Project Overview

The Disney’s Wide World of Sports Complex project involved the construction of a comprehensive 220-acre professional-grade sports facility designed to host amateur and professional sporting events of all levels. Completed in March 1997 at a cost of $101 million, this landmark construction management initiative created what would become one of the premier multi-sport complexes in the world. Serving as Associate Construction Manager, the project team coordinated the development of diverse athletic venues ranging from a major league baseball stadium to specialized facilities for tennis, track and field, softball, and basketball. The completed complex represented Disney’s strategic expansion into sports tourism and event hosting, combining world-class athletic facilities with Disney’s renowned operational excellence and guest experience. The project’s exceptional execution was recognized with the prestigious ABC Eagle Award for “Excellence in Construction.”

Project Scope

• Construction of a major league baseball stadium (later named Champion Stadium)

• Development of a comprehensive field house for indoor sports

• Construction of a dedicated maintenance facility supporting complex operations

• Creation of multiple baseball practice fields for team training

• Development of regulation softball fields for tournament play

• Construction of specialized little league fields for youth competitions

• Implementation of a professional-grade running track and field facilities

• Construction of a tennis stadium and pavilion for tournament events

• Development of a softball tower providing administrative and viewing facilities

• Construction of extensive parking facilities supporting venue operations

• Implementation of site-wide infrastructure and utilities

• Development of landscaping and pedestrian circulation systems

• Integration with Disney’s broader Orlando resort infrastructure

Key Features

• Professional Baseball Stadium: Major league-caliber facility designed for spring training and professional competition

• Multi-Purpose Field House: Versatile indoor facility supporting basketball, volleyball, and other court sports

• Tournament-Quality Sports Fields: Professional-grade playing surfaces for various field sports

• Specialized Tennis Complex: Stadium court and pavilion designed for competitive tennis events

• Track and Field Facility: Competition-grade running track with supporting field event areas

• Youth Sports Venues: Dedicated facilities scaled for youth and amateur competition

• Comprehensive Support Infrastructure: Maintenance facilities ensuring consistent venue quality

• Integrated Design Aesthetic: Cohesive architectural approach reflecting Disney’s commitment to immersive environments

• Spectator Accommodations: Thoughtfully designed viewing areas across multiple venues

• Operational Efficiency: Purpose-built facilities supporting efficient event management and transitions

• Award-Winning Construction: Execution quality recognized with the ABC Eagle Award for “Excellence in Construction”

Construction Approach

1. Associate Construction Management Role: Collaborative oversight in partnership with Disney’s construction leadership

2. Multi-Venue Coordination: Synchronized development of diverse sports facilities within a unified complex

3. Disney Quality Standards: Implementation of Disney’s exacting requirements for guest experience and operational functionality

4. Phased Facility Delivery: Strategic scheduling allowing partial complex operation during overall construction

5. Professional Sports Compliance: Adherence to specific dimensional and quality requirements of various sports governing bodies

6. Integration with Resort Operations: Careful coordination with Disney’s broader Orlando resort infrastructure and systems