New concept art and details of activities coming to the NBA Experience at Disney Springs

By WDWMAGIC Staff · Wednesday December 19, 2018 10:08am ET · "The NBA Experience"
New concept art and details of activities coming to the NBA Experience at Disney Springs
NBA Experience at Disney Springs will feature a dozen activities when it opens in summer 2019.

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The NBA Experience concept art

The NBA Experience concept artThe NBA Experience concept artThe NBA Experience concept art

Disney has today revealed new details on the upcoming NBA Experience, opening in Disney Springs summer 2019.

“Developed with the NBA, and inspired by the league’s 29 arenas around the country, NBA Experience will highlight the heart-pounding action and excitement of the NBA world,” said Stan Dodd, Executive Producer, Walt Disney Imagineering. “From training simulations and clock-racing competitions to fan-favorite NBA moments – we’re bringing new experiences and thrilling games to life to make fans truly feel like a star player.”

“The Walt Disney Imagineering team has unparalleled expertise in creating best-in-class attractions for the millions of guests who visit their parks each year,” said Salvatore LaRocca, President, Global Partnerships, NBA. “The NBA Experience will be a destination for basketball fans from all over the world, and we are excited to partner with Disney to bring new and lifelong fans closer to the game.”

According to Disney, NBA Experience will feature something for everyone. Visitors will get a glimpse into the atmosphere at the NBA Draft, participate in their own scouting reports, go through pregame preparations, and step onto the court to make clutch shots and highlight reel-worthy slam dunks. With a dozen unique and innovative activities, guests will:

  • Experience one of the biggest milestones for a basketball player at the NBA Draft with a photo moment that re-creates the atmosphere of the draft stage.
  • Track and improve their jump shots and passing skills in a replicated NBA Combine challenge, complete with a scouting report that highlights their stats at the end of the session.
  • Step onto the court and hear the roar of the crowd as they maneuver through a series of timed shots to aim for a high score.
  • Execute the perfect slam dunk just like NBA superstars, captured by cameras surrounding adjustable baskets.
  • Test their ball-handling skills with an interactive trainer who will challenge them with a variety of dribbling routines.
  • Use an oversized slingshot to launch basketballs at hoops of varying heights, making as many shots as possible before the clock runs out in this thrilling timed challenge.
  • Immerse themselves in the rich legacy and history of NBA and WNBA championship-winning teams.
  • Access a team locker room that showcases up-to-date statistics and visuals of top NBA and WNBA players.
  • Test their knowledge of the NBA and WNBA – past and present – during a trivia game with up to 25 participants competing against one another to be champion.
  • Enjoy two 180-degree cinematic presentations that showcase the in-arena experience moments before the start of the game, as well as special stories from the players’ perspectives.
  • Take a seat at an interactive multi-screen module to watch replay clips from NBA games, using the tools at their stations to make the right calls.
  • Play interactive basketball games, from the fan-favorite Pop-A-Shot to modern video games.
  • Exclusive NBA-themed merchandise designed by Disney.

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New concept art and details of activities coming to the NBA Experience at Disney Springs
It sounds good and much more interactive than people were expecting. I still think the NBA isn't as popular as it was 20 years ago, but basketball is still a popular sport around the world.
Just read the blog... It’s pretty much just a “magical” basketball stadium... And as a huge fan of DisneyQuest and doesn’t play basketball...
Ugh. What a gross looking building. What a gross sounding "experience."
↩ replying to wdwmagic
Sounds like the Star Wars Hotel for Basketball. ;)
Look, I question the viability of the NBA as a popular franchise as much as anyone, but I still think people are being way too negative about this. It seems like it is going to have some good interactive elements going on. I'll be interested to see how popular it actually is. Perhaps we'll be surprised.
Maybe they should bring in references to SpaceJam.

...

*crickets chirping*

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↩ replying to ChrisFL
That's 100% not the tact I am taking. The NBA is wildly popular. I just hate this use of space. It's ugly, and it sounds like a one and done type experience on the inside.
↩ replying to ChrisFL
I think the popularity will be determined by the price... I dont think the average person will spend crazy money on this.
↩ replying to DisneyOutsider
All that means is there are many idiots who listen to her warbling dreck.
↩ replying to KBLovesDisney
↩ replying to xdan0920
I'm not sure it's ugly...at least it shows on the outside what it has on the inside, unlike DisneyQuest which for the most part was a barren box, and they eventually added a super crappy TV screen on the outside
I think this sounds great!!! But I think the placement is wrong. (Man I feel like ive said that before......oh yeah epcot).. anyhoo..
I don't think it will be as successful as it could be. This isn't something that you will do in 30 minutes like the void, or even bowling. This honestly is going to be a several hour thing. Which is why I say its a bad placement. HEY kids you want to go to the NBA thing.. or a Disney park... or universal.. or gator world... or sea world... or busch gardens... or silver springs.. or the water park... or lego land... or.....
There is just too much BETTER competition.. and I say that as a sports fan, that's the same reason that as a tourist id never go see a movie while I'm at Disney springs (I'm sure the majority of moviegoers is local, but will you see them flock to this? BUT.. you build this in an NBA town with less competition I think this could be gold.. especially if its walking distance from an nba stadium.
Personally id spend my time in a theme park or the beach instead of this.
But if my competition is dave and busters.. I'm doing this.
↩ replying to xdan0920
It looks like a modern stadium.. which is probably the exact look they are going for.
NBA....ugh.... such an underwhelming concept