Blizzard Entertainment is unlocking Blizzard Arena Los Angeles, described as “a cutting-edge live-event destination for pro players, esports fans, and everyone else who loves premier competition.” The venue will be based in the legendary Burbank Studios, with the studio at Blizzard Arena Los Angeles custom-tailored and set to open on Oct. 7, featuring multiple sound stages, control rooms, and practice facilities. Early events at the facility will include: the Overwatch Contenders Season One Playoffs on Oct. 7-8; the Hearthstone Championship Tour’s Summer Championship on Oct. 13; while the Heroes of the Storm Global Championship (HGC) Finals and World of Warcraft Arena Championship will be held at Blizzard Arena Los Angeles in late October.
Cynopsis asked Adam Rosen, Sr. Business Operations Manager, Blizzard Esports, about the venue and the company’s plans for it.
Blizzard breaks down Arena plans (Facebook)
Rosen on creating the arena: We’ve envisioned creating a destination like this in North America for a long time. Blizzard Arena represents the culmination of years of planning and hard work to fulfill that vision for our community. Blizzard has more competitive esports events happening across more franchises than ever before, and this arena gives us a central location that’s been custom-designed to give fans and pro players the Blizzard esports experience they deserve.
On necessary elements: Providing fans and pro players with an epic place to experience Blizzard esports was the driving force. And, given that we have so many different games and esports, flexibility was key. Spread across 50,000 square feet, the Blizzard Arena is a multi-use facility that can be configured to host everything from intimate Fireside Gatherings for Hearthstone fans to worldwide broadcasts of championship Overwatch events. We have two control rooms, two sound stages, two insert stages and multiple player lounges and practice facilities that provides us with the opportunity to produce multiple concurrent broadcasts, seven days a week.
On production values: Our goal is to introduce what we believe to be a world-class facility that’s representative of high production value and the quality that Blizzard represents, and make our esports organizations, players, and fans proud. Compelling content is key to our esports business. The facility will allow us to create better, more engaging content than ever before, deepening the narrative around our players and leagues.
On expectations: Blizzard Arena presents players with an opportunity to interact with us year round. Rather than waiting for championship events or BlizzCon, local Blizzard fans will be able to get the Blizzard experience throughout the year. On game days we’ll also have an on-site Blizzard Store, featuring the latest in Blizzard apparel and accessories.
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