The Arena at ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex to host basketball, volleyball, gymnastics, wrestling and e-sports, and is the only venue of its size in America specifically designed with cheerleading and dance competitions in mind

Lake Buena Vista, FL – As the 20th anniversary celebration of ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex continues, Walt Disney World Resort opens a new multi-purpose arena at the complex that includes streamers, a high-energy cheerleading routine featuring Minnie Mouse in her new cheerleader uniform and an official ribbon-cutting moment.

The grand opening ceremony on Jan. 12 will showcase the new multi-purpose sports and entertainment arena, which continues the growth and expansion of the 220-acre Disney sports venue, widely regarded as the leading facility for youth sports in America. The launch of the arena – the third indoor competition venue at ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex – marks yet another milestone for the Disney sports facility.

The 8,000-seat arena, one of the largest in the nation designed specifically for cheer and dance events, will host a variety of major indoor sports events, ranging from basketball to volleyball to gymnastics to wrestling, and even some e-sports events.

ESPN Wide World of Sports executives and longtime partners from AAU and Varsity will be on hand to officially dedicate the 300,000-square-foot indoor venue, which will host its first event this weekend – the UCA and UDA College Cheerleading and Dance Team National Championship.

ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex opened in 1997 and pioneered a new type of sports vacation experience where athletes at all levels and ages can pursue their sports dreams. Over the last two decades, Disney has expanded its sports business with a relentless growth strategy centered on enhancing existing events, developing new and more diverse events such as tournaments, competitions and entertainment and creating additional sports experiences that exceed the expectations of guests in a way that only Disney and ESPN can.