March Madness basketball at Walt Disney World

If you are at all a college basketball fan, like I am, your brackets for the NCAA basketball tournaments are already filled out and ready to go. This year there is a new offering at the ESPN Club at Disney’s Boardwalk for VIP seating during March Madness. Beginning March 20th guests have the ability to book reserved seating area. Prices vary based on the portion of the tournament they are attending. For the elimination rounds (March 20 – 23) adult prices are $50 and children are $25. The Sweet 16 Round is $65 and Final Four is $75 for adults and both are $25 for children. During the basketball tournament there will be two sets of seating times, one from 12 – 4:30pm and the other from 5 – 11pm. ESPN Club’s hours of regular operation are from 11:30am – 1am, but are subject to change during March Madness.

From the ESPN Club website: “ESPN Club VIP Premium Club Seats are available for $50 per adult and $25 per child, and include all food and beverage orders up to those amounts; additional charges will apply for orders exceeding the cost of each individual Guest’s admission. Tax and gratuity are not included.”

If playing is more your style, Walt Disney World has several locations on property where you can shoot hoops. At the Walt Disney World Dolphin you can find an outdoor court near the lap pool. Equipment can be checked out at either the Swan or Dolphin health clubs. The court and equipment rental are exclusive to guests staying at the Swan or Dolphin. The Campgrounds at Fort Wilderness also have six quarter quarts located in different loops throughout the resort. Balls are typically available in a box located adjacent to each court. In addition to these, a few deluxe villas properties have courts at Animal Kingdom Villas – Kidani Village, Saratoga Springs Resort & Spa and at Disney’s Old Key West Resort. Balls are usually available at Community Hall. When it opens in August, the new Four Seasons Orlando will also offer a basketball court in their recreation area Explorer Island.

basketball

For those looking to be completely immersed in a basketball theme, you may want to check out Disney’s All Star Sports Resort and check in to the Hoops Hotel section. This value resort is one where you can surround yourself in all things basketball with larger than life icons outside the buildings and the theme carries over to the room decor. Pennants decorate the outside of the building featuring college basketball teams from around the country. Basketballs also adorn the exterior of the resort buildings that are more than five feet in diameter and number more than 70. The megaphone giant icon is 45 feet tall and the whistles are 60 feet long and 20 feet tall. If you, or any family members, are fans of basketball, this is a fun resort to enjoy great sports theming in the rooms and throughout the lobby area.

hoops hotel baskets

hoops hotel whistle

Are you all geared up for March Madness or are you just a basketball fan in general? If so, I hope you’ll check out these resorts to live, eat, sleep and breathe basketball at Walt Disney World. Shout out to your favorite teams you’re routing for in the NCAA tournament in the comments. Go Vols!

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Orlando City SC Triple Signing Adds Depth for 2014 Season

Lions Sign Justin Clark, Rafael Diaz and Aodhan Quinn

Orlando City SC

New additions will provide depth for Orlando City in 2014

With the 2014 USL PRO Season starting soon, Orlando City SC has a pending triple signing that could mean depth for the team roster.

Check out the signing information below and #GoCity! 

Orlando City SC announced on Wednesday the signing of Defender Justin Clark, Goalkeeper Rafael Diaz and Midfielder Aodhan Quinn for the 2014 USL PRO season, pending USSF approval. The three new additions will provide depth for Head Coach Adrian Heath’s roster.

Clark is set to rejoin the Lions after playing for Orlando last season, making 5 appearances during the 2013 campaign. With a year of professional experience under his belt, the athletic center-back will provide reassurance for veterans Rob Valentino and Brad Rusin.

Prior to joining Orlando City, Clark had a prolific career at local university, Rollins College. During his time as a Tar, the Atlanta, Ga. native was awarded the 2011 SSC of the Year award, named to the All-Sunshine State Conference team, named to the NSCAA All-South Region team, and also earned Third-Team All-America honors all during his senior year.

Both Diaz and Quinn are joining the Lions fresh off their college careers.

Diaz was a four-year starter at St. Johns University and has a tremendous wingspan that allows him to make difficult saves. While playing for the Red Storm Diaz set the all-time school-record with 32 shutouts, while being a three-time All-BIG EAST selection and a two-time NSCAA All-Northeast Region honoree. Diaz is also a former member of the U18 U.S. Men’s National team.

Quinn joins the Lions after capping off a stellar career at the University of Akron. Earlier this year, Quinn was selected by the Philadelphia Union in the third round (52nd overall) of the MLS SuperDraft. Known as a crafty midfielder, Quinn recorded 14 goals and 14 assists during his three years at Akron.

Transaction: Orlando City SC signs Defender Justin Clark, Goalkeeper Rafael Diaz, and Midfielder Aodhan Quinn

Name: Justin Clark | Rafael Diaz | Aodhan Quinn

Position: Defense | Goalkeeper | Midfielder

Height: 6’1 | 6’0 | 6’0

Weight: 170 | 160 | 155

Orlando City Soccer

About Orlando City Soccer Club:

Orlando City Soccer Club (OCSC) is Major League Soccer’s newest expansion team. The club will begin play in MLS in 2015, becoming the league’s 21st club. The Lions’ first team has won two USL PRO regular season titles and two postseason championships and will continue play in USL PRO in 2014 at the ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex. Outside of the first squad, OCSC also has a youth club, Orlando City Youth Soccer (OCYS) and a U-23 team that participates in the PDL. For more information on the pro and youth clubs, visit www.OrlandoCitySC.com and www.OrlandoCityYouth.org.

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