FCD set to return to Disney Pro Soccer Classic in late February

FRISCO, Texas – Champions of the 2011 Disney Pro Soccer Classic, FC Dallas will return to ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex at Walt Disney World Resort for the 2012 edition of the tournament in late February.

FC Dallas will be joined by in-state rivals Houston Dynamo as well as Toronto FC, Vancouver Whitecaps FC, Montreal Impact, Sporting Kansas City, Sweden’s B.K. Hacken and Orlando City SC.

“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 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 SC “Fan Fest” on Feb. 25 when fans can meet Orlando City players and pose for photos with the team’s trophies.

Placed in Pool 2 with Toronto FC, Orlando City and B.K. Hacken, FC Dallas will kick off the tournament with an 7 p.m. CT matchup against B.K. Hacken on Feb. 25. Three days later, FC Dallas will meet Orlando City for the third time in two seasons in a match also scheduled to begin at 7 p.m. CT FC Dallas’ final match of pool play will be on March 1 against Toronto FC. That game is scheduled to begin at 5 p.m. CT.

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, and VIP access to player and coach meet-and-greets, etc.

About ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex
ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex, which hosts more than 350 events a year, is the leading multi-sport venue for amateur and professional sports in the nation, accommodating 70 different sports and athletes from more than 70 countries.  Designed to take youth sports to the next level, the 250-acre facility features multiple competition venues, including Champion Stadium, the HP Field House, the Jostens Center, the Hess Sports Fields, a track & field facility, a tennis complex and a baseball/softball sportsplex.

It is also home to the ESPN Innovation Lab, a real-world testing ground for the ESPN Emerging Technology Group that develops ground-breaking on-air products like Ball Track and ESPN Snap Zoom, as well as development of its new 3-D television channel.  In addition, the complex features 56 high-definition cameras and 40 high-definition video screens, including three jumbo screens, which can capture and display footage from any event taking place at the complex.  The camera and video screens, as well as a 20-zone audio system, are controlled through the state-of-the-art HD and 3-D Production Center with direct links to ESPN facilities in Bristol, Conn., New York and Los Angeles.  For more information, visit www.disneysportsnews.com for press releases, photos and videos.  Follow us on Twitter at @DisneySports.

2012 Disney Pro Soccer Classic Schedule