Star sightings: Disney draws athletes, broadcasters to revamped ESPN Wide World of Sports

Garrett Hartley, kicker for the New Orleans Saints, pulled double duty. He walked the green carpet in shades, then later had a hand/foot in the official reopening. (Photo by David Roark/Walt Disney Co.)

 Celebrities from the world of athletics and the broadcast studio walked along the green carpet — staged to look like a football field — during the grand re-opening/rebranding of Disney World’s ESPN Wide World of Sports on Thursday evening.

Garrett Hartley, who converted on three field goals in the Super Bowlwas called on to “kick off” the renamed complex. It was good, right over the “uprights” entrance. (Photo by Garth Vaughan/Walt Disney Co.)

Golfer (and Central Floridian) Annika Sorensten clowns with the Harlem Globetrotters during their game at the complex’s Milk House. (Photo by Kent Phillips/Walt Disney Co.)

Among those walking the carpet before the festivities were Nick Anderson, former Orlando Magic player.

Josh Freeman of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.

Atlanta Braves pitcher Tim Hudson

Chad Ochocinco of the Cincinnati Bengals.

Soccer star Brandi Chastain, who lauded the condition of the fields at Wide World — she’s been there!

Other sights: I saw Olympic gold-medal gymnast Shawn Johnson (pictured) on crutches. There has been a skiing incident; Steve Spurrier signed a mini-helmet with the old Tampa Bay Bucs logo on it — for a guy in an FSU cap; and Bobby Cox talking about the benefits of Spring Training at WWOS.

Other celebs on the green carpet: Maurice Jones-Drew, Jason Witten, Thurman Thomas, Adam Vinatieri, Jennie Finch, Tedy Bruschi, Ron Jaworski, Skip Bayless, Tim Kurkjian, Ron Jaworski and more.