You’ve probably noticed or at least heard about the mushrooming growth and enormous potential for esports teams and arenas, but the Philadelphia Fusion are taking the game to a new level with the announcement of a new downtown home — Fusion Arena.
Comcast Spectacor and The Cordish Companies recently announced plans for a $50 million esports and entertainment venue in the heart of the Philadelphia Sports Complex.
[related]Adjacent to Xfinity Live!, the first-of-its-kind venue will seat up to 3,500 guests and stand as the largest new-construction, purpose-built esports arena in the western hemisphere when it’s completed.
Its primary tenant, the Philadelphia Fusion esports franchise, is one of 20 international teams competing in the Overwatch League. Fusion Arena will also host a variety of live entertainment programming and experiences.
“Fusion Arena gives esports fans a best-in-class venue to call home and be proud of,” said Dave Scott, chairman and CEO of Comcast Spectator.
Blake Cordish, principal of The Cordish Companies, says Fusion Arena will “set the gold standard for competitive gaming and debut on one of the country’s most exciting platforms of sports and entertainment amid Philadelphia’s professional sports teams.”
It may also be a sign of opportunities for come for savvy AV integration firms.
Fusion Arena Next Step in Philadelphia Renaissance
Designed by Populous, Fusion Arena will boast 60,000 square feet of new construction. Construction is set to begin this summer.
The training facility separates the Fusion from other esports franchises, offering unrivaled experiences and development opportunities for players.
“Fusion Arena represents a watershed moment for the competitive gaming market,” said Populous senior principal Brian Mirakian. “We’re taking our 35 years of designing iconic experiences for traditional sports – settings like Yankee Stadium – and applying those same principles of design to the virtual world of gaming.”
Fusion Arena’s exterior draws inspiration from the hardware powering esports’ meteoric rise around the globe. The incorporation of industrial materials throughout Fusion Arena’s design pays tribute to Philadelphia’s heritage as the “workshop of the world.” A 6,000-square-foot public entry will greet guests as they enter the space and includes 2,000 square feet of interactive media surface hovering 30 feet above them.
The arena will offer unique seating experiences including two balcony bars, club seats with USB ports, flexible loge boxes and exclusive suites. Additionally, nearly 10,000 square feet will be dedicated to a training facility, broadcast studio and team offices.
The training facility separates the Fusion from other esports franchises, offering unrivaled experiences and development opportunities for players.
“We are thrilled to bring this ambitious idea to life and celebrate the arrival of Fusion Arena with gaming enthusiasts throughout the region and beyond,” said Joe Marsh, chief business officer of Spectacor Gaming and the Philadelphia Fusion.
Fusion Arena adds $50 million of new development within Philadelphia’s Sports Complex, complementing a transformed Wells Fargo Center, Lincoln Financial Field and Citizens Bank Park.
