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.
Courtesy Populous.
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.
Related Stories
Sports and Recreational Facilities | Oct 12, 2016
A wood-clad arena is rising in Copenhagen
The design of this 377,000-sf building makes concessions to the residential community that surrounds it.
Sports and Recreational Facilities | Sep 26, 2016
Julian B. Lane Riverfront Park in Tampa to undergo Skanska-led $35.6 million reconstruction project
The park will serve as an urban oasis of outdoor activities for the surrounding area.
Sports and Recreational Facilities | Sep 26, 2016
Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta will be the NFL’s first LEED Platinum stadium
The Atlanta Falcons new home is expected to save 40% in energy usage than a typical NFL stadium.
Sponsored | Reconstruction & Renovation | Sep 13, 2016
Daytona International Speedway becomes racing’s first modern stadium
Daytona International Speedway has undergone a $400 million full-scale makeover to update the facilities first built in 1959.
Sports and Recreational Facilities | Sep 1, 2016
U.S. Open stadium’s new retractable roof showcases innovative problem solving in its design and engineering
Mushy ground and indoor condensation were just two of the issues this $150 million project presented to its Building Team.
Sports and Recreational Facilities | Aug 29, 2016
Reconstruction of Hall of Fame football stadium in Ohio moving forward
The $80 million sports facility is among the features planned for a 90-acre mixed-use village.
Sports and Recreational Facilities | Aug 22, 2016
The Hills of Governors Island reach completion one year ahead of schedule
The man made hills are the latest attraction to open on the island that has been under development since 2006.
| Aug 15, 2016
SPORTS FACILITY GIANTS: New and renovated college sports venues - designed to serve students and the community
Schools are renovating existing structures or building new sports facilities that can serve the student body and surrounding community.
| Aug 15, 2016
Top 30 Sports Facility Engineering Firms
AECOM, Thornton Tomasetti, and ME Engineers top Building Design+Construction’s annual ranking of the nation’s largest sports facility sector engineering and E/A firms, as reported in the 2016 Giants 300 Report.
| Aug 15, 2016
Top 60 Sports Facility Construction Firms
Mortenson Construction, AECOM, and Turner Construction Co. top Building Design+Construction’s annual ranking of the nation’s largest sports facility sector construction and construction management firms, as reported in the 2016 Giants 300 Report.
