There is no doubt that eSports is gaining ground in bringing the world of gaming to the masses and showing people just how much fun playing video games is. Arenas to hold these competitions are coming up everywhere and one will be coming soon to Philadelphia.
Artist rendition of what Fusion Arena will look like when completed in 2021
Comcast Spectator has revealed plans to build a new eSports arena in South Philly’s Sports Complex, the first of its kind in North America. The arena will host the Overwatch League tournament and serve as home to the Philadelphia Fusion. The $56 million venue, called Fusion Arena, will seat 3500 spectators and have a area of 65,000 square feet. It will feature training rooms, broadcasting studio and team offices.
Plans to break ground on the new arena will begin this Summer to get Fusion Arena ready for the 2021 season. The Philadelphia Fusion will have a temporary home in the Sports Complex as the Overwatch League (OWL) gets ready for home and away games. Fusion Arena will be amongst the homes of the Philadelphia Eagles, Phillies, Flyers and 76ers. Comcast Spectator owns the Philadelphia Fusion and Philadelphia Flyers.
The Overwatch League is owned by Blizzard Entertainment, the developers of the video game Overwatch and was founded in 2017. OWL had its inaugural season in 2018. The 2019 second season of competition began February 14 and will run until August 25. Due to the growing popularity and success of the first season, 8 new teams have joined OWL, two are from the United States, two are from Canada, one is from France, and three are from China – expanding the list from 12 teams to 20 teams.
