Fortress Melbourne, destined to become the largest eSports complex in the southern hemisphere, will not just become a refuge for the hardcore gamer, it will also cater to casual gamers and after-work crowds.
The Populous-designed, 29,000-sf venue will have a 1,000-person capacity and include 160 gaming PCs, console gaming suits, a restaurant, two bars, and a 200-seat esports arena spread across two floors. Fortress Melbourne is being designed as a celebration of gaming and will feature retro arcade games, the latest LAN games, and virtual reality.
Â
Â
“The venue is designed to create an engaging experience for devoted esports fans and casual gamers alike, bringing everyone together in the one space,”” said Brayden Goodwin, Architect and Project lead, Populous. “The vibe is similar to a traditional bar or club.”
Â
See Also: This will be the Western Hemisphere’s first purpose-built eSports arena
Â
AV technology, digital screens, and LED lighting enhance the space and can be adapted to fit a specific game or event. The goal is to create a sensory experience so guests can immerse themselves in the games. Located in Melbourne’s Emporium precinct, Fortress Melbourne is slated to open in 2020.
Related Stories
Sports and Recreational Facilities | Jan 8, 2016
Washington Redskins hire Bjarke Ingels Group to design new stadium
The Danish firm is short on designing football stadiums, but it has led other impressive large scale projects.
Sports and Recreational Facilities | Jan 6, 2016
A solar canopy makes Miami’s arena more functional
NRG Energy teams with Miami Heat to transform an underused open-air plaza and reinforce the facility’s green reputation
Sports and Recreational Facilities | Dec 23, 2015
Kengo Kuma selected to design National Stadium for 2020 Tokyo Olympics
Japan chose between projects from Japanese architects Kuma and Toyo Ito. The decision has been met with claims of favoritism, particularly by the stadium’s original designer, Zaha Hadid.
Sports and Recreational Facilities | Dec 16, 2015
Tokyo down to two finalists for Olympic Stadium design
Both cost less than the Zaha Hadid proposal that was scrapped over the summer. Â
Sponsored | Sports and Recreational Facilities | Dec 14, 2015
Soccer Field in the Sky
House of Sports in Ardsley, N.Y., is home to a soccer field on the third floor of a downtown building. Â
Sports and Recreational Facilities | Dec 7, 2015
Michigan YMCA receives Universal Design Certification
The 116,200-sf Mary Free Bed YMCA in Grand Rapids is accessable for everyone who uses the facilities.
Sports and Recreational Facilities | Dec 7, 2015
High tech material makes Minnesota Vikings' new stadium's roof light and strong
U.S. Bank Stadium will have an ETFE (ethylene tetrafluoroethylene) pneumatic roof, a durable, flexible material made of a polymer similar to Teflon.
Sports and Recreational Facilities | Dec 3, 2015
Herzog & de Meuron unveils renderings of redeveloped stadium for Chelsea FC
As many as 264 brick piers will line the perimeter of the stadium and extend to a steel ring perched above the field.Â
Sports and Recreational Facilities | Nov 16, 2015
Edmonton's Rogers Place among North America's 'next-gen' stadiums
The home of the NHL’s Edmonton Oilers made Curbed’s list of 11 next-generation stadiums in North America. Also on the list are new venues for the NFL’s Atlanta Falcons and the NBA’s Milwaukee Bucks.
Sports and Recreational Facilities | Nov 13, 2015
It’s time to make MLB stadiums safer
Major League Baseball doesn't have official stadium design guidelines. Skanska's Tom Tingle has three ways the league can make the game safer for fans while still preserving its integrity.