Comcast Spectacor and The Cordish Cos. today unveiled plans for a $50M esports arena to be "constructed next to the Infinity Live dining and entertainment complex" that will serve as the home for Overwatch League's Philadelphia Fusion, according to John George of the PHILADELPHIA BUSINESS JOURNAL. The companies said the 60,000-square-foot arena, which will seat 3,500, will be the "largest new-construction esports arena in the Western Hemisphere." The arena "won't be ready until" the '21 OWL season, meaning the Fusion will play at a "temporary location in South Philadelphia until then." The OWL anticipates all teams playing in their home region next year (BIZJOURNALS.com, 3/25). SPORTS BUSINESS JOURNAL's Mike Sunnucks reports the arena "will have a 10,000-square-foot esports training facility as well as two balcony bars, a broadcast studio and premium boxes and suites." Fusion Chief Business Officer Joe Marsh said that the facility will be equipped to host "small concerts, comedy shows and corporate events" (SPORTS BUSINESS JOURNAL, 3/25 issue).
BIG STEP FOR ESPORTS: OWL Commissioner Nate Nanzer said that there has "never been a special-purpose esports arena 'built anywhere.'" Nanzer: "This is a huge step for esports. This is something we will see pop up all over the world." Comcast Spectacor said that besides housing the Fusion, the venue is "planned to be a major east coast hub for gaming events." In Philadelphia, Bob Fernandez notes the arena is "looking to sell naming rights to the venue." Populous is designing the arena (PHILLY.com, 3/25).
For more coverage of the business of esports, visit our partners, esportsobserver.com.
