Six Reasons to Compete in AAU Events at ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex this Summer

Thousands of AAU members across the nation will descend on Orlando, Florida – home of the world-famous Mickey Mouse – for elite AAU competition at ESPN Wide World of Sports Complexthis summer. We’ve compiled six reasons your team won’t want to miss this one-of-a-kind opportunity to compete at the most magical place on Earth.
 

(1) Competition. AAU national championship events are the premier competition opportunities for elite athletes across the nation each year. More than 75,000 athletes competing in volleyball, baseball, basketball, track and field and wrestling will compete in some of the same events as two-time NBA MVP Stephen Curry and 87th AAU James E. Sullivan Award winner Lauren Carlini.

(2) Broadcast. Friends and family can’t make the trip? No problem! Select events at ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex will stream live on WatchESPN so no one will miss their favorite athlete. Championship games at the AAU Girls’ Junior National Volleyball Championships and AAU Boys Basketball National Championships have accounted for much of the 2,000-plus broadcast hours on ESPN networks that have originated from the complex. 
 

(3) Venues. With more than 220 acres, ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex is home to some of the biggest AAU championship events each year – but it is also where professional athletes come to train. Take your position at third base in Champion Stadium and field groundballs on the same diamond as future MLB Hall of Famer Chipper Jones; cross the finish line at the Track and Field Complex where Olympic gold medalist Justin Gatlin trained; or take the floor at HP Fieldhouse on the same court that hosts the Advocare Invitational each year. Plus, athletes have an opportunity to compete in a brand-new 300,000-square-foot, 8,000-seat indoor arena which opened last month as part of the 20th anniversary celebration of ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex.

(4) Entertainment. You never know who might score some time at the Complex! Some of your favorite Disney characters may be spotted cheering on your athletes throughout the weekend. In addition to meet and greets, participants can expect lots of other special entertainment elements, including Opening Ceremonies hosted by the world-renowned Disney Entertainment at select events.

(5) Gameday Photo Service. Hire a photographer to capture your favorite athlete in action or put your star on the cover of ESPN The Magazine. Visit the Gameday Photos Experience in HP Field House or on the field to find out how you can ensure your athlete has the photos to remember his or her favorite AAU national championship experience for years to come!
 

 (6) Theme Parks. Only with AAU can athletes and their families experience the magic of Walt Disney World Resort before and after competitions. Combine your sports travel with a family vacation by exploring the new offerings at Walt Disney World Theme Parks. From the new attractions at Pandora – The World of Avatar at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Theme Park to an all-new nighttime fireworks show at Magic Kingdom Park, there’s so much fun for all the family. For select events, athletes even have the opportunity to enjoy themselves away from the competition and escape to a private party at Disney’s Typhoon Lagoon Water Park.

No matter which AAU national championship event you’ll be attending this year at ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex, don’t forget to plan your ultimate Disney Sports Vacation. AAU membership includes magical perks at Walt Disney World Resort! From complete sports travel packages to special savings on admission to ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex and the world-class Disney theme parks, the ultimate Disney sports vacation awaits for AAU national championship participants.

Visit your sport website below to find out more.

AAU Boys Basketball // AAU Girls Basketball // AAU Volleyball // AAU Wrestling // AAU Baseball //AAU Track and Field