ESPN Wide World of Sports News Release
Monday, November 21, 2011
LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla. — The Houston Dynamo, which reached the MLS Cup championship game Sunday, is among the six teams that will round out the Disney Pro Soccer Classic field at ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex at Walt Disney World Resort in February 2012.
Houston joins Toronto FC, the Vancouver Whitecaps FC, the Montreal Impact, FC Dallas and Sweden’s B.K. Hacken in the eight-team field that also includes Orlando City Soccer and Sporting KC. In all, the 2012 field boasts six MLS squads - twice as many as a year ago.
“This is unquestionably the best Disney Pro Soccer Classic field we’ve had so far,’’ said Disney Sports manager Patrick Dicks. “This will be a rare opportunity for fans to see so many marquee pro soccer teams in one place and experience the game in an intimate, family-friendly atmosphere.’’
The Houston Dynamo has played in three MLS Cup title games in the last six years and had gone undefeated in its last nine games leading up to the title. The Dynamo return to Disney for the third straight year and will open the tournament on Feb. 24 at 6 p.m., against Sporting KC in an MLS Eastern Conference final rematch, followed by Montreal Impact versus Vancouver Whitecaps FC at 8 p.m.
Orlando City Soccer is the reigning USL Champion, but will have stiff competition from the MLS teams. Defending Disney Pro Soccer Classic Champion FC Dallas is back at Disney after reaching the MLS playoffs this season. And Toronto FC will be playing for the third straight year at ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex, which is the team’s official pre-season home.
Vancouver Whitecaps FC, which joined MLS in 2009, and Sweden’s B.K. Hacken will be making their Disney Pro Soccer Classic debuts.
The Classic begins with a week of pool play Feb. 24-March 1, followed by the championship game March 3. The tournament will offer fans unique interaction with players, such as the Orlando City Soccer “Fan Fest” on Feb. 25 when fans can meet players and pose for photos with the team’s trophies.
Single session tickets for the Disney Pro Soccer Classic, which include entry into two games, go on sale for $15.50 Dec. 1 through Ticketmaster (800/745-3000 and ticketmaster.com) and at the sports complex box office. All-tournament passes are $69.
Travel packages are available now for domestic MLS fans through AnthonyTravel.com and for Canadian MLS fans through Merit Travel. The packages may include accommodations near Walt Disney World Resort and the ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex, game tickets, ground transportation, discounted Disney theme park tickets, VIP access to player and coach meet-and-greets, etc.