This will be the Western Hemisphere’s first purpose-built eSports arena
By David Malone, Associate Editor
eSports continue to prove they are not just a fad like boy bands or furbies. They are here to stay. If their explosive growth over the past few years wasn’t enough to prove this, we now have more evidence in the Populous-designed Fusion Arena, the first new-construction, purpose-built eSports arena in the Western Hemisphere.
The $50 million-facility will be built in the heart of the Philadelphia Sports Complex. It will have the ability to seat 3,500 people and will be the home of the Philadelphia Fusion eSports franchise, one of 20 international teams competing in the Overwatch league.
See Also: The largest eSports stadium in North America opens in Arlington, Texas
The arena will feature 60,000 sf of new construction that will begin this summer. The technologically-advanced arena will include a variety of seating options such as two balcony bars, club seats with USB ports, flexible large boxes, and exclusive suites. Nearly 10,000 sf will be dedicated to a training facility, broadcast studio, and team offices.
Courtesy Populous.
The arena’s exterior will feature a dynamic skin that draws its inspiration from gaming hardware. A 6,000-sf public entry will greet guests and will include 2,000 sf of interactive media surface hovering 30 feet in the air. Industrial materials are incorporated throughout to pay homage to Philadelphia’s heritage as “the workshop of the world.”
The project is slated to open in early 2021.
