of my favorite spots within Disney World, Downtown Disney is alive with activity. I especially like the variety of “street performers” scattered throughout and since there is no fee for parking, guests get a taste of Disney for very little money.
As the sounds of bats cracking fill the air it can only mean one thing, its Spring!
Photo Selections: WDW News
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